More money for precinct park

Gosford Council has been awarded $170,000 under the State Government's Metro Greenspace program to contribute to landscaping and access improvements at the $4.3 million Peninsula Recreation Precinct.

Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein said the funding was a welcome boost that would further enhance much of the work that had already been carried out on the Peninsula project.

"Primary weeding is ongoing on over five hectares of Endangered Ecological Community and Regionally Significant Vegetation, with bush regeneration contractors removing significant volumes of lantana and bitou bush from the site," Cr Holstein said.

"It is anticipated that the project will significantly improve the condition of the Umina Sandplain Coastal Woodland EEC and the regionally significant Coastal Sand Foredune Scrub community found along the landward margins of Umina Beach."

Cr Holstein said many other components of the project development were also progressing.

"Works are currently underway on the Melbourne Ave car park and associated car park lighting instalments.

"The tennis court playground is complete and operational as well as the multipurpose court, which is being hired by a Futsal (soccer) club and tennis clinics during the coming school holidays.

"The Tennis Clubhouse has become a popular venue for various community activities now that there is access to a suitable playground and multi-purpose court.

"As a result of the upgrades to the Umina Tennis Courts, the club is attracting corporate sponsorship from local businesses, which will greatly assist in the ongoing maintenance and upgrade of the courts, providing another valuable recreation opportunity for the local community."

Cr Holstein said council had applied for further funding under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program for additional works including the provision of a half-court basketball court, tennis court fencing and dune fencing.

Anyone wishing to hire any of the facilities at Umina Tennis Courts can contact Neil Packer on 4344 4055.

Press release, 8 Mar 2010 Chris Holstein, Gosford mayor