Ministers Intervention in Mid North Coast Planning 'Unwise'

Thursday, 22 May 2008 20:46

“A draft briefing memo from senior Government staff shows that two controversial parcels of land in particular were included in proposed development maps specifically after the developers had discussions with the Minister and both of these developers are large donors to the Labor Party.  The Iemma government should come clean on the developer lobbying that has led to the inclusion of these lands,” said Jeff Angel, Director of Total Environment Centre.

One of the areas identified for inclusion after the developers Hardie Holdings and Walker Corp lobbied the Minister, is 792ha at North Arm Cove on Port Stephens - a controversial and environmentally sensitive location which has never been developed because much of it is low lying, forested land and services are unavailable. The other land included after discussion with the Minister by the Roche Group is 340ha designated for industrial development adjacent to the proposed new city of Brimbin north of Taree.

“We are concerned that these areas have been included in proposed development area without any planning merit and without being part of any strategic analysis by Great Lakes Council or the Department of Planning. It seems to be just another case where the Planning Minister has made a decision to suit large property developers.”

“TEC has worked with local community groups on the Draft Strategy and found an oversupply of 276% of greenfields residential land, if the areas nominated by the Government for residential development in the Great Lakes area are approved. There's a gross oversupply simply to pander to developer demands.  It's not good planning; its developer planning.”

“The land at North Arm Cove is of high environmental significance. It is also remote and not serviced by public transport and will result in greater greenhouse gas emissions than more suitable sites,” Mr. Angel said.