After examining the evidence, many people are coming to the conclusion that a large 80 place child care centre right on the intersection of the Central Coast Highway and Old Gosford Road is just too risky.
Does not comply with planning guidelines
Though Council has not made a decision yet, we know that Council’s own guidelines are clear that a child care centre should not be located opposite an intersection.
Part 3..9.3.2 of the Gosford Development Control Plan 2013 states clearly that Child Care Centres:
…..should not be located in a cul-de-sac, opposite an intersection or on any other road where additional vehicles may create traffic conflict or adverse impact on the amenity of the area.
But, Council is not obligated to enforce this guideline: the Council only has to give it “some consideration” though it is hoped that the new Council will not adopt the previous Gosford Council’s haphazard approach to enforcing important planning requirements.
This is not a normal community based child care centre: it is a mega centre accommodating at least 80 children whereas most neighbourhood child care centres only accommodate 40 children.
The risks from locating these large child care centres on state highways and major intersections is increasingly being recognised by responsible planning authorities.
In Western Australia, child care centres must not be located where access is from a major road, in close proximity to a major intersection, or from a local access street where parking and traffic impact on local amenity.
In the ACT, child care centres must be separated from safety hazards such as busy roads .
Even the NSW Government recommend that child care centres be separated from major roads.
Too many tragedies and near misses
There are too many tragedies and near misses to be ignored.
News report after news report shows clear evidence as to why jurisdictions around the world are banning child care centres at intersections and on highways:
- Car crashes into child care centre
- And Miracle escape as car crashes into child care centre
- And Truck smashes into child care centre
- And Car smashes into child care centre
- And Man dies after crashing into child care centre
- And Lucky escape as car crashes into child care centre
- And Car crashes into child care centre
So please have your say now by letting Council know what you think.
Have your say
You can have your say by sending a letter to Council.
You can download the sample objection letter and simply add your details and send it to Council or email them at ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.
Sharing your views, thoughts and concerns is very important on major issues like this.
Sample letters
Community members have prepared a number of sample letters to make it easier for you to have your say.
There are two sample letters to the Central Coast Council, one to the Roads and Maritime Services who have a big say as they own the Central Coast Highway and the roundabout and another letter to Adam Crouch MP, Member for Terrigal.
- Sample letter to Council – version one. Email to ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
- Sample letter to Council – version two Email to ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
- Sample letter to Roads and Maritime Services Believe it or not but Roads and Maritime Services don’t have an email account but they do have a fax number (yes remember fax machines from the 1980’s!!!. Anyway if you do have a fax machine in the garage you can fax their corporate office at 02 8588 4105. The other option is to try one of their online forms.
- Sample letter to Adam Crouch MP for Terrigal. Though this is a Council issue, it is good to let your local MP know your concerns. His email is terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Writing your own letter – what to say
Your comments should express the things that are important to you.
Just express your comments in plain, everyday language. Simply:
- Introduce yourself (you can include your experience and/or special qualifications) and acknowledge the opportunity to make a comment on the proposed development.
- Outline your key concerns and focus your discussion on these.
- It is not necessary to address every detail in the proposal. Simply choose the parts that are most relevant to you.
- If possible, make recommendations using strong clear statements.
- You can use your personal experiences as well as evidence, case studies and stories to support your arguments.
- And always be polite and respectful.
Don’t be afraid to encourage your family, neighbours and friends to send in their comments. A large number of comments sends a strong message to decision makers and can be used to help raise the profile of your concerns.
You can copy any of the content on this web page, our previous post, our sample objection letter.
Where to send your comments
You can email your comments to ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au. Simply add “DA51671/2017 Child care centre Wamberal” in the subject line.
Online
Submissions to Council can also be made online but you need to scroll down the long list to find it:
Post
You can also post a letter to:
Central Coast Council
49 Mann Street
GOSFORD 2250
Assistance
If you need any help, just contact us and we will get back to you.
Categories: Child care centre
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