The Central Coast Community Better Planning Group (CCBPG) is urging refusal of an amended State Significant Development Application for the Kariong Sand and Soil Supplies facility at 90 Gindurra Road, Somersby, saying concerns raised by more than 1,300 community members have not been adequately addressed.
The move follows concerns raised two weeks ago by Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, that Somersby was set to become a “dumping ground” for Sydney’s waste with several waste recycling facilities proposed for the area.
CCBPG spokesperson Gary Chestnut said the Kariong Sand and Soil Supplies proposal, under consideration by the NSW Planning Department, represents an air and water pollution risk well in excess of any potential economic benefits.
“The project’s proximity to significant waterways, ecologically endangered communities and regionally significant vegetation, at least three schools, a specialist dance college, Riding for the Disabled, preschools, farms, community playing fields, a youth detention centre, Mount Penang Parklands and a significant residential area, must be considered when weighing up its merit,” Chestnut said.
He said in a detailed submission to the Department, the group had detailed at least 12 examples of how the applicant had failed to adequately address EPA concerns about the proposal.
“This SSD is one of five similar projects either already in operation, or proposed, for the Somersby plateau,” Chestnut said.
“The aggregate impact of the expansion of waste management businesses in the Somersby area would see around one million tonnes of waste processed in the suburb per annum.”
CCCBPG has also written to Central Coast Council regarding another DA, for a warehouse and distribution facility at 83 Gindurra Rd, expressing concerns it is a “watered-down version” of a State Significant Development for a massive waste management facility that is inappropriate for Somersby.
Source:
Media release, Oct 6
Central Coast Community Better Planning Group