PORT MACQUARIE HIGH RISES BLITZ THE COAST WHILE PLANNING REFORMS GET DELAYED

Wednesday, 21 March 2001 10:00

Total Environment Centre believes the high rise tourist-residential complex is being rushed through before Hastings Council's Development Control Plan (DCP) is reformed to change height limits to 14 metres, in line with the NSW Coastal Policy and before the Coastal Policy itself is given more teeth.

"Stretching over seven blocks right opposite Town Beach, this massive development will dominate the area. If Hastings Council approves the application, it will set in train further similar developments until Port Macquarie duplicates the Gold Coast". said TEC natural areas campaigner Fran Kelly

"It is frustrating to say the least, that while the NSW Government is expressing concern over inappropriate and over-development along the coast, and sits on its hands while it ponders reform, various councils are approving all manner of blatantly over the top proposals, regardless of environmental impacts or community desires". Said Ms Kelly.

"This over the top development along this stretch of coast should not even have been able to get past first post, yet it is being seriously considered by Hastings Council".

"This development is an example of why the Coastal Policy urgently needs to be given real teeth and set in legislation so it can override out of date DCPs and ensure true coastal protection occurs. But we also call on the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning to urgently reform Port Macquarie's DCP to prevent this happening again" Said Ms Kelly