CONCERNS the southern boundary of Gerringong could be further expanded into farmland was on the agenda during Planning Minister Pru Goward’s visit to Kiama.
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Ms Goward met with representatives from Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven Councils at Kiama council chambers on Thursday to discuss planning issues.
This included the state government’s Draft Illawarra Regional Growth and Infrastructure Plan, which sets a target of an additional 45,000 dwellings for the Illawarra region by 2031.
Topics discussed included concern regarding processes surrounding biodiversification, particularly in greenfield sites.
Kiama council has called for swift clarification after the release of the state government’s Draft Regional Growth and Infrastructure Plan again raised concerns that the southern boundary of Gerringong could be further expanded into farmland.
In 2011, fears that overdevelopment could eventually blur the boundary between Gerringong and Gerroa appeared to be put to rest when then NSW Planning Minister Brad Hazzard signed off on the latest Kiama Local Environmental Plan.
A proposal for an additional 500 housing lots at the southern end of Gerringong had been ruled out after an “overwhelming” number of objections.
However, a parcel in Gerringong’s south-west corner, a section of a site once proposed for a 365-site caravan and tourist park, remains undeveloped and zoned residential.
The government’s latest draft planning document has identified south Gerringong as a potential greenfield area.
“We will work with Kiama Council to review the potential of these areas, and to identify an appropriate boundary for the southern expansion of Gerringong, noting the importance of maintaining Gerringong and Gerroa as separate urban areas,” the document states.
Ms Goward said the councils had a few concerns with the draft plan she believed could be ironed out during the consultation process.
The Gerringong boundary was discussed extensively.
“Most councils like greenfield development, because it’s non-controversial, you’re not saying to neighbours, ‘I’m sorry, we’re going to have to put three storeys next to you and densify that block next to you’.
“Most councils prefer it because it’s less contentious in the short-term.
“I think this council recognises that greenfield development is just where you lose what people come here for, the beautiful open space, and actually you make service delivery more expensive.”
“I never want to see the southern boundary of Gerringong become the northern boundary of Gerroa,” Kiama MP Gareth Ward said.
Kiama Mayor Brian Petschler said it was his view the department did not see an extension beyond the Elambra estate, but it was “vague” about the southern boundary.
“We thought the issue was settled as a result of the last LEP… That’s it, done and dusted,” he said.
“So we don’t really understand why we’re revisiting that, if it means moving the southern boundary to the south.
“We think the boundaries are set down there, and we’re comfortable with them as they are.”
The Department of Planning and Environment will host community events during November to discuss the draft growth plan.
This includes one at Kiama Leagues Club on November 19 at 6.30pm.
Also discussed was the government’s proposal for “joint organisations”, announced in Fit for the Future, includes 15 proposed for regional NSW, such as one for the Illawarra which will represent Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven councils.
The Illawarra joint organisation will eventually replace the Southern Councils Group.
The four councils have agreed that the identified region be put forward as one of the areas to be treated as a joint organisation pilot area.
Ms Goward joked that she “got the message” with regard to the region’s joint organisation application.
She said the four councils were dedicated to working together, and was obvious they had a positive relationship.