Newcastle Herald Oct 3 2002.

Council kisses consultants goodbye over map error

Paul Maguire

Cessnock City Council will no longer deal with the consultancy firm PPK.

Councillors took the action at last night's regular meeting in response to an incorrect map being exhibited as part of a display for public comment on the proposed Tomalpin industrial subdivision.

The map showed an access road for light vehicles and buses going through Kurri Kurri hospital.

The error was made public in a letter to the Herald editor by Pelaw Main resident Barry Calderwood on Monday and a Herald news report on Kurri resident James Ryan on Tuesday.

Cessnock Mayor John Clarence successfully moved a mayoral minute last night calling for the council to no longer consider PPK for further work once any contractual arrangments were completed.

Cr Clarence said councillors were shown a map a year ago that prompted a decision at the time that they would not accept a road going through or near Kurri Hospital.

He criticised PPK, the council's staff and the Tomalpin development company, Hardie Holdings, which has named the subdivision the Hunter Employment Zone.

He said the council would not tolerate incorrect information causing community concern.

Councillors Elizabeth Martin. Darren Riley, Des Mills, Claire Cosh, and Katie Brassil were all critical of the error.

Hardie Holdings general manager Matt Somers sent an open letter to the council confirming the map was wrong and saying his company supported the hospital and would not build a road or any industrial development within 300 metres of it.

Cr Martin said she was concerned the incorrect information had been used to scare elderly people about the hospital's future.

Cr Cosh said the council was at fault for approving the exhibition of a variety of environmental plans and strategies before they were even completed.