On Thursday 16th July, despite it being a cold and very wet night 140+ members of our community turned up to the Information evening outlining the proposed development, reinforcing that Broulee residents are passionate about our community and that it is a contentious issue.
The controversy of this development amongst our community was further reiterated in the comments completed by attendees on the meeting sign in sheet. On the questionnaire 89% of people said they had major concerns, 2% had minor concerns, 1% said they had no concerns, 3% said they were undecided, and 5% did not complete that section. The concerns raised included:
Most people who spoke at the meeting said they were not anti development but were very concerned that the current proposal would have a negative impact on our village.
This proposal is at the start of the planning process. Council has endorsed the plan and it is currently with the NSW Minister for Planning for Gateway Determination. If the Minister provides the gateway determination it will return to Council for a period of Community Consultation.
So what can you do?
Given Council have already endorsed this proposal if you feel strongly it is important for you express your views now. At this point in the process we would encourage you to write a letter expressing your concerns to the NSW Minister For Planning. As Councillor Leslight confirmed at the end of Thursdays meeting, it is critical that any letters are written as individuals.
Prior to Thursday’s meeting the association had written to the Minister Of Planning opposing the Gateway determination based on the issues raised by our members. This letter can be viewed on our website below. I have also put my own personal letter with my concerns as an example.
Sending your letter of concern to the NSW Minister of Planning while he makes his Gateway Determination is a priority but we recommend you also let the Shandow Minister Penny Sharpe, Andrew Constance, our local Member, as well as our Shire Mayor and Councillors aware of your feelings by sending them a copy.
The controversy of this development amongst our community was further reiterated in the comments completed by attendees on the meeting sign in sheet. On the questionnaire 89% of people said they had major concerns, 2% had minor concerns, 1% said they had no concerns, 3% said they were undecided, and 5% did not complete that section. The concerns raised included:
- A population increase to 3700 (a 60% increase) will forever change the village atmosphere of Broulee. Why does Council believe it is a good idea to change our settlement from a Coastal Village to a Coastal Town? There has been no discussion or debate on the merits of such a fundamental change. Both the Council and NSW Government strategies explicitly list Broulee as being planned for no more than 3000 people. The predicted population figures shown by Council show that our Christmas time population/traffic would become the norm.
- Dismay that Council are proposing 1.4km strip of medium density development including up to 50% unit and flat development (8.5m in height, possibly 3 stories high). It was seen as poor planning and out of character with the village of Broulee. There are no services and no transport that could support that density of housing. Many people noted that any relevant medium density housing that is allowed should be spread through the development.
- There was much discussion about Council’s argument that R3 zoning and Community title is suitable as it enables easy management of the E2 Wildlife corridor.
- There was major concern that stormwater may be disposed on South Broulee Beach and a strong preference was stated for storm water to be managed on site so it does not further pollute our beaches
- Concern of clear felling of the area and no greenspace included in the design. Related to this was the concern that Council is planning on clearing the rest of the trees on Council land around Captain Oldrey Park to extend it to cope with the added population.
- Concern that the reduction of block size to 450m2 is not in the spirit of the community.
Most people who spoke at the meeting said they were not anti development but were very concerned that the current proposal would have a negative impact on our village.
This proposal is at the start of the planning process. Council has endorsed the plan and it is currently with the NSW Minister for Planning for Gateway Determination. If the Minister provides the gateway determination it will return to Council for a period of Community Consultation.
So what can you do?
Given Council have already endorsed this proposal if you feel strongly it is important for you express your views now. At this point in the process we would encourage you to write a letter expressing your concerns to the NSW Minister For Planning. As Councillor Leslight confirmed at the end of Thursdays meeting, it is critical that any letters are written as individuals.
Prior to Thursday’s meeting the association had written to the Minister Of Planning opposing the Gateway determination based on the issues raised by our members. This letter can be viewed on our website below. I have also put my own personal letter with my concerns as an example.
Sending your letter of concern to the NSW Minister of Planning while he makes his Gateway Determination is a priority but we recommend you also let the Shandow Minister Penny Sharpe, Andrew Constance, our local Member, as well as our Shire Mayor and Councillors aware of your feelings by sending them a copy.
| The Hon. Penny Sharpe, MLC Shadow Minister for Planning Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 200 [email protected] |
- Liz Innes [email protected]
- Peter Schwarz [email protected]
- Neil Burnside [email protected]
- Gabi Harding [email protected]
- Danielle Brice [email protected]
- Rob Pollock [email protected]
- Milton Leslight [email protected]
Press here to open a blank email with all their email addresses filled in
It would be great if you could let us know if you sent the Minister an email/letter.
Example Letters to the minister
It is critically important that you write your own letter rather than just signing a form letter but you can download and read these as examples. The BMPCA Submission to The Minister of Planning sent on 4th July.
| bmpca_letter_ministerplanning_gatewaydetermination.pdf |
You can download and read my personal submission to The Minister of Planning
Councils Powerpoint presentation
For those who missed Thursdays presentation you can download the Councils powerpoint here.
| Council_Powerpoint_Planning_Meeting.pdf |
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