The approval of ‘Stage One’ of the Becton development at Byron Bay is a blatant compromise of sensible planning processes, said Ian Cohen, NSW Greens Upper House MP.
“Planning Minister Frank Sartor has today approved the first stage of this development, which means further stages are to come for this sensitive, significant coastal site,” Mr Cohen said.
“This development should have been assessed as a whole, to properly determine the impacts on threatened species and ecosystems that neighbour the site.
“Minister Sartor says that almost two-thirds of the 89-hectare site will be conserved under the proposal. Can we rely on this promise given Labor’s lousy, deceitful track record?
“The minister has demanded a paltry developer contribution of only $400,000, spare change on a $51 million development.
“And how does the Minister expect 90-day leases to be policed?
“Other major concerns in today’s approval include inadequate assessment of traffic impacts and possible problems with flooding and coastal erosion.
“The community of Byron Bay can now be sure that no matter what they do to negotiate set limits for development, the NSW ALP is prepared to ride rough-shod over them to give developers what they want.
“Delivering this announcement by press release, without so much as a telephone call to the local council, shows the contempt that Minister Sartor holds for the community.
“I fear that future stages, like this one, will be cloaked in secrecy - with little meaningful public consultation,” he said.
Further Information: Claire O’Rourke 0409 810 139 or 9230 3305
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