Planning Panel withdraws permission to speak
Opponents of the sale of the Austin Butler reserve have been refused the opportunity to address the Local Planning Panel about the associated Planning Proposal.
Initially, told they may address the Panel, the permission was later withdrawn.
The Panel appears to have the power to hear community submissions but chose not to.
Mr Julian Bowker from the Peninsula Residents' Association and Woy Woy resident Mr Mark Ellis from the Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast branch were originally granted permission to speak.
However, before the meeting, Panel secretary Ms Lisa Martin advised them: "Upon further review of the item you wish to speak against, unfortunately Item 4.1 is not part of the Public meeting, therefore we are unable to process your Request to Speak at this time."
The Panel has not responded to a request by Mr Ellis to call a "public briefing meeting" which may be held "if the matter before the Panel attracts significant community interest".
People who wrote letters to the Panel were told after the meeting that the Panel was "just advisory" and was not decision-making.
They were told to apply to speak at the council's Public Forum, which has a limit of two speakers on any one topic.
It appears that at least twice this number of people either requested to speak or made a submission to the Panel.
The reply from the Panel stated: "The Panel's role in regard to Planning Proposals is to provide Council with advice, however Council is the decision-maker for them, not the Panel.
"The Panel has therefore asked me to provide a copy of your email to Council to assist it in its consideration of the matter.
"I understand a report on the matter is expected to be included on the Agenda for the Council's Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 26 September 2023, which is an opportunity for members of the public to address any concerns to Council, through the Public Forum.
"To be able to speak on this matter, you will need to complete a 'Request to Speak Form' which needs to be submitted by 10am on the day of the Council meeting.
"Further information regarding the Public Forum process, including permitted number of speakers is available in the Public Forum Policy.
"Should the matter progress, I am advised that you would also have another opportunity to have your say after the Department of Planning and Environment has reviewed any prepared Planning Proposal and approved same for progression in the rezoning process, at which time it would be opened for consultation and exhibition."
The minutes of the Panel meeting are not expected to be published until later this week.
SOURCE:
Local Planning Panel agenda 4.1, 14 Sep 2023