A controversial residential development at Lot 2 Golden Valley Road, Jamberoo has been given the green light by Kiama Council.
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At last week’s meeting councillors resolved to support rezoning the site from RU2 Rural Landscape to R2 Low Density Residential, four votes to three.
Councillor Neil Reilly voted against the motion together with Crs Kathy Rice and Mark Westhoff.
“Nothing has changed since council last visited this matter,” Cr Reilly said.
“All of those here except for one, voted against, I think it would be contrary and it would provide little faith in our determination going forward, if we were to change our mind on something that hasn’t changed in itself. Plus it would show absolute contempt for the community we represent, given the strong opposition to this planning proposal.”
Cr Reilly said the development would provide no benefit to the community.
“It’s been proven, that no benefit to the town would result from this with regard to transport, pharmacy and commercial benefit, no improved amenity, the only benefit is to the proponent,” he said.
“Overwhelming popular opinion is that this proposal is not in the best interests of the village. There are substantial planning reasons to support that opinion, including breaches of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan and of the Kiama LEP.”
The Golden Valley Road proposal was originally put forward to council for endorsement in October 2016, at which time council resolved to defer consideration of the gateway proposal for one month to allow for community input.
The public exhibition process attracted received 141 objections and just seven in support of the proposal.
At its December 2016 meeting council resolved to reject the proposal, with the proponent submitting a request for a rezoning review in February 2017.
The Department of Planning and Environment granted a Gateway Determination for the proposal in August 2017.
The most recent public exhibition attracted 132 submissions, of which 114 objected to the proposal, with 18 in support.
Cr Warren Steel supported the motion alongside Cr Mark Honey, Don Watson and Mark Way.
“In December 2016, I was beaten here eight to one,” Cr Steel said.
“When you get beaten eight to one, you ask yourself ‘wow, am I out of step?’.”
At which point, Cr Reilly nodded emphatically.
“I think I was right and I think tonight will prove I am right,” Cr Steel said.
“I’ve listened to all the arguments and in my opinion the town is dying. The newsagency is battling, you need more shops otherwise you’re going to lose them, sure you’ve got Freddo’s, but that’s not going to save the town.
“The suggestion last night that Freddo’s be turned into a chemist shop was ridiculous.
“Can you imagine going in with something wrong and a little girl over the counter giving you a prescription? No thanks.
“The town needs to grow and I haven’t seen anything in all this time that’s changed my mind.”
Cr Steel stated “I gave my word to Geoff” and for that reason he was sticking with his original decision to support the proposal.
“In 22 years, I’ve never gone back on my word and I ain’t going to go back now,” he said.
Jamberoo Valley Residents and Ratepayers Association (JVRRA) committee members met following the decision and expressed their disappointment.
“The vote came despite the councillors having voted eight to one against the same rezoning proposal in 2016,” a JVRRA spokesperson said.
“Councillors had been presented with broad community evidence based on surveys, workshops and community meetings, that an overwhelming proportion of the Jamberoo Valley community did not support the proposal.
“We will keep working to preserve the village atmosphere of our beautiful valley, and to support a viable local agricultural industry.”