Legislation needs update
Community title estate (Pacific Dunes, Seaside) residents pay full council rates including waste levy plus quarterly strata levies to cover maintenance of estate infrastructure: roads, drainage, lighting, parks, pools, community centres, tennis courts etc.
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Estate residents are not unhappy with this arrangement having peace of mind their infrastructure will remain in good condition and not subject to the whims and financial woes of council budgets.
Conflict occurs when adjoining communities have poor or limited infrastructure and their residents are attracted to estate facilities such as Medowie's playground at Angophora Park.
This excellent facility catering for young children and teenagers is fully maintained by Pacific Dunes residents.
The costs are climbing as the facility is increasingly patronised. Estate residents may question continued funding while the council makes no contribution to this shared facility.
A similar conflict occurs in summer with access pressure on the estate community pool.
On any count I'm not criticising my community at all, they are totally underdone in terms of community infrastructure.
With more and more community title projects proposed, estates such as Seaside and Pacific Dunes continue to provide millions of dollars in rate contributions to council however the adjoining communities receive little in return.
Local government legislation needs to reflect planning change and councils should be contributing a proportion of community title estate rates towards local community infrastructure.
Council will likely argue in their defence that they are currently investing $6.7 million dollars into Medowie Sports Club, however when you consider half of this is coming from section 94 funds that belong to the local community and the balance from the council's maintenance budget, then our community is entitled to ask: "what works are Port Stephens Council not carrying out over the next 10 years in order to facilitate $3.5 million in borrowings to build the Medowie Sports Club?".
Geoff Dingle, Medowie
Also read: Letters to the Editor, August 15
Skywire's the limit
The proposal to build a cable car ride to the top of Tomaree Head is pleasing to see [Examiner, August 15].
It's good that locals are looking to show some enterprise that will bring a boost to the local economy and attract tourists from near and far. Many people are unable to climb the steep slope to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Port Stephens.
To give locals and tourists this opportunity would be a wonderful addition to the many natural wonders of the Bay area. The two main priorities of the project should be to maximise safety and minimise the impact on the natural environment.
Port Stephens Council should not only be supporting this project, but ensuring that it results in a safe and environmentally friendly outcome.
With some creative thinking and thoughtful planning this project could be of worldwide significance.
Imagine a café where patrons could watch the sun setting over the Bay as they sip their drinks.
The attraction of local and overseas tourists should be a great boost to the local economy, especially Shoal Bay businesses.
I am sure many locals will join me in wishing the proponents the best of luck with the proposal.
Paul Attard, Nelson Bay
Also read: Letters to the Editor, August 8
Leave headland alone
I totally reject the proposed skywire to the Tomaree Headland summit.
What a horrible eyesore that would be. The beauty of Tomaree Peninsula is its natural state.
This is what tourists come here for. There is already a beautiful viewing area for people who can't access the summit at Gan Gan lookout, plus there is a flat pathway out to the heads to admire the beauty of Yaccaba and Tomaree headlands and the view of Port Stephens waterways.
It is not necessary.
Greg Woodland, Shoal Bay
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