Kurri Kurri & Weston Independent - 20th August 2002

Road to Tomalpin Still Rocky and Uncertain Says Cr. Cosh

At Cessnock Council's last meeting debate over a report regarding the Tomalpin Industrial development was heated and demonstrated that the road for this development is still a very rocky and uncertain one.

Cessnock Greens Cr. Claire Cosh said that while she was pleased there was now a definition of underscrubbing in the Tomalpin Local Environment Plan and a guide to define what a mature tree was, she said one has to ask why were such basic concepts not defined to begin with. Cr Cosh declared that there was still no real protection against three meter-wide strips of multiple clearing taking place at the site.

In his report the Executive Planner accepted that this could occur, however, Cr Cosh says that the solution he has put forward (which Council supported) is insufficient to address the potential problem. He supplied a solution which is weak and one which could easily be used to a developer's advantage and the environment and the community's LOSS!!

Cr Claire Cosh also asked several questions without notice in regard to a glossy pamphlet produced to assist market the Tomalpin Industrial Development.

The Green's Councillor questioned whether or not some of the information in the brochure, which claims that lots in the stage one subdivision of the HEZ are now ready and are fully serviced, were in fact correct and had any rate-payer's money gone into the production of the document.

The General Manager claimed to have seen, but not read, the document and agreed that it was likely that some of Council's funds had been used in its production.

Cr Cosh has asked the General Manager to investigate the issue, however Mr Cowan refused to do anything about withdrawing the pamphlet from circulation even if it did contain misleading information.

When asked about the Environmental management strategies for the site, the Planner the Planner advised that the drafts were not yet ready for council's consideration.

These plans are the crucial element which the Mayor and others have routinely used to reassure the public about the environmental integrity of the site.

Cr Cosh asked clarification as to whether development could in fact be approved and take place in the industrial site without the environmental management strategies in place.

She was advised that this could happen after the end of September.