Group protests coastal legislation

A newly-formed group of Central Coast residents has protested again proposed coastal protection legislation outside the Woy Woy office of Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews.

Organiser Mr Pat Aiken said the legislation, which proposes changes to the Coastal Protection Act, would be a disaster for the environment and an attack on the rights of landowners to protect their homes and property from storm erosion.

He claimed the changes proposed in the legislation will prevent residents from being able to adequately protect their homes from storm erosion and threaten $250,000 fines for breaches.

"We have already hosted two highly charged and successful protest meetings and had about 500 people attend.

"People have been horrified at what is occurring.

"Petitions have been organised and we have now established a taskforce to keep the campaign going."

The group plans to hold a rolling series of meetings in each electorate between now and Election Day next year in an attempt to stop the Government from proceeding with the bill.

"Once people realize what is happening they are outraged and we believe that local Labor MPs should be equally alarmed at what is going on.

"This Bill is an attack on our rights and will damage our properties."

Media release, 18 Oct 2010 Pat Aiken