Edgar Adams' Editorial

What was intended to promote our region in the most positive way turned out to be a disaster.

Everyone now knows that the Central Coast is infested with minority groups that will stop at nothing to get their own way and to hell with the good of the community.

The organisers, CCARP, the State Government and the people of the Central Coast were ambushed and it is highly likely that Adelaide will end her days way out at sea never to be seen again.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has given the No Ship group, and the Government until early May to present a case for the scuttling.

Only a concerted effort with the best lawyers in the country can have any chance of a win in the Tribunal.

It does not look good.

One of the most heartening aspects of the rally held at The Haven in Terrigal in support of the Adelaide was that many politicians turned up and were prepared to stand with the people in support of it. They have all read the mood of the people.

Without making any comment one way or another in this column we publish an extract from Hansard made by the Liberal Party's Member for Terrigal, Chris Hartcher who, in his speech to the Parliament on March 10 this year tried to have an each way bet but in the end said, "....They are the permanent residents of Avoca Beach, the local surfers who frequent Avoca Beach for a wave, the families and retirees. They are locals, and they are important. They have had only a matter of months to adjust to the news that the former HMAS Adelaide will be scuttled 1.8 kilometres off their beach. They feel they have been let down and left out of the consultation process. They want their concerns heard, acknowledged and addressed. Today's Central Coast Express-Advocate says it all. The article entitled "Human chain protest" pictures over 600 residents protesting in a human sign on Avoca Beach spelling NO SHIP. The inset depicts a young lady holding a sign that says, "Someone Forgot to Ask Avoca."

Thank you Mr Hartcher and thank you Central Coast Express-Advocate for misleading the people of the Central Coast and the darlings at Avoca Beach.

The loss of the Adelaide and what it means in terms of the economy ? around $10 million per year and the establishment of a world class marine science research facility ? is just another story of minority groups getting their own way.

Think about this:

• ?         In June 1996 then Member for Wyong, Paul Crittenden, introduced a Private Members Bill to Parliament that was the death knell for a regional airport at Warnervale.

• ?          In August 2003 property developer, Spurbest Pty Limited, had its plans for a major development in the Gosford CBD thrown out by Gosford Council.

• ?         In March 2009 Gosford Council after listening to local protesters for almost ten years approved the $60 million Rapedo commercial and residential development at Terrigal. With present economic conditions it may never be built.

• ?         In the 70?s a world class theme park was proposed to be developed at Forresters Beach by Jack Ruby who owned the land now occupied by a retirement village and mini golf. It was stopped because a few local residents didn?t want any noise.

• ?         Pross Choyoda, which owned Crowne Plaza Terrigal wanted to develop a golf course and winery at Somersby - a $40 million project. Gosford Council through it out. 

It hasn't been a good month!

Back Send us your comments