Cessnock LEP 2008 Update

Date: 24-Feb-08
Author: Stephen Annis-Brown
Organisation: Progress
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After a successful and well attended meeting hosted by the Progress Association in January I would like to think that more people have a basic understanding of the challenges that lie ahead as we await the formal exhibition period of the Draft Cessnock LEP 2008.

As many people who have followed up with further enquiries at both local and state government levels have realised, we are now faced with a wall of silence from the authorities who have adopted the position of "no comment" until the draft plan goes on display "some time in March" as I have been informed as late as yesterday afternoon by CCC Strategic Planner, Bo Moshage.

We have been assured that,

"Council  will  be  seeking  formal submissions during the exhibition period prior  to making a final determination on the makeup and content of the new Local  Environmental  Plan.   This  will  involve  Council  contacting  you directly  during  the  public  exhibition  period.   This will also include extensive  community  consultation  with  groups  such as yours during this period."

What we still don't have is an assurance that all ratepayers will receive notification from council when the plan goes on public display, with a simple, logical explanation of the ramifications of the proposed changes and the effects it will have on property owners if it was to proceed in its current form. It is important to remember that the majority of property owners in the Wollombi district are "absentee owners" ie do not live locally, and I would estimate that at this time less than 50% of them have any knowledge whatsoever of the Draft LEP with even fewer having a reasonable understanding of the practical implications that this plan has for future land use in the area. It is vital that all property owners are made aware of the new LEP and have an opportunity to comment on and join in any action that may be taken to oppose these draconian proposals.

I believe today the Progress Association will be formalising the appointment of the LEPA (Local Environmental Plan Action) Group sub-committee (as passed at the last Association meeting) and this will provide a focus for contact and further communication with community members. One of the first actions that the sub-committee will be undertaking is to request that the Progress Association contact all registered members and invite them to register on the LEPA Group website at http://wollombi.nsw.au/lepagroup which has been set up specifically to provide information to assist in understanding and, as a central contact point for notification of developments concerning this issue as they occur. There will also be an opportunity for people to post comments and feedback on this website so that a wider community consultation can take place. It is important that Progress members talk to other community members about this issue and spread the word far and wide so that the broadest possible cross section of our community can be involved in this consultation, ensuring that any representation made by Progress to Local Council and State Government truly represent the wishes of the people.

Maintain the rage!

Stephen Annis-Brown

[As reported to the Wollombi Valley Progress Association at the meeting on 23 Feb 2008]

Comments (2)

Posted: 27-Feb-08 09:49 by Malcolm Sainty Permalink

Council should notify every property owner who's property right may be affected - by post.

Posted: 10-Mar-08 06:12 by Wayne Tong Permalink

Sounds like Socialism to me, I thought NZ was the only country with draconian and totalitarian leaders and councils, obviously not. Robin Hood would love to play in this modern era of robbing the "wealthy".

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