Council stands firm

Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean explained that council followed the required process, considered all submissions, undertook a detailed assessment, considered all the relevant legislation and approved the permit with conditions.

“Berrigan Shire Council is not reviewing the decision to grant approval for the Burma Rd development,” she said.

Cr Cornwell McKean said council did not expect the development would increase the cost of rates to Berrigan Shire residents.

“In any event, IPART (the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) sets an annual ceiling on rate increases,” she said.

“Major developments such as Burma Rd are built in stages over a number of years.

“Council will ensure the construction meets the requirements of the permit, including the 41 conditions.

“A number of these conditions require the developer to deliver infrastructure at its own cost or to make financial contributions to council for costs.”

After council approved the development at its general meeting on Wednesday, July 16, residents took to social media to express their frustration.

A petition, shared on social media and which at the time of writing had received more than 70 signatures, is calling for council to review the approval of the development and consider a lack of infrastructure and services, and the project’s impact on Tocumwal’s character.

Tocumwal resident Matt Miller said he felt council had not listened to the concerns he and other objectors raised throughout the community consultation.

“From the start, I don’t think any of our concerns were addressed,” Mr Miller said.

“I think they really need to review the decision they’ve made, and start taking into consideration some of the true implications of what they’ve done.

“I don’t think they’ve really thoroughly discussed it. It’s concerning that only two councillors objected to it, and they were the two Tocumwal councillors.”

Council documents show the estate will be developed in seven stages, with prices for dwellings in stage one beginning at about $480,000.

It is a figure expected to rise as houses are built closer to Tocumwal Golf Club.

Another resident, Lindsay Walsh, said it felt like community concerns were ‘noted’ rather than genuinely resolved.

“It feels like ... residents are left hoping things work out, without a clear channel to stay informed or raise issues if problems arise later on,” Ms Walsh said.

It comes after council in January voted unanimously to reject a 383-dwelling housing estate at Quicks Rd, Barooga.

But any comparisons between council’s decisions on both projects were inappropriate, Cr Cornwell McKean said, adding that council considered each development application on its merits.

“(Quicks Rd) was on rural zoned land, abutted large lots and did not have the same site characteristics when assessed against requirements,” she said.

“The Burma Rd application is on residential land. When assessed on its merits, it met the act, regulations, Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan.”

Cr Cornwell McKean rejected claims that council had failed to consult the community properly leading into the approval.

“Council undertook advertising and consultation regarding this application,” she said.

“This included traditional and social media, as well as direct correspondence to neighbours.

“Although not a requirement, council also arranged a consultation meeting so that the developer heard the community’s concerns first hand.”