INTERVENTION NEEDED TO STOP DEVELOPER GREED UNDERMINING WYONG'S LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY

Thursday, 23 October 2003 10:00

 A peak NSW environment organisation has slammed the delay of the Wyong Conservation Strategy and asked the Planning Minister to ensure no rezoning for development is slipped through while the plan is delayed.

Describing it as an "all too common story of vested interests winning the day over the long term future and sustainability of Wyong shire," Total Environment Centre coastal campaigner Fran Kelly said "developers' interests should for once be ignored and common sense given the priority,"
"The Wyong Conservation Strategy offers a sensible balance between the ongoing orgy of development in the Shire and protection of vital natural areas so important for the long term future of all," said Ms Kelly

"Wyong's strategy would be a leading light on the coast with so many other coastal councils having pathetic strategic plans that are simply developer-driven, covering the coastline with concrete,"

"Here in Wyong it appears, that despite this balanced Strategy earmarking substantial development areas in sensible locations while simultaneously protecting fragile areas such as wetlands, high value native vegetation, creeks and rivers, threatened species habitat and corridors, developers and their supporters on council still believe they deserve to get more," said Ms Kelly.

"The Strategy should be adopted now in its current form so it can be the backbone for all future planning instruments in the Shire. It offers certainty and consistency for all as opposed to the current ad hoc regime, while recognising the need for clean drinking water, open space, protection of other species and leaving something for future generations," said Ms Kelly.

TEC have asked the Planning Minister to intervene to ensure no rezoning for development is approved prior to the Strategy's adoption.

For further information contact Fran Kelly or Jeff Angel on 9299 5599/5680 
 

For further information

Contact
:
Fran Kelly - Coastal Campaigner
Phone
:
61 2 9299 5599
Email
:
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WWW
:
http://www.tec.org.au/