SPACE

(Shellharbour Peoples’ Association for

Conservation and the Environment)

PO Box A125 Shellharbour NSW 2529

Mr Matt Brown MP

Member for Kiama

Terralong St

KIAMA 2533.

Dear Mr. Brown

I noticed in the press that the NSW State Cabinet would be visiting our area and meeting in Kiama on November 28^th 2005.

I am enclosing copies of two letters which we have sent recently to both Minister Frank Sartor and Minister Bob Debus outlining our concerns with regard to the proposed Shellharbour Marina and seeking a deputation to them on this matter.

Obviously, it would be excellent for all parties if we were able to meet with both Ministers when they are visiting the area.  I spoke with your Secretary Carol yesterday and she asked me to put our request to meet with the Ministers in writing and that you would then forward our request onto the Ministers concerned.

You are most probably aware of the issue of the proposed Shellharbour Marina, and also aware of the opposition within both the Shellharbour and wider community to this project.  It is now ten years since the Commission of Inquiry recommended to the Government that the project could go ahead. However, community and indeed government attitudes to coastal development have changed, and we would like to discuss this important matter with the relevant Ministers again.

We therefore request that you ask the Ministers to meet with a deputation from us when they visit our area on November 28^th.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Mairi Petersen

Email:  mairigeorgep@bigpond.com.au

MARINA CONSENT VALID....COURT VINDICATES COUNCIL

 

Shellharbour City Council has successfully defended a legal challenge in the Land & Environment Court mounted against the construction of the Shell Cove Marina.

The legal challenge was issued last year by opponents of the Marina, who were seeking to challenge the validity of consent for the $100 million component of the Shell Cove project.

Justice Talbot today found that development of the Marina had lawfully commenced and that consent for the project had not lapsed.

Council’s General Manager Brian Weir said today’s decision in the Land and Environment Court totally vindicated Council, and its project manager Australand, and clearly underlined that all procedures in the development were correct and appropriate.

“Today’s decision proves what Council has been saying all along – that we have followed due and proper process from the very beginning of this large and complex project,” said Mr Weir.

“Council was always confident that every detail of the project had been scrupulously planned and meticulously implemented to ensure we have a facility which is not only a great community asset, but one which complies with every standard,” said Mr Weir.

Mayor David Hamilton said he was sure the community would also be happy with the outcome as it confirmed that consent for the boat harbour was legally valid and had not lapsed.

“The $1 billion Shell Cove and Marina development is the single largest tourist-residential project ever undertaken by a local government authority in Australia,” said Cr Hamilton.

“Myimbarr is now nearing completion and marks a significant milestone in the project’s development.”

Cr Hamilton said Shellharbour City Council remained committed to the development of the project and just as committed to reconciliation with the Aboriginal community.

“Council has always actively worked with the local aboriginal community and we believe we have a respectful and genuine working with them,” he said.

“The Shell Cove Project remains the greatest opportunity for local aboriginal people in keeping their culture and history alive and vibrant for the next century.”

 

http://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?page=2801

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