MidCoast Council provides the following statement in relation to an ABC 4 Corners episode that looked at a proposed development in the Hawks Nest area.
The story looked at possible connections between the Obeid family and a planning proposal next to the Hawks Nest golf course.
The planning proposal sought to:
- amend the current zoning from RE1 – Public Recreation to R3 – Medium Density Residential;
- impose a maximum floor space ratio of 1:1;
- amend the height of buildings from 8.5m to 12m;
- impose a minimum dwelling density of 30 dwellings/ha; and
- impose a minimum lot size of 1Ha.
These are the standard development controls for the R3 – Medium Density zone in Great Lakes LEP 2014 and are consistent with the neighbouring golf course land.
A Planning Proposal must be considered by Council in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.
The planning proposal was also required to meet all obligations in relation to Council's Planning Proposals and Development Control Plan Applications Policy.
Reports in relation to the proposal meeting these obligations were presented to the elected body of Council at public meetings on the following dates:
- 27 February 2019 Ordinary Meeting
- 26 August 2020 Ordinary Meeting
- 28 April 2021 Ordinary Meeting
- 22 September 2021 Ordinary Meeting
Consultation with the community on the Planning Proposal took place between 16 November 2020 and 5 February 2021. The feedback from this exhibition period was reported to the elected Council at the 28 April 2021 meeting. At this meeting the Council resolved to adopt the planning proposal and effectively rezone the land.
The planning proposal has not yet been formalised as Council is still waiting for approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, which is likely to be provided by the end of this year.
It is important to note that no application has been received for any development on this site, and that a development application cannot be lodged until the land is formally rezoned.
Issues raised in the episode regarding potential conflicts of interest are a matter for the individual identified.
