In response to feedback from local community members, Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart, has asked Council’s CEO, David Farmer, to pause negotiations between Council and any prospective owner of the commuter carpark at Woy Woy train station until after the NSW State Election. Upon resumption, the Administrator has asked the CEO to ensure the community’s perspectives are considered before any agreement is finalised. 

The requests come after community members and local Members of Parliament (MP) contacted Mr Hart to raise their concerns about the resolutions of Item 2.15 Rationalisation of Long Term Ownership and Management – Car Parking Woy Woy CBD at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 28 February 2023. 

Mr Hart said he has taken on board the concerns of community members and the Member for Gosford about the potential sale of the commuter car park to a private owner. 

“I understand the sale of a public asset to a private owner can raise alarm bells for the community, regardless of the fact that safeguards remain in place to protect parking in Woy Woy for decades to come,” Mr Hart said. 

“I agree with the community that commuter car parks at public transport hubs on the Central Coast are essential. However, Council does not need to own rail commuter car parks to achieve this outcome, just as it doesn’t own schools, hospitals or police stations, which are also essential to the community. 

“Commuter car parks are the responsibility of the State Government, and Council does not own any other commuter car park on the Central Coast. 

“Council’s preference was to align the Woy Woy commuter car park to these traditional ownership structures and transfer the site to Transport for NSW (TfNSW). However, to date, TfNSW has declined to take on this responsibility, despite TfNSW owning another commuter car park adjacent to Woy Woy station, with plans for expansion.

“I welcome the passion of the Member for Gosford, Ms Liesl Tesch, in representing the interests of her community and I seek her support, should Labor win the NSW Government election later this month, to reopen negotiations between Council and TfNSW and encourage TfNSW to take responsibility for the Woy Woy commuter car park.

“Upon the resumption of negotiations after the 2023 NSW State Election, I have asked Council’s CEO to go through a thorough due diligence process, including seeking the perspectives of the community.”

At present, Council leases the 700-space commuter car park to TfNSW. This lease is in place until 2065 and gives TfNSW full control of the car park, including the ability to set the fee for parking (which is currently zero). However, as the owner, Council is responsible for renewing the car park, at an average cost of around $270,000 per year, and receives a peppercorn rent of $1 in return.

“Transferring the site off Council’s books allows the annual $270,000 maintenance costs, plus the eventual replacement costs which would be significantly more than this, to be reinvested into other community infrastructure and services that need Council’s attention.”

Mr Hart said the 28 February Council resolution which authorised the CEO to negotiate on the extinguishment of Council’s Option Deed to acquire car park spaces in the shopper car park at 53 Railway Road, Woy Woy, will remain unchanged.

“I can commit that any profit from the extinguishment of Council’s Option Deed be allocated for community infrastructure projects in the Woy Woy area, to ensure the community see the benefits of any agreement directly,” Mr Hart said. 

ENDS