Peninsula No 40
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News
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PAPER INC Print Post Approved PP255003/04388 23 April 2002
Housing Department to redevelop The Department of Housing is planning to remove five recently-renovated homes in Nambucca Dr and Grafton Av, Woy Woy, and replace each of them with two-bedroom duplexes. Occupants of the houses have told Peninsula News that they do not wish to move and the majority of them have indicated that they would like the option of purchasing their homes from the department. One resident was already negotiating the purchase when he received notification of the plan to remove the house for the new development. A spokesman for the Department of Housing, Mr David Maher, said that past development practices were being reviewed and houses built in the 1940s and 1950s might not be up to contemporary standards as set by the Government. "For example, where there
might be six houses, you can build 18 to 20 pensioner-style units, which are much more up to modern standards. "This also gets rid of older housing stock which costs a lot of money to keep and in turn allows us to offer more accommodation. "The residents have an option of moving back in once the development is complete, providing they are appropriate for that type of housing," Mr Maher said. The Department of Housing provided support for clients whose premises were to be removed or replaced, he said. They were given notice and the Department paid their removal costs. They were given a choice of replacement housing to minimise inconvenience, he said. Jonathan Reichard, April 16
Member for Peats, Marie Andrews, outside Ettalong branch of the Commonwealth Bank
Bank protest draws 200 Over 200 local residents joined Member for Peats, Ms Marie Andrews, in a protest rally outside the Commonwealth Bank at Ettalong Beach on April 15. The local member launched a petition at the rally, calling on the Commonwealth Bank to immediately drop its plans to close the Ettalong Beach branch. The petition noted the importance of face-to-face services to the long-term customers, particularly the frail and aged. The petition also called on
banks to supply at least a minimum level of banking services to the community. Ms Andrews will present the petition to the NSW Parliament. Since 1995, 171 branches of the Commonwealth Bank have been closed throughout NSW. Should the closure of the Ettalong Beach bank go ahead, this would be the 172nd branch closure, said Ms Andrews. “The Commonwealth Bank of Australia once had the proud reputation of being the people’s bank.' "Sadly, this is no longer the
case and I call upon the bank’s management to reconsider its decision in relation to Ettalong Beach,” Ms Andrews said. She asked the bank to recognise the support of their loyal customers over many years by continuing to offer them the level of service which encouraged people to bank with them in the first place. For a copy of the petition, contact Ms Andrews’ office on 4342 4122 or call in at 20 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy.
Upgrade of facilities for IOOF centre The International Order of OddFellows (IOOF). has announced a major upgrade to its "homes centre" in Ettalong, just a year after a review of the centre had recommended its sale. The society’s chief executive, Mr Hugh Quelch, said that the society has lodged a development application for the existing site with Gosford Council. “The proposed development provides for significant i m p ro ve m e n ts , wh il e n o t overdeveloping the site. “The development will result in significant improvements in the standards of aged persons’ accommodation in the region,” Mr Quelch said. The proposal included: • An upgrade of facilities on the site specifically for aged persons.
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The provision of wheelchair access to the front door of each house and all community facilities. • The provision of a community hall, including a kitchen area and meeting room, • The provision of an outdoor covered community recreational area with a barbecue facility. • Visitor parking. Substantial external landscaping and a general increase in the standard and quality of landscaping on site. Mr Quelch said that, in February 2001, when the IOOF Society board announced the results of an initial review of the IOOF Homes Centre, the board confirmed that no resident was being asked to leave the centre. Mr Quelch said: “The board reaffirms that no resident is being asked to leave the centre.” Press release, April 10
The entrance to the IOOF homes centre at Ettalong
Everglades
Press release, April 15