AREA 14 - HASTINGS OVERDEVELOPMENT A HOT ISSUE

Wednesday, 03 March 2004 10:00

"It's an unusually hysterical reaction obviously driven by concerns with the upcoming Council elections. TEC has closely examined the draft Master Plan for Area 14 and we are appalled by it. Any council that thinks this is adequate planning for such a sensitive region, does not deserve re-election," said Jeff Angel, Director of the Centre.

"I question the timing of the master plan adoption - it is obviously intended to favour development interests, rather than those who wish to protect environmental and residential amenity. The push to have it adopted by the State Government under SEPP 71 - Coastal Protection, is simply scandalous. It bears no relationship to the sophisticated and well considered environmental sustainability principles found in SEPP 71."

"'Proactive planning', as the Mayor calls it does not mean you should always develop and give in, to 'inevitable coastal growth'. This is 'negative planning' and is inimical to a strong stand for environment protection."

"In our recent visits to the area, there were obviously massive environmental problems that were not being dealt with (for example, decline of Lake Cathie). Any new development will seriously exacerbate the situation. We have provided a number of detailed comments to the State Government on the Master Plan, associated developments and the threats to Lake Cathie," Mr Angel said.