So discovering a sewer main underneath a major ‘affordable housing’ development in Mullumbimby – after five years of planning – is was what it took for Council staff to conclude it was an inappropriate site.
Interesting that it wasn’t the community’s long-term, informed, and strong opposition.
‘Dial before you dig’ saves lives, and in this case, perhaps mediocre political careers?
This is enormously embarrassing for Council and Landcom.
Will there be any accountability?
Throughout the project, they have acted aggressively and without any consideration for this small, fragile residential and local businesses community.
How can the public have confidence that any future project they undertake will be successful?
How much money was spent on this? Why wasn’t the sewer line discovered five years ago?
Will councillors try and show good faith with the public and seek a Development Assessment Panel report and share it with the public?
A few years ago, councillors abandoned a similar project in Mullum called Lot 22, located near the high school, after finally conceding what the residents had said for years – it is a site that floods.
Spot fires everywhere
There are other unpopular projects/operations throughout the Shire under the management of Council staff and councillors.
Critics say Council are needlessly harassing long-term Main Arm residents on a Multiple Occupancy (MO) and are pushing what looks like a done deal with an entertainment precinct in Byron Bay.
Unnecessary financial burdens appear to be inflicted upon on Brunswick Heads businesses, who have paid parking meters with similar costs found in the cities.
A large controversial Myocum DA was recently passed with councillor support, which was riddled with procedural errors and unanswered questions around favouring developers and conflicts of interests.
And the public are concerned about plans to close off Mullumbimby’s main road for four months during peak summer period.
Decisions that don’t make sense, or are poorly explained, are exhausting for the public.
It takes considerable effort to oppose bad planning. Honestly, the public have better things to do. And besides, aren’t governments supposed to be helpful?
One year anniversary
It’s been a year now since the current councillors were elected.
So how are they doing?
Under the NSW Local Government Act 1993, a councillor’s role involves representing the community, making considered decisions on policy and planning and ensuring communication between the community and the governing body. Councillors must also acquire the necessary skills to perform their role, are accountable to the local community, and provide leadership for the community’s needs and aspirations.
Being a councillor is a really tough job, but especially tough if you are new to the job and your frame of reference is only what the other councillors – who have been sitting for several terms – tell you.
Hans Lovejoy, editor
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