Peat Island Redevelopment
As part of their strategy of consultation and to keep the residents in our community informed, the State Property Authority of the NSW Government issued a number of communications under the broad title 'Peat Island and Mooney Mooney Lands'.
February 2023 Update
On 14th February 2023, a special Mooney Cheero Progress Assocation meeting was held where there was a briefing by the Chairperson of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council Board, Barry Duncan, on their current plans for the development of Peat Island (Kooroowall-Undi). While there would be some demolition due to the condition of some buildings, there were plans for an appropriate indigenous mural on the sides of the old water tower, an amphitheater, cultural exhibitions, a cafe, and possible river tours. Barry indicated that a time frame for significant progress on their plans could be 5-7 years. Barry also indicated that the plans were for Peat Island and the connecting causeway only and did not include any foreshore land.
December 2022 Update
On 12 December 2022, a funding boost for Peat Island Cultural Tourism Precinct was announced. "Peat Island Cultural Tourism Precinct is set to receive $4,994,371 boost thanks to Round Two of the NSW Government's Regional Tourism Activation Fund".
November 2022 Update
On 26th November 2022, an Open Day was held to celebrate and acknowledge the transfer of ownership of Peat Island to the Darkinjung Community.
October 2022 Update
On 27th October 2022, the NSW Government "confirmed a landmark agreement to transfer ownership of Peat Island and a portion of the mainland foreshore at Mooney Mooney on NSW's Hawkesbury River to the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council".
June 2022 Update
On 29th June 2022, A special Mooney Cheero Progress Association meeting was held where there was a presentation and briefing on Peat Island from the CEO of Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, Brendon Moyle, and the Chairperson of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council Board, Barry Duncan. Also present were representatives from the NSW State Property Authority.
May 2022 Update
On 24th May 2022, notification was received from Central Coast Council that the rezoning request for the proposed Peat Island Development, that had been submitted by the State Property Authority, had now been withdrawn and that "this means Council will not make a determination on the proposal, and the development will no longer proceed".
January 2022 Update
On 31st January 2022, the NSW Government and the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council announced a statement of intent to negotiate the potential transfer of ownership of Peat Island to Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. The Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council has submitted a land claim for the land, now known as Peat Island, and seeks to use it to further economic and cultural opportunities for the local Aboriginal community and all Australians. This includes the possible development of an Aboriginal Discovery Centre, Indigenous Walking Path and cultural tourism opportunities that will capture and help preserve the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage on and surrounding Peat Island.
September 2021 Update
A proposal for the development of the Peat Island and associated lands has been release and can be accessed via this link.
Submissions by residents on this proposal can be be made until 5pm 20th December 2021.
Peat Island and Mooney Mooney Lands
Community Newsletters
Peat Island and Mooney Mooney Rezoning Application Process
Media Release - Dominic Perrottet MP
NSW Government - Planning and Environment
Property NSW Peat Island Video Presentation
Local Environment Plans
Should the Minister (or delegates, including councils where matters have been delegated) approve the local environmental plan, it is published on the NSW legislation website and becomes law.
Infrastructure supply
Noise
70-80% of the area around Peat Island has been identified as being affected by highway noise that is beyond the residential standard. The proposal addresses this by requiring installation of noise barriers. These will be of some considerable height given the building heights envisaged. There is no mention of preventing reflected noise from the barriers towards the East affecting residents in Point Rd or Kowan Rd.
Traffic
There will be a significant amount of increased traffic but there is no recognition of the impact this will have of our transport hubs of Brooklyn and Berowra and the impact on the already stretched parking availability will be significant. A far as is known, an in-depth assessment of the traffic impact has not been carried out.
Lot Sizes
Lot sizes are not in keeping with the general sizes in Mooney. What’s more, the Council guidelines for R1 and R2 areas have been altered recently to allow for the smaller lots. This is not in keeping with providing a consistent and pleasing aspect in this highly sensitive area. Such sizing may well be appropriate in the Sydney metropolis but it is not appropriate for the Gosford/Wyong region.
Community facilities
The proposal does not provide for any community facilities. e.g. library, meeting hall, playgrounds, etc. There is a requirement for provision open space per head of population and it needs to be demonstrated that this requirement is being met. We are still waiting for the Fire Station matter to be resolved and the community remains poorly served by the now extensive delay.
Marina
This part of the proposal is seen as very problematic due to dredging and river flow issues.
Heritage Buildings
The proposal does not include any plan for use or preservation of the Heritage buildings or plan to preserve the path that is the original Pacific Highway. There is no mention of improvements to pedestrian access to and from Point Rd, Peat Island or the Club.
Island Development
A significant area earmarked for development on the Island itself is prone to flooding on king tides but there is no recognition of this, or plan to address, that will meet or consider environment standards/impacts.
Burials etc.
There are said to be some burials in the area on the mainland, and there are some remembrance gardens that hold ashes of previous hospital residents. There is no plan to determine the position of the burials or to preserve the gardens.