Media release
>From Sylvia Hale, Greens spokesperson for Planning
6 August 2010 – For immediate use
Catherine Hill Bay plan a fix for Labor mates
The Greens have slammed the new draft State Environmental Planning
Policy (SEPP) for the South Wallarah Peninsula at Catherine Hill Bay.
“When the Land and Environment Court threw out the original development
application for Catherine Hill Bay by Rose Property Group and others and
described the proposal as being based on a ‘land bribe’, the Government
should have listened to the community and abandoned the massive
development of the area,” said Sylvia Hale MLC, Greens spokesperson for
Planning.
“Sadly, the Government has taken the expected route of sticking up for
its donor mates by supporting an expanded version the original proposal
and proposing a SEPP that allows developers to maximise building on the
site.
“This is simply a disgrace.
“The Greens welcome the proposal to give Catherine Hill Bay and Middle
camp villages the highest level of heritage protection. This is a great
victory for hard working local residents who have campaigned tirelessly
in opposition to the Rose Group’s plans to develop the area.
“But that protection is little more than spin when Government then
moves to support development to the south and west of the village.
“The Government’s proposing to overturn the existing coastal
protection SEPP to allow for significant development of the headland is
an appalling precedent and one that will irrevocably detract from the
heritage significance and ambience of the area.
“The proposal to add significant low density residential development to
Catherine Hill Bay and nearby Gwandalan and Nords Wharf is deeply flawed
and unsustainable.
“Coal and Allied (C&A), the promoter of the Gwandalan and Nords Wharf
developments, has produced glossy environmental assessment statements
suggesting that its developments will have little impact on the
environment. But even these assessments admit that Nords Wharf would be
subject to bushfire threat and that there are few employment
opportunities in the area, little public infrastructure, and an almost
total reliance on private motor vehicles for transport.
“The Government must prohibit more sprawl, wherever it occurs, and end
its culture of writing planning documents in the interests of its donor
mates.
“This announcement is the latest in a series of decisions that degrade
the environment and trash good planning, simply to ensure generous Labor
donors and mates get what they want.
“I have no doubt the community will view the Government’s action with
the contempt it richly deserve,” said Ms Hale.
Contact: Colin Hesse on 02 9230 3030 or 0401 719 124
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