Peninsula
Community Access Edition 198
News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4325 7362
September 1, 2008
Group calls for Bulls Hill bypass The Bays Community Group has called for a bypass of Bulls Hill in Woy Woy Rd, after the road re-opened on August 22. Group president Mr Bob Puffett said he had written to representatives at all levels of government for a feasibility study and construction of a bypass road. Mr Puffett said the community had suffered from the “dangerous and problem-ridden” section of Woy Woy Rd at Bulls Hill for long enough and it demanded a long-term solution to ease traffic congestion in and out of the Peninsula. “Woy Woy Rd was constructed some 100 years ago when traffic was non-existent and the need for a major roadway servicing the Coast, its people and our visitors was not envisaged,” Mr Puffet wrote.
“Prior to the collapse, Woy Woy Rd carried more than 15,000 vehicles daily, including people going to and from work, school and extra-curricular activities, deliveries, servicing businesses and providing vital access for tourists to this beautiful part of the Coast. “An alternate route that bypasses Bulls Hill on Woy Woy Rd would provide a number of benefits to the entire Peninsula community and its visitors.” Mr Puffett said The Bays Community Group committee had come up with a proposed route for consideration in the construction of a bypass road. Newsletter, 20 Aug 2008 The Bays Community Group Letter, 24 July 2008 The Bays Community Group
Proposed Bulls Hill bypass route
Council investigates tree removal Gosford Council will investigate whether 14 cabbage tree palms were removed illegally from a reserve in Horsfield Bay. Council’s compliance manager Mr John Parkes told Peninsula News that council officers were continuing inquiries that would determine whether the trees were removed illegally. The trees were removed in Gabagong Rd, Horsfield Bay, in February this year. A local resident reported the incident to council shortly after the trees were removed and has now written to The Bays Community Group. “The committee may wish to know that around Wednesday, February 27, and continuing even later, at least one home owner in
Gabagong Rd has been removing a number of cabbage palms and native trees from the reserve and creek banks,” the resident wrote in a letter published in the group’s newsletter. “We had recently moved into our home in Gabagong Rd, when I was witness to the removal of three palms from the reserve directly below my home. “This was done illegally and at a time of the day when no doubt the perpetrators expected the home owners of the area to be at work and none would have been any the wiser,” the writer claimed. “However, my husband spoke to the tree loppers contracted to remove these three trees, who provided him with the name of the customer and who informed him that there was no need to get permission to cut down
palms from the reserve. “I am concerned that this really is setting a precedent and I know the committee will passionately agree that all members of these precious Bays should be aware of what is going on. “I am most concerned about the rapidly declining number of trees around the Bays and the serious silting that is in part because of sediment washed into the bay as developments take place and there is blatant removal of trees without official permission.” The resident said a ranger and a council tree specialist had visited the reserve where the tree lopping took place “confirming the importance of the lopped trees”. “The offenders’ reason for the removal of the tress and bush was that their intention was only to tidy
up the messy reserve and to remove rubbish which could house vermin (probably referring to our native fauna) and any bush fire danger,” the resident stated. “However, below our home are now only three tree stumps, which used to be gorgeous palms and through which we had a pleasant view. “Further contact with council has revealed that the matter was being investigated, but that the probability was that only the tree loppers contracted to undertake the work would be prosecuted. “Although, the council has apparently received a letter of apology from the home owners involved with an offer to replace the trees, we are still without the mature ones we loved.” The Bays Community Group
President Mr Bob Puffett said the incident in Horsfield Bay was a reminder to all local residents of complying with council’s environment regulations. “This is a very timely reminder that before removing any trees or bush of any type from near or around your home, you must seek advice from the local authorities first,” Mr Puffett. “There are severe penalties and even jail terms for those who do not. “You can visit the following link for more information: www.gosford. nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/ index_html.” Newsletter, 20 Aug 2008 Greg McMullen, the Bays Community Group Clare Graham, 26 Aug 2008 Interviewee: John Parkes, Gosford Council
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