MEDIA RELEASE: 10TH September 2008
ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL: NO CARE IN ‘CARETAKER’ MODE
The North Coast Environment Council (NCEC) has called for greater controls to prevent Local Councils making important planning decisions whilst in caretaker mode in the lead-up to Local Government elections.
“NCEC has been informed of at least three controversial developments approved by three different Local Councils on the North Coast in the lead-up to the Local Government elections this weekend” said Mr Jim Morrison, President of the North Coast Environment Council.
“The Director General of the Department of Local Government has issued a circular to Councils advising them to avoid significant or controversial developments in caretaker mode, but that advice has being ignored.
“Strong, enforceable laws are clearly needed to prevent major planning decisions being taken during caretaker mode in the future. Local Councils should not have the power to make these sorts of decisions when an election is pending.
“Proper process has been undermined and, in some cases, important environments will be irrevocably destroyed, as a result of decisions made in the last six weeks.
“Kempsey Shire Council this week approved a development to extend a sporting field that will impinge on a high conservation value wetland and has the potential to negatively impact on at least 17 threatened species. The costs of the development are not well-established and are considered likely to blow-out – and will have to borne by the new Council.
“Nambucca Shire Council just recently approved a six lot rural residential subdivision in core koala habitat. This had been on the books for four years, and was rushed through whilst the Council was in caretaker mode.
“Lismore City Council decided to send its draft Local Environment Plan to public exhibition during caretaker mode. The LEP includes 4 significant areas for urban land release, including 29 hectares of core koala habitat at Invercauld earmarked for a 269-lot development. This means that the incoming Council has effectively been denied the opportunity for ownership of the Councils most significant planning instrument.
“It is apparent that actions that are being taken in caretaker mode are being influenced by the looming election, and are not being delivered for the long-term good of the whole community.
“We are calling on the Local Government Minister to take immediate action and institute law reform, if necessary, to prevent caretaker mode being abused in this way in this future” Mr Morrison said.
For more information or comment contact Jim Morrison on 0266645233 or 0488696846