THE ARTICLE by Ute Schulenberg, Nambucca Guardian, Oct 17, ‘First Stage Subdivision of Valla Growth area’, reflects a historical pattern of this council.
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I believe genuine community consultation, engagement and review has not occurred. This development is a ‘fait accompli’, decided 20 years ago among the dusty planning framework of years gone by. The blueprint expresses the same ‘planning formula’ we are all too familiar with. The proposed residential land can only be accessed by passing through Industrial lands. Iconic sites are being spoiled by inappropriate development and last century visions. Fresh 21st century ideas are carefully placed in the darkest corners of the chamber and buried.
Should we be surprised when mayor Hoban states the DA has been on “public exhibition for months without a single submission”. If the community don’t know about it, how are they meant to submit to something they know nothing about? Does this not reflect that there has been inadequate community engagement and follow up? It is hard not to be cynical. Many residents over many years have taken part in submission writing for significant DAs that affect their lives, to find key issues are not adequately addressed, reviewed, amended or taken into consideration. Meetings for these significant DAs are rushed or scheduled a few weeks prior to Christmas.
I would argue few people were aware of Thursday’s October 18 Joint Regional Planning Panel meeting, because it had not been rigorously promoted or advertised in the places where it most impacts. It suits interested parties to keep the community in the dark. How many ratepayers are aware of the toxic legacy in the soils of the proposed ‘residential land’ on the Valla Urban Development site?
How many ratepayers are aware of what a ‘Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP)’ is or does? Yes, ratepayers, these people have taken decision making out of your hands.
I learnt of the JRPP meeting in the Wednesday October 10 Coffs Harbour Advocate, where they had a large advertisement on page 10. There was nothing in the Thursday October 11 Nambucca Guardian to alert locals of this important meeting or in the Oct 18 issue. The Nambucca Shire website had nothing to inform ratepayers.
So as the council and the JRPP find that well oiled rubber stamp, I will quote Cr Anne Smythe when she says "it's a big step for a development that few seem to be aware of". Maybe this is exactly why not a single submission was received. No one is aware of it (the DA), and its significance to the future of our community.