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| Bomaderry Creek Landcare picture courtesy of http://www.shoalhavenlandcare.org.au/uploads/2/0/2/9/20294267/7746484_orig.jpg |
Water ways
at risk
Greens
Councillor Amanda Findley has warned fellow Councillors that potential changes
to Council’s local environment plan put water ways at risk after Council
supported a move away from Staff recommendations at development Committee (5/4/2016).
Staff
recommended to Council that any rural boundary changes to create new rural lots
should “not affect connectivity of
riparian and vegetation corridors”. Councillor’s Watson and Guile declared
the amendment as anti-development and were supported by all Councillors in
removing the clause in the current round of policy amendments.
Councillor
Findley however maintains that the changes should be made. Findley said “In removing
this clause we are basically thumbing our nose at a number of State and Locally
driven projects that have aimed to re vegetate creek banks and water ways and
improving water quality.”
“ In
allowing boundaries to run through creeks and water ways we in effect allow
clearing to happen, as other policies exist that allow for boundary clearing
for fencing purposes switching of Native Vegetation Laws that encourage
conservation for water quality purposes”.
“It’s
typical of Clr Watson who routinely aims to water down any policy that may
protect the environment no matter how small a change it may be.”
“All over
the Shoalhaven- Landcare projects have been funded by Local Land Services and
Southern Rivers Catchment management authority to fence water ways, keep cattle
from destroying creek banks and improving the vital vegetation that filters
contaminants from entering the water. Shoalhaven City Council should reinforce
the direction that the community is taking and follow best practice and
encourage rural boundary changes to not affect these important parts of our
landscape especially if it is unnecessary. “
“I am
disappointed but not surprised that all the other Councillor’s followed the
lead of Clr Watson and his development at any cost attitude.”
“Kiama in
their submission in respect to amalgamations pointed out that Shoalhaven’s
Planning is completely incompatible with theirs and this is another example of
the narrow minded approach taken by the majority on Shoalhaven City Council.
REF: Page 38
Development Committee 5 April 2016,
Shoalhaven City Council.
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