PORT Stephens Council has unanimously approved a new flood mound on 30 Nobles Road, Nelsons Plains, close to Raymond Terrace.
The 5500m2 mound will serve as a refuge for livestock during floods.
A development application was approved after a series of technical issues were considered. These included the mound’s impact on flooding and drainage of surrounding areas, as well as other potential long-term implications.
“I’m convinced and comfortable that it is purely just for stock refuge,” said Cr Chris Doohan.
“I can’t see any residential development going there.”
Councillors emphasised the importance of the farming community for Port Stephens, and the benefits of a safe, high-ground refuge for stock during floods to help prevent losses.
While the endorsement was unanimous, there were some reservations.
Cr Peter Francis noted that the community had submitted a large number of queries regarding mounds in the past.
Cr Giacomo Arnott raised concerns about the impact that the associated work could have on roads, particularly traffic flow on Nobles Road.
“It is a very difficult road to navigate, even when there are no other vehicles,” he said.
“I’ve driven along there when cars are coming from the other direction: there’s no room to move.”
To minimise the impact, Cr Arnott introduced an amendment requiring any damage to the roads caused by heavy trucks to be rectified, and limiting the time trucks can stop on the road to five minutes.
Cr Arnott also raised the visual impact of the mound, while acknowledging that similar refuge mounds had been approved under a previous council.
“I’m not a huge fan of mounds when they come before the Council,” Cr Arnott added.
“It hurts me to think that we’re putting a permanent scar on the [Raymond Terrace] landscape.
“It’s not the only one, so there’s no point getting sentimental about it. That ship had sailed before most of us were on this council.
“This one seems to be genuinely for the protection of cattle.”
By Nico LOMBARDO
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