Minister for the Central Coast David Harris says he has serious concerns with Central Coast Counci’s approach to the development of the Wadalba East Precinct.
He is meeting the Council tomorrow, Friday, August 4, seeking further information.
Council received a State Government grant of $1.4M a year ago to fast track the development of the precinct which has the potential for 1200 house blocks after Council rezoned the land in 2020 and the State gazetted it in July 2021.
As reported here last week, landowners have complained that Council is using the grant to “reinterrogate” the rezoning and is rewriting a masterplan for the area.
The landowners say they have already written the masterplan and the grant money should be focussed on the planning and design of sewer and drainage as per the original grant application.
The new draft masterplan states that large portions of the site are dominated by key habitat for various species of fauna, including the critically endangered Swift Parrot.
Mr Harris, who is the Member for Wyong, said he has asked Regions NSW to provide him with advice on the Grant and the associated issues.
“The aim of the housing acceleration fund was to assist in delivering housing,” Mr Harris said.
“I have serious concerns with the approach taken by the Council.”
He said he would have further update following the receipt of advice from Council and from the State department.
Landowners held a meeting with Mr Harris in June and Council’s CEO, Administrator and Planning Director attended on the sidelines.
See previous stories here: https://www.cccouncilwatch.com.au/after-years-of-planning-wadalba-east-precinct-faces-new-roadblock/
https://www.cccouncilwatch.com.au/appeal-to-rik-hart-to-show-leadership/
https://www.cccouncilwatch.com.au/landowners-meet-with-state-mp/
https://www.cccouncilwatch.com.au/email-trail-shows-council-pivots-on-grant-focus/
