Planning Exemptions Harm Communities and the Environment

Date: 08-Feb-10
Author: Cessnock Kurri Greens
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'The announcement today by Premier Keneally that the exemption from planning laws of stimulus package projects could be extended to private developments including residential developments shows a lack of regard for local communities and the environment.' said Cessnock Greens Councillor James Ryan.

In my local area of Cessnock I can show you two projects which the Government is pushing through under the planning exemptions and each will have a negative impact on the environment and on the people that have to use the facilties.'

At Alpine Avenue in Cessnock the Department of Housing is proposing to build 16 units adjacent to a concrete batching plant which produces dust and noise. The Conrete plant is old and has few, if any, environmental controls on its operations. Cessnock Council has prohibited new housing development on the site because of the exposure of new residents to the dust and noise. Under NSW Stimulus Package arrangements the NSW Government is currently proposing to expose 16 families to concrete dust and noise because they place economic development above the health of families in our community who require Department of Housing accommodation.

At Kurri Kurri TAFE endangered woodland has been bulldozed to make way for a new 'Hotel Academy' being built under the Stimulus Package planning exemptions. The project will also put students being taught in the commercial kitchens at risk of exposure to spray drift from the nearby TAFE vinyard which is used for teaching viticulture.

The Kurri Kurri TAFE Hotel Academy has not been subject to a full environmental assessment despite requests that one be carried out.

Councillor Ryan said 'While projects may be being built quickly under the current exemptions, and thereby allowing the Premier to make claims about job creation and economic growth, there is no evidence that these projects will benefit the community in the long run. In fact it is possible the health of some of the residents placed in these facilities could be badly affected.'

'In the Hunter we have recently had the Catherine Hill Bay and Huntlee court decision which decided it was reasonable for the community to believe the Planning Minister was biased when approving them and therefore the environmental assessment could not be relied on. Imagine if the Premier just does away with planning assessment for these housing developments altogether. It will be open slather with no protection for either the community or the environment.'

'To protect the health of the community and the environment we need checks and balances.' Clr Ryan said. 'We need proper planning assessment.'

James Ryan 0414 922 591