Newcastle’s Labor councillors are determined to protect the city’s green corridor from “destructive rezoning”.
Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk, Deahnna Richardson and Declan Clausen recently raised the alarm following the Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) recommendation on 4 December to strip council of its planning powers and push forward the rezoning of 505 Minmi Road, in Fletcher, for residential development.
It calls on NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully to reverse a previous ruling by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to prevent any kind of construction on the 26.2-hectare site, which is zoned for environmental protection.
The trio believes the IPC decision not only threatens a vital link, stretching from the Watagan Mountains to Stockton Bight, but also ignores long-standing community opposition and overwhelming evidence supporting conservation.
“This is a devastating outcome for the city,” Cr Adamczyk said.
“The NSW Government’s rezoning of 505 Minmi Road would see the destruction of critical bushland, irreparable biodiversity loss and increased pressure on inadequate transport infrastructure.
“This recommendation goes against the expert advice of City of Newcastle’s (CN) planning officers and the determination of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.”
Cr Richardson raised concerns that community views had been ignored, too.
“The people of Newcastle have spoken clearly: they want this land preserved,” she said.
“This IPC ruling disregards the 360 individual submissions from residents opposing this rezoning, for more than a decade.
“Labor councillors have stood firm alongside the community and environmental advocates to protect this green corridor… and will continue to do so.
“The recommendation undermines what we’ve worked for.
“It’s a betrayal of our city’s future.”
For Cr Clausen, he’s worried the IPC judgement could create a dangerous precedent.
“This move destabilises local democracy,” he said.
“Newcastle’s democratically-elected council, over successive terms, has upheld the zoning protections of this site based on expert advice and consistent with community support.
“The IPC’s recommendation erodes the trust placed in local government to manage planning decisions responsibly.
“Ironically, a local government that has consistently been applauded by the Minister and the NSW Government for good planning.”
The councillors presented a late item to Tuesday’s City of Newcastle meeting on 10 December, requesting urgent intervention of the recommendation.
And, the motion was carried with a strong majority, 10 votes to two.
Now, they’re calling on the community to rally against the decision, too.
“We are urging the state government to honour its commitments to consider protecting 505 Minmi Road as part of the green corridor in perpetuity by including it in the National Parks Estate,” Cr Adamczyk said.
“This is a pivotal moment for Newcastle.
“We must stand united to protect our environment and our city’s planning integrity.”
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