You know, sometimes when a big developer cannot get their own way with a council they use their power to try to influence elections so they can get councillors that will vote for them.
If that does not work, they turn their attention to putting pressure on the staff. Some even take out Freedom of Information requests on every member of the public that protests a development, while blocking anyone knowing who has made these requests.
It’s an incredibly brave and clear-sighted community that can see through all this. It helps to realise it is a pattern for certain developers to operate this way.
And woe betide anyone that gets in their way. The only chance a community has is to not be put off by red herrings but to stay focused on the main game. Do they really want massive inappropriate development in their community?
Evil occurs when good men (and women) do nothing.
Lisa Townsend, Murwillumbah
Congratulations Lisa, on your perfect portrayal of blatant developer strategies right here in our midst.
Let us hope exposures such as yours will unite the Community to vote developers and their puppets off councils – and preferably ban them permanently.