No extension of Halifax
I am appalled that council would even consider extending the boundaries of Halifax Caravan Park. It should never have been sited there in the first place.
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The narrow streets in the surrounding area are jam packed at holiday time with cars, boats, trailers and bikers which places increasing stress on residents. This is an area lined with block after block of units, all competing for parking and space at Little Beach.
Last summer, tensions at Little Beach were at breaking point. There were arguments and foul language over boats and surfboards operating in the designated swimming area. The anti-social behaviour at Little Beach has escalated to such a degree that we would need a permanent council Ranger during the school holidays.
At night, we’ve had garages broken into, parties at the beach going all night, unbearably loud music, unauthorised fireworks and people camping permanently on public land. We don’t need any of this. But the hostilities will increase if the park is extended to accommodate more tourists.
I look forward to the day when the Halifax Caravan Park disappears permanently from the landscape. The asphalt dug up. The metal fences torn down. And a scenic headland restored to its pristine beauty. In these environmentally sensitive times, the small colony of koalas should be allowed to stay in the existing trees near the caravan park, and the green area adjoining the walk through to Shoal Bay should remain for the benefit of everyone.
Mary-Jo Wilson, Nelson Bay
Ex-councillor vindicated
After 14 years of attempting to get Port Stephens Council to settle with multiple appellants over the Lagoons Estate drainage matter, I’ve unfortunately been vindicated but too late after millions of dollars of ratepayers resources on fighting the unwinnable was wasted.
I pleaded with both the previous general manager Peter Gesling and current Wayne Wallis to settle on this case on numerous occasions on behalf of our long suffering ratepayers. History shows that I moved a notice of no confidence in Mr Gesling who asked the council to approve funds to build an alternative drainage system in order to meet the 2006 court orders.
I argued from an engineering point of view the system would fail and the cost blew out.
Geoff Dingle, Medowie
Health hub has merit
The article by Charlie Elias re health hub idea for Salt Ash (Examiner, September 6) is not only a brilliant idea but a necessary concept for the future health needs of people living in surrounding areas.
Including the ever growing population of over 55s particularly on the peninsula, it would be an excellent platform for all local politicians from all tiers of government to get behind and turn it from an idea into a reality for the benefit of all their constituents.
Shona Pearson, Raymond Terrace
Peter Cooper's idea of a health hub for Salt Ash (Examiner, September 6) should be welcomed by all who have had a life saving trip to the John Hunter Hospital from anywhere in Port Stephens. Salt Ash is central for a major health facility, if land is available and set aside.
Clearly the need for a central hospital will increase as our population grows in number and age. With the federal and state elections looming in 2019, I wonder if our local politicians will heed the calls for a central hospital.
Would a feasibility study be a way to start?
Ernest To, Medowie
Hospital staff thanks
A member of my immediate family was recently a patient at Tomaree Community Hospital for a few days. I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff who took excellent care of her. At all levels she received the most efficient and effective care I could hope for.