Dear Sir,

There is a plan at the planning department, submitted by the Shelly Bay Beach House that reads, partially, as follows: the proposal for parking for a 100-seat restaurant includes, to the immediate east, 16 cars and 18 bikes and alterations to the existing lay-by to immediate west to accommodate seven cars. It includes a four-foot fence to separate this parking area from the playground, lighting and landscaping.

In perusing these plans, it was discovered that the actual planned parking area will run from the existing locked access gate, along the playground area and to the east behind the existing bus stop.

The plans also include usurping the grassy area that is exactly east, next to the building as a “games area”.

The parking proposal and the “games area” proposal border on criminal. Everyone knows that the grassy areas at Shelly Bay Beach are well used by the public and that any restrictions of the areas is a restriction of freedom of use. It will ultimately, also, pose a serious safety hazard to children in the area.

Shelly Bay Beach House is a private enterprise and is well aware that community members do not agree, but it is choosing to bully ahead with its plans.

It is also proposed to give Shelly Bay Beach House control of the access gate, with only its patrons able to enter. This is a possibly illegal proposal as SBBH should not have the right or responsibility to deny access to anyone.

Historically, when the playground was established, it was decided that there was to be no motor traffic in the area. The gate has been closed and locked ever since, with access only by the parks department for maintenance.

There are other very concerning issues regarding the development plans for Shelly Bay Beach and Park. The public are urged to take a look at these plans and the full list of proposals that are waiting in the wings and to realise their negative impact for free public use. It seriously looks like a plan towards full appropriation, privatisation and commercialisation by a private enterprise that will restrict freedom of use of one of the few remaining safe, comfortable, fun and natural environments for the general public.

Objections are open at the planning department until Friday, January 29.

C GRIFFIN