neddyf

We recently broke a 12 month lease, and paid the associated penalties just to get away from the grub infested den of iniquity that is Watanobbi.

From the day we moved in, and went for a walk to find a park for the kids to play in, and instead found syringes, a broken meth pipe, empty cigarette packets and a burnt out car (which is still sitting there, by the side of the road after five months) to the day we left and had to intervene in a violent domestic, we loathed every minute of life in this overpriced, dirty cesspit.

The dirt around Watanobbi used to be unofficial race tracks for the local hoons, a long term resident proudly boasted. The covering of them with bitumen, and placing homes with families in them by the sides doesn't seem to have given the hoodlums the message that perhaps they need to head back down to Tuggerah straight.

It was not uncommon to see or hear a WRX, Ford or Holden V8, or trailbike hammering around the narrow streets at between 70-100kmh, leaning on the horn instead of slowing down if kids riding scooters dared cross their paths.

The streets are filled with detritus, especially on the day after bin night, when the winds of Watanobbi blow filth from the overflowing Sulos onto the roads.

It is high density housing at its worst. Almost every block has had one or two granny flats hastily constructed, many of which don't have DAs, or breach council rules. One door knocker visited whilst we were still there, and boasted about how his "portable cubby houses" were being used to circumvent planning laws and approvals, and allow owners to turn their back yards into a money pit.

Domestic violence is common, young children roam the streets unsupervised at night vandalising cars, homes, anything they can find, and everywhere you walk, the stench of cigarette smoke is in the air. Meth deals can be seen being done on the main road with alarming regularity, and the council and the cops don't seem to give a toss about the place.

Avoid it like the plague, especially if you have children or value your safety. It is a disgusting, filthy suburb, and the worst place we've ever lived. If I could give it no stars, I would.