This afternoon several CRED members are meeting with the Ward Three Councillors. I will be raising these concerns with them:
Tallawarra – What’s the TRUth?
- Summary states there are “No impediments” to development (I can see several), specifically for the “employment lands”.
- Projected jobs do not outweigh population increase (these are “employment lands”) – thus this development will increase unemployment.
- Endangered Ecological Communities are threatened and there is marked degradation caused by TRU’s involvement from the 2000 LEP assessment to now. How did this happen?
- The employment strategy relies on the insane notion of “matching” residents to employment in the development (debunked by UOW Academic Scott Burrows).
- Visual/scenic aspects are noted but not demonstrated (i.e. preserve ridgeline). The location of housing with 9m building heights seems to indicate the ridgeline and visual character will be obscured, except for surrounding high locations like Lake Heights/Mt Warrigal. Where’s the geometric modelling?
- Report states “Staging is not definite” however TRU have stated in CLG meetings they intend to develop the Northern Residential precinct first then other areas “as able”.
- The “Employment Lands” are on contaminated, Geotechnically challenging sections, thus unlikely to ever be developed.
- Noise and the “red light disco” dictate hermetically sealed, air conditioned boxes. What are the lifestyle and energy impacts?
- Water quality implications: The Northern precinct discharges stormwater direct to lake + sewerage uses “controlled release” due to capacity restraints. How will this affect Lake Illawarra?
- TRU are seeking to minimise development contributions arguing services will be supplied by the adjoining areas.
Also –
- Why do TRU refuse to release the Community Survey about preferred use of Tallawarra Lands?
- Why have alternative, environmentally friendly options not even been considered? (i.e. Carbon sink, biobank, agricultural reserve etc)
TRU have been running a spectacular PR exercise on this from Day 1 while controlling the process, free from oversight. Don’t be fooled. Look very closely at this proposal. While promising “jobs and homes” – the net effect is likely to be:
- Most of the residential precincts will be developed, a small amount of employment area will proceed with a significant amount indefinitely deferred or abandoned due to constraints.
- A greater increase in population than sustainable jobs.
- Unaffordable housing
- Loss of an environmental asset
- A net drain on the Illawarra’s economy.
So to our elected representatives:
Ask the hard questions and do whatever it takes to get this right.
At the very least – insist the employment lands are developed first.
Ken Davis – 042 525 4680
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