Kariong residents oppose fast food development plan near school

Independent candidate for Robertson at the May 3 Federal election, Lisa Bellamy, addressed an on-site hearing of the Land and Environment Court on April 7 regarding a proposed development at 5 The Avenue, Kariong.

The development has long been the cause of controversy.

An application for a six-lot subdivision within Mount Penang Parklands was rejected by the Local Planning Panel in November 2023.

It had been referred to the Panel after 88 submissions were received by Central Coast Council, 86 of them objecting to the proposal.

The matter is now before the Land and Environment Court, with developer Parklands Kariong Development Pty Ltd taking on Council.

Bellamy was one of a group of concerned residents to attend the on-site hearing.

Speaking on behalf of the Kariong Progress Association, Bellamy told the court the group opposed the proposed commercial development due to serious environmental, community and planning concerns.

“We want to make it clear; we are not opposed to development,” she said.

“We welcome proposals that are compatible with the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan (LEP), support the surrounding educational precinct, and enhance the unique character of the area.

“Development should serve our community, not just corporate profit margins.

“Instead of fast-food outlets and tyre shops, we would like to see a medical or allied health centre, sports or physiotherapy facilities to support the nearby sports college, a community or wellness centre, a PCYC style youth centre, environmentally sustainable and low-impact businesses that complement eco-tourism, or affordable housing and mixed-use developments that address homelessness and support vulnerable community members.”

Bellamy told the court the region’s youth deserve opportunities that foster their health, wellbeing, and future potential.

“Fast-food outlets do not serve the needs of our youth; they contribute little to building a healthy, active lifestyle and offer minimal career pathways,” she said.

“What we need are developments that provide meaningful, long-term opportunities for our children—whether that’s through sports, education, or community engagement.”

Bellamy said the proposed development could see significant tree loss and biodiversity impacts, increased traffic congestion on the Central Coast Hwy, incompatibility with nearby schools and educational precincts, damage to the area’s reputation as an eco-tourism destination, and visual and cultural degradation at the gateway to the Central Coast.

“The proposal includes three fast-food outlets,” she said.

“While some locals rightly point out the need for employment, these businesses typically offer a limited number of part-time or casual positions.

“We believe Kariong deserves better – high-quality, meaningful employment that reflects the talents and aspirations of our community.

“We also urge all levels of government to reflect on priorities: should we be approving developments that benefit large multinationals when local families face housing insecurity?

“We would like to be part of a future that meets real local needs.”

Bellamy said the proposal contradicts the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan and disregards previously endorsed traffic planning.

“It also fails to align with the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036, which promotes sustainable development, the protection of environmental assets, and place-based planning that supports community identity and wellbeing,” she said.