Call for halt on planning process for Kariong development

Community groups are calling for the planning process for a proposed housing development at Kariong to be put on hold until issues surrounding a botched public consultation phase are addressed.

Save Kariong Sacred Lands spokesperson Lisa Bellamy said a recent Freedom of Information (GIPA) request had revealed that only 392 submissions were counted as received through the online NSW Planning Portal concerning a proposed rezoning of land to make way for a 50-home development proposed by the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC).

The controversial proposal has seen community groups and Traditional Custodians unite in opposition, citing concerns regarding environmental effects and the proximity of the development to sacred Indigenous sites.

Bellamy said residents were deeply disappointed over the “lack of transparency and community engagement” by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in the critical planning process and were formally lodging complaints against Stage 5 of the planning proposal.

Glitches in the online Planning Portal system saw 1,000-2,000 submissions entered, and yet not counted, by the system, they say.

They base the number of members of numerous community groups opposed to the development, including Save Kariong Sacred Lands, Coast Environmental Alliance (CEA), Community Environmental Network (CEN), Kariong Progress Association, Peninsula Residents Association and Community Voice Australia – Central Coast.

They say hundreds of concerned citizens have attended 20 peaceful rallies in Erina, Woy Woy, Kariong and Wyong and information has been provided to the public via community via market stalls, door knocking, events hosted by Traditional Custodians and sessions held at Progress Associations.

There is also had a large online presence with thousands of concerned residents subscribing to website and Facebook groups opposing the development, they say.

“I ran as an Independent in the NSW government election in 2023 with the sole platform of protecting the land at Kariong as my motivation,” Bellamy said.

“As a complete unknown and first-time candidate, receiving 3.4 per cent of the vote reflected the electors’ support for protecting the environment at Kariong.

“There are endangered species on this block of land that must be protected.

“This is a very important issue for the natural environment and the local community alike.

“The failure of the planning portal to accurately capture public sentiment undermines the integrity of the entire process and raises questions about the adequacy of community consultation and the DPHI need to take this seriously.”

CEA spokesperson Jake Cassar said development plans need to be put on hold.

“To rectify these shortcomings and restore trust in the planning process, we as stakeholders are proposing a 12-month period for re-engagement with the community before reopening the plan for public exhibition,” he said.

“This extended timeframe will allow for meaningful consultation and ensure that all voices are heard.”

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure acknowledged in February that “some people may have experienced communication issues while making submissions on the Planning Portal” and extended the deadline for submissions slightly.

“The Department will ensure any submissions made by email which were unable to be lodged on the Planning Portal will be included as part of the normal process,” a spokesperson said at the time.

“The Independent Regional Planning Panel will then consider the proposal, including all submissions received during the initial public exhibition period and emails received up until Monday, February 12.

“A response to submissions is expected to be finalised by mid-2024.

“The Darkinjung LALC will still need to formally submit any potential development applications through Central Coast Council should the land be rezoned.

“This will be subject to a separate public exhibition process.”

Terry Collins