The public gallery of Taree council chambers erupted with cheers as the development application (DA) for a manufactured housing estate at Green Point was rejected at the MidCoast Council July ordinary monthly meeting.
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The recommendation was that the development, which was permitted on the land under State Environmental Planning Policy at 1 Bottlebrush Close and 6 Waratah Close, Green Point be rejected; an outcome that was unanimously supported by councillors.
Submissions objecting the development were received from 73 property owners and the Green Point on Wallis Lake Community Association prior to the meeting.
A petition with 165 signatories was also received in opposition to the development.
Three speakers were approved to make submissions to council in regard to the issue at the July 25 meeting.
Resident, Trevor Rae Cooper spoke in support of the recommendation to reject the development in relation to water inundation concerns, saying the issue of water inundation from the development on top of a concerning soil structure is a sleeping giant.
“The development would introduce a lot of water; running off roads and off roofs, it all has to go somewhere,” he explained.
Resident Bill Shannon supported this concern, citing tidal flow concerns causing erosion and bird nesting concerns.
Green Point on Wallis Lake Community Association vice-president, Margaret Blackwood also spoke briefly, confirming the group’s support of rejecting the development.
“I would also like to record our appreciation of the helpful staff of council on this matter,” she said.
The proposal had been swirling around since 2008, but in recent months it had gathered momentum. The DA was put forward by Oxford Street Holdings for 87 affordable housing sites, a community clubhouse, recreational facilities and caravan/RV parking over three lots on the Bottlebrush Close site.
