The proposal for a Community Title (CT) development of 15 dwellings on 12.27ha that is flood and fire prone and has a creek flowing through it, that is backed by council staff, has led to the formation of the Alidenes & Wilsons Creek Residents Association (AWCRA).
It is in response to this contentious rezoning proposed at 31 Alidenes Road in Wilsons Creek that the residents of adjoining properties and surrounding areas have joined together to form the AWCRA, ‘creating a united front and challenging the ill-considered development’ they said in a press release.
AWCRA secretary Obi McDonald-Saint said the proposed rezoning and development is completely out of character for the Alidenes precinct.
‘We’re talking about at least 15 dwellings on a parcel of land that is less than 13 hectares in size with Yankee Creek flowing through it and infrastructure such as access roads, sewerage, power and water to consider,’ Obi says.
‘Throw in floods and fire mitigation and management of riparian buffers and the land usage is reduced by half while traffic movements in Alidenes precinct will likely double.’
The group believes that the development fails the community in three main ways: environment, infrastructure and safety of residents.
‘Improvements to creeks and waterways won’t happen with development occurring on them while building on a flood zones puts extras pressure on government resources,’ they say in a press release.
‘A massive increase of car movements on an unsafe road to access existing infrastructure such as employment, schools, shops located 5km away doesn’t make sense.
‘Resident safety is a concern with a blind curve leading into the main intersection of Alidenes and Wilsons Creek Roads, a lack of footpaths, multiple causeways, and unmaintained verges that force pedestrians particularly school children to walk on roads.
‘Alidenes precinct residents believe this is an untenable situation that will permanently impact on the peaceful and idyllic nature of the neighbourhood.’
The rezoning is at the bottom of Wilsons Creek and is currently before the public and open for submissions.
Residents of the Alidenes precinct and lower and upper Wilsons Creek are encouraged to join the group and submit an objection to the planning proposal at 31 Alidenes Road, Wilsons Creek as advertised on Byron Shire Council’s website.
AWCRA is submitting an objection to council and have prepared a template for any residents in the area and surrounds that would like a copy to customise and send in individually. Email [email protected] for more information.
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