Clunes residents are meeting next Tuesday, 2 September, to discuss Lismore Council’s Master Plan for the village, which they say will result in big rate rises and major new roads, along with a doubling or tripling of the village, depending on lot sizes, and threats to the wildlife corridor.
The plan is to be voted on soon by Lismore City Council in two weeks or so. Residents have told the Echo it seems likely to go through ‘although we hope it won’t, as it is undercooked to say the least’, and requires further input from experts, including engineers, to survey the area for proposed new roads to run behind the village.
Their aim is to engage the Clunes community to make written submissions to Lismore Council online and to help shape any change as it progresses in a manner that preserves the best aspects of our village life, and enhances them, to ensure the village is the best it can be for generations to come.
The community consultation portal for the Draft Clunes Master Plan is here.
Key questions surrounding the impact of the draft plan on Clunes village, according to concerned residents
The Growth and Realignment Strategy (GARS) said no Master Plan could be passed: ‘until such time as the masterplan has been completed and endorsed by Council and a Community Reference Group’. The endorsement from the CRG has NOT been enabled, and CRG members are concerned about the process.
The village’s atmosphere and liveability are under serious threat – the Master Plan acknowledges that the village atmosphere of Clunes is most valued by its existing residents.
Those who have read the draft Master Plan will note that the proposed area for residential development is much larger than previously envisaged. It would add between 240 and 400 houses (depending on lot size) to the village which currently only has 200 houses.
Accompanying infrastructure, such as new roads and sewerage, are planned to enable a village expansion many residents have made it clear they don’t want. Residents have never been asked their preferred village size in this Master Planning process, even though Council acknowledged overdevelopment was a major concern.
Residents say the proposed Master Plan involves the rezoning of important agricultural land currently used to cultivate food in one of the nation’s prime food bowls.
Other issues
• Significant upfront cost impositions to fund sewerage infrastructure: ‘conservatively’ estimated at between $28,000 and up to $56,000 per existing home in Clunes, with further ongoing costs expected (see p.30 of the Master Plan).
• A primary concern is the lack of focus, priority, and specific actions accorded to biodiversity and the wildlife corridor, given the fact that the proposed new road and Bangalow Road both bisect the Eastern Wildlife corridor – this will threaten efforts by Bangalow Koalas to build a corridor to protect koalas and their habitats in eastern NSW. Residents note that protecting biodiversity has been ranked highest in community consultation responses.
• The draft plan contains some positive proposals, including angled parking opposite the Clunes Store, reduced traffic speed to 40 km/h from the current 50 km/h and increased play space and equipment for children next to the COSA site, bicycle and footpaths, but residents question why these things must be dependent on village expansion? Aren’t these basic improvements that should be expected without doubling or tripling the size of the village?
• The proposed sale of Smith Street reserve will reduce prized green space in the existing village.
Clarity required
Residents say clarity is required regarding the proposed area under consideration for the wastewater treatment plant, which would require 15ha of irrigation space, with details also missing regarding the size, route and vehicle size/speed restrictions for the proposed new road, planned to run behind the existing village.
They say the passage of heavy vehicle traffic and risks to pedestrians, residents and wildlife will need to be considered as any plan takes shape.
Finally, Clunes residents say planning should also factor in mitigating the level of disruption to the village during the build phases for these proposed major new pieces of infrastructure, which seem likely to transform the area if they are allowed to proceed.
Residents and other concerned parties can have their say on the Clunes Master Plan here.
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