A CONTROVERSIAL planning proposal was on the agenda at Port Stephens Council’s most recent meeting.
The proposal, from the development firm AB Rise Pty Ltd, sought to have 125 hectares of land in Anna Bay rezoned to allow for the creation of 584 new homes.
The developer put forward the proposal as a potentially significant step towards meeting the housing targets for Port Stephens.
Local residents, however, have been concerned about the impacts on the local environment and surrounding properties should the development go ahead.
The South Tomaree Community Association hosted several community meetings to discuss these concerns with Anna Bay residents and homeowners, and have been persistent in advocating that the Council refuse the proposal.
Carmel Northwood and Michael Atkinson appeared before Council during a Public Access session and spoke about potentially devastating flooding and the impact on local wildlife – particularly the endangered Koala population.
Ms Northwood identified herself as speaking “on behalf of wildlife and their habitat,” as a member of South Tomaree Community Association, and as a neighbour to the site.
“The site’s not suitable for development and it’s not in the public interest, even though we all want more houses.” she told the Council.
She said an area of the land in question has been designated “Core Koala Habitat”, and that such areas cannot be easily removed and relocated without seeing a decline in plant health and wildlife numbers.
Chris Shannon, Director at Mecone Urban Planners who prepared the proposal on behalf of AB Rise, also appeared at the Public Access session to request that Council consider deferring the matter.
Mr Shannon claimed that although they had previously provided all information requested by Council following the initial proposal they were never asked to present their information regarding flooding concerns, and the Council should give the developer an opportunity to address these matters.
”We’re willing to work with council officers to provide the additional information” said Mr. Shannon.
“If there are concerns with the proposal, we’re willing to make amendments as needed, but we haven’t been given the opportunity to meet with anyone from Council about the matter.”
Tony Short, who identified himself as the real estate agent who first conceived of the potential development more than a decade ago – though now retired – also appeared to speak in favour of the proposal.
Mr Short explained that the original concept was in response to the departure of young families from the area because of a lack of affordable houses.
The recommendation of the Community Futures Directorate was to refuse the planning proposal.
The report submitted to Council members reflected the concerns raised by community members, stating that “given the flooding constraints, the environmental values identified on the site, and the inconsistency with the urban footprint identified in Council strategies, the site is not considered suitable for the proposed urban development outcome.”
During discussion, Cr Jason Wells expressed his concern that not enough care had gone into the planning process by the developer.
“This proposal simply doesn’t strike the right balance,” he said.
“Yes it provides more homes, but at too great a cost.”
Cr Rosalyn Armstrong was far more scathing of the developer.
“The proposal is, in my mind, highly opportunistic,” she said.
Cr Ben Niland said, “On this matter it appears to me that staff have very diligently assessed these applications, and I guess that’s my role as a Councillor, to provide some assurance to the community that our staff are diligently doing their job.”
The motion to reject the proposal was unanimously supported, and was received with applause by the concerned members of the community who were present.
By Lindsay HALL
