Hi Folks,

The huge rezoning proposal for Industry on well wooded high quality conservation land in the Cessnock Local Government area should be rejected. A Local Environmental Study that looks at all land uses including National Park and Conservation uses is needed before Council can fairly consider any rezoning proposal of the Tomalpin area. A Local Environmental Study is done by Council or its consultants with costs being met by the proponent. Its terms of reference need to be clearly established. The important point is: that Council should reject the proposal to re-zone. Very important. If council adopts the rezoning the landowners will have the right to take Council through the courts if it tries to alter the development. The area has a rich bio-diversity and the zoning would impact on threatened flora and fauna. Total site 2000 ha. Industrial proposal 1250 ha Half the area is Crown Reserve Important that submissions be made by 13th or this week.

Doug


Tuesday, 7 November 2000

Mr Colin Cowan
General Manager
Cessnock City Council
PO Box 152
CESSNOCK NSW 2325

Dear Mr Cowan,

Tomalpin Industrial Zoning

Parks and Playgrounds Movement wishes to lodge an objection to the proposal to zone land for a large industrial estate at Tomalpin in the Cessnock Local Government area. The Movement claims that the need for such a large industrial area at this location has not been established and its impact on the future of Cessnock not adequately assessed.

Hunter Regional Environmental Plan 1989 provides for the distribution of industrial land and states that industrial zoning should only "apply to land which is environmentally suitable".  The biological diversity and high conservation value of the Tomalpin land make it unsuitable for such a large-scale industrial development.

By zoning this huge area for industrial uses the Council would be granting a betterment to the current land title holder at the expense of the balanced development of the city and environs. A study of the potential of the area for alternative uses including National Parks and conservation is needed before Council fully considers any change to the zoning of the land.

The area proposed for Industrial Zoning impacts on sensitive bushland containing Angophora woodland and Ironbark, - Spotted Gum, - Grey Gum and Forest Red Gum associations having significant conservation attributes.

We understand that the proposed industrial zone would also impact threatened species of flora and fauna including: Eucalyptus Parramattensis subspecies decadens, Macrozamia flexuosa, Grevillea montana, Grevillea parviflora: the Yellow Bellied Glider and Koala: the Black Breasted Buzzard, Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot, Turquoise Parrot, Black Cockatoo and Square Tailed Kite.

Furthermore the site is not adequately serviced to handle heavy transport vehicles or the wastewater requirements that would be necessary for a large industrial estate to be viable.

We ask Council to refuse the zoning and resolve that a Local Environmental Study to be prepared at the cost of the proponent and guided by Council and the Department of Urban affairs and Planning before any zone changes are considered.

Yours sincerely,