Mayoral Column 18th June 2021
Published on 18 June 2021
Wakefield Park
On Tuesday next week we will hold an extraordinary meeting to determine DA 0117/2021 for alterations and additions to Wakefield Park. This meeting has been planned since December 2020, to allow the applicant the time to complete their development application and respond to submissions.
A report will be considered by council on the 22nd June; this report does recommend refusal due to a number of issues, including noise impacts.
As the determining authority for this application, council staff have an obligation to consider all factors and impacts, and then present a report to council for our consideration. This assessment is based upon the information council staff sought from the applicant, and the response we subsequently received.
In my opinion there is still work to do to achieve a fair outcome for both Wakefield Park and the community members living in that part of our region. As I foreshadowed earlier this week I have drafted an alternative motion to put to councillors next week. I am seeking that the development application be approved, subject to a number of conditions mainly focusing on noise impact.
A reminder that the Council meeting is open to the public next Tuesday, and we will make provisions for a large crowd by having seating available in our foyer if needed. If you would prefer to watch the meeting in the comfort of your own home you are also able to do this by the live stream on Council’s website.
Joint Statement – Jerrara Power
Today (Friday 18th June) I released a joint statement with NSW Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman regarding the proposed Jerrara Power waste to energy project near Bungonia.
We have listened to the proponent of the project, been involved in community consultation and also had meetings with concerned residents and groups such as the Jerrara Action Group.
Last week we had the opportunity to meet with NSW Minister for Planning & Public Spaces Rob Stokes, and during this we raised our strong concerns regarding effect on the environment, human health, biodiversity, toxicity, transport and water usage.
It is important to us both that Goulburn Mulwaree is not seen as an easy option for the dumping of Sydney’s waste.
I understand waste to energy projects may have a role to play in our waste economy moving forward as we can’t continue to rely on landfill, however if these projects cause no odour, environmental effects or other issues they can be built in Sydney closer to the main source of waste.
Goulburn Mulwaree is already home to a number of quarries, renewable energy projects and the Veolia Woodlawn Eco Precinct where another waste to energy project is proposed. It is unreasonable for our region to become the concentration point for Sydney’s waste issues due to our proximity to the City.
It is also important to note the motion put forward by Cr Ferrara at our meeting on Tuesday 15th June, which was supported by all councillors. This resolution stated will oppose any waste to energy and external waste facility proposals until the NSW Government develops a policy regarding these facilities setting out a number of environmental and community outcomes. The focus of the resolution was to ensure Goulburn Mulwaree does not become the dumping ground for Sydney’s waste. The full detail of this can be viewed in the minutes of that meeting.
Marys Mount Road – Water Main Construction
Council will be undertaking civil works for water main upgrades which will require trenching across Marys Mount Rd between Mistful Park Rd / Donnelly Cr and Brooklands Cct / Voyager Ave on Wednesday the 23rd June.
These works will involve having this section of Marys Mount Rd closed between the hours of 9am and 3pm on the 23rd June 2021. Traffic control and detours will be in place for the duration of these works, however if you require assistance please speak to the site traffic control officer or the site supervisor.
Key bridge upgrades approved
Some great news from Tuesday’s council meeting with the upgrade of two key bridge routes in our LGA being approved.
Councillors first approved a tender from GC Civil Contracting for $829,440 for the design and construction of Carrick Road Bridge. The existing bridge will be replaced by a new two lane concrete bridge to a width of 9m, including safety barriers.
We also approved a tender from Bridgeworks Australia for $3,027,972 for design and construction of the new Towrang Bridge. This is an important one, as Towrang is quite frequently cut off from the highway when we are hit by even minor flood events.
It will be replaced with a new two lane concrete bridge, 85 metres long and 4.5 metres higher than the existing bridge, creating a much more flood resistant route. It will also be 9 metres wide with safety barriers included.
Detailed design will now begin, and we expect physical work to start on both projects in the second half of this year.