An update on closed-door deals around the controversial Wallum development by Mayor Michael Lyon has been criticised as not providing any commitment, trading one endangered species for another, while also ignoring the input from the Save Wallum group.
Direct action
Locals say they are prepared to take non-violent direct action (NVDA) to save rare heathland in Bayside, Bruns, from urban development. Dozens of protesters blocked three entry points to the proposed estate on Thursday morning as fencing contractors moved in to section off the cul-de-sacs leading into the site.
The mayor used his casting vote to sign off on subdivision works in February, giving Clarence Property the final approval to clear about 60 per cent of the 18-hectare site for 124 residential lots. His supporting councillors were Asren Pugh, Mark Swivel and Alan Hunter.
Approval for the development was authorised by the Northern Regional Planning Panel in May last year, which included panellist Simon Richardson, the former mayor and mentor to Cr Lyon.
This followed concept plan approval from the state government back in 2013 – a plan that many refer to as a ‘zombie DA’, because it sat undeveloped while environmental protection laws evolved around it.
Cr Lyon released his mayoral minute from last week’s Council meeting, which outlined discussions with developer, Clarence Property.
Cr Lyon said he hopes that it will result in better outcomes, such as a smaller footprint, and smaller lot sizes for ‘singles, couples and empty-nesters’.
No development is best outcome
James Barrie, representing Save Wallum, told The Echo, ‘no development at all is the best outcome for the ecological and cultural values of the Wallum site, and I think Council can try a bit harder, and be more inclusive with their methods if a “compromise” is to be considered’.
‘After all the community has been through, and learned from this DA, this can’t be another backroom affair. We have put so much time into educating councillors on the ecological values of Wallum, and this version of compromise doesn’t reflect that it’s been heeded.
‘With NSW Premier Chris Mins just rejecting a development on the basis of flood liability, there’s more to think about here. We have a high-profile blockade, with strong community backing, and the national media taking interest.
‘This is a DA that has not been robust with its processes, and we’re expecting more if any compromise is to be reached’.
Barrie says, ‘This plan was introduced as a surprise mayoral minute, without any notice to the community, or other councillors. As such it appears like the mayor doesn’t want to face any community discussion’.
‘The community would’ve been there at the Council chambers, like we always are, when we have notice.
‘It’s not a good look for democracy on an issue the community is agitated about.
‘This new plan has unfortunately missed the mark, and while we would welcome 20 less tree-sits to have to resource, it appears to be even more damaging to threatened species in the west than the original footprint.
‘It needs some work to address the major fragmentation of two highly significant threatened species’ habitats that would still occur’.
Pointless frog ponds
Ecologist David Milledge was asked for his views by Cr Lyon around the Wallum Froglet Management Plan in the mayoral minute, ‘in order to understand if there were any improvements that could be made to the artificial ponds being proposed’.
Milledge told The Echo artificial frog ponds are ‘pointless’.
‘I don’t consider that what is presented in the mayoral minute is a good outcome, just better than nothing’.
‘However, there’s no indication that the mayor’s negotiations have resulted in any concessions from Clarence Property, who appear to be ignoring the major community opposition to the development and a complete lack of any social licence’.
He added, ‘the development site plan, as approved, will be a disaster for biodiversity’.
Continuing to work positively, says CEO
Clarence Property CEO, Simon Kennedy told The Echo, ‘The mayoral minute is a fair reflection of the discussions to date, noting that any potential change from the existing approval is significant and Clarence Property are continuing to work positively and in good faith with the mayor in relation to feasible options’.
Minimal loss for developer
Mr Barrie adds, ‘The mayoral minute appears to ask for minimal loss from the developer, and maintains maximum loss to threatened species’. If there is any seeking of real ecological outcomes in a negotiation on this site, the development footprint would need to be substantially reduced and intricate input from concerned ecologists and First Nations people needs to be integrated into a compromise.
‘I want to believe the mayor can get back to the drafting board on this and increase the inclusiveness and transparency with the community stakeholders, to reflect the values of Wallum and broker that proudly with the developer, as the community’s current leading representative’.
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