Change of Hart, but not yet out of the woods
It seems we had a change of Hart!
So the community should be congratulated for coming together and sending a clear message on Austin Butler Reserve
Many groups and people co-ordinated to send a clear message to the Administrator and council that we did not want to lose any more Austin Butler trees.
To his credit it seems the Administrator, Rik Hart, listened to both the public and the Local Planning Panel and introduced an Administrator's minute which took that parcel of land out of the tranche being re-classified.
However, we are not out of the woods yet.
We are now faced with a survey and some public consultation, that will likely let Council know what we already know - but who is going to pay for this extra consultation?
Thankfully in a previous recommendation in October 2020, and further referenced in April 2021, to mitigate Council's financial exposure council recommend, planning costs should be borne by the Plaza.
Let's hope that council do pass on these costs.
I should also congratulate Coles in Umina who manage to their loading dock without reported issues off an open road.
It seems Woolworths in Woy Woy, whose loading dock is off the main road in a carpark, are having more of a challenge.
SOURCE:
Email, 2 Oct 2023
Julian Bowker, Umina Beach