COLYS - more action needed
14 Apr 10
More action needed
ShoalhavenCouncil last night voted to allow the Cochrane/ Colys application for rezoningand development of land behind the KV Bowling Club to proceed. The applicationnow enters a "Gateway" process which refers the decision to the StateGovernment. We asked that it be deferredbut were not supported by the majority of Councillors, including the four whorepresent Kangaroo Valley.
Thanksto the attendance at Council of at least 50 locals and extensive lobbying, wedid win one concession; the developer is required to consult the community.While this is important, a smaller proposal from Colys was strenuously opposedat a public meeting in 2008. That didn't deter Colys who are back with a biggerproposal for the 22 hectare site: 135 houses (up to 4 bedroom) 120 "seniors"dwellings (up to 3 bedroom) and a 40 unit motel/ conference centre. Oncecompleted, the new suburb would be bigger than the existing village. Otherproblems include lack of infrastructure, transport, sewerage, water courses onsite etc.
Itis important to emphasise: this is notretirement housing! The site is obviously inappropriate, the number toolarge and no appropriate facilities are available for seniors living. In fact, the state government hasalready rejected the proposal under its special provisions for seniors housing(SEPP).
Ourcommunity would welcome a genuine plan for an appropriate site and smallernumber of dwellings for seniors, and some locals are working to find a seriousalternative.
We will distributemore information, in the meantime please tell the four Ward One Councillorsthat you expect their support. It will be harder to tell Colys what you thinkas their phone number and email contacts don't work!
Ward OneCouncillors:
guilea@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
Kearney@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
Gareth.ward@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
soamesn@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au