GOVERNMENT URGED TO CALL IN SOUTH WEST ROCKS SUBDIVISIONS AS PLANNING IGNORED BY KEMPSEY COUNCIL

Monday, 23 June 2003 10:00

Total Environment Centre coastal campaigner Fran Kelly said the subdivisions would only exacerbate the problems inherent in a town that was fast heading towards being over-developed and unsustainable, impacting on wildlife, endangered species and residential amenity alike.

"It is essential the Planning Minister does not signal the breaks are off," said Ms Kelly. "Calling in these DA's are one way of showing he is serious about coastal protection".

"South West Rocks is a prime example of what should never be done in terms of planning. The entrance to the town is fast becoming a major eyesore and a turn off to residents and visitors alike as forest is rapidly being turned into concrete-only estates." said Ms Kelly.

"These subdivsioins will further destroy endangered species habitat and corridors running between the Macleay River and Hat Head National Park."

"There is still plenty that is beautiful about the area - not least its surrounds - but unless Kempsey rediscovers the true meaning of the word "planning" there won't be much beauty left," said Ms Kelly.

"Good planning should look at an area over the long term and decide what areas can be developed and what that development should be like. Subdivisions and single developments that retain a sense of the place they are in, that allow wildlife corridors and areas of bushland to remain and that fit with the shape of the land and town character are a first point to consider. Nothing like that is happening right now" said Ms Kelly.

"We believe these latest applications should be looked at in terms of fitting in to a long term plan for South West Rocks, and they shouldn't be approved unless they do.
For more information contact Fran Kelly or Jeff Angel - 9299 5599 or 9299 5680.