At a meeting on Wednesday 19 February, convened by the South Tomaree Community Association, Tanya Martin addressed around 130 residents to outline significant concerns.

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“We don’t differ from the area’s many stakeholders on the importance of affordable housing,” she said.

“Our concerns instead relate to developments that have unacceptable likely impacts.”

The proposal in question was submitted to council in 2023 by developer AB Rise.

It sought the subdivision of four lots on Gan Gan Road into 47 Torrens Title lots, which would then be developed into a new housing estate.

This DA was refused by Port Stephens Council staff who cited 18 issues with the proposal including inconsistencies with Council objectives and inadequate details regarding environmental impacts.

Residents were informed at the meeting that the developer subsequently appealed the decision at the NSW Land and Environment Court, which led to a confidential conciliation process with Port Stephens Council staff.

The concern over this process, expressed at the community meeting, is that it has effectively sidelined local residents and representatives, making them feel that their concerns are going unheard.

“There was an onsite hearing with representatives from the community raising our concerns, but in hindsight, it’s hard to see it as anything more than lip service,” an STCA representative said.

“What confidence does that give the community for the next phase of the development or for any future development in Port Stephens?

“Is this another Lagoons Estate? Another failed Anna Bay Resort?”

The issues raised at the meeting largely align with the reasons Council staff gave in originally denying the DA.

These include the highly increased risk of flooding to neighbouring lots; adverse impacts to local biodiversity and wildlife habitat; and the significant logistical challenges of raising 125 ha by a further three metres.

“Assuming three metres of fill across 584 blocks, without even considering the access roads and other fill needs such as footpaths, it equates to 1.2million cubic metres of fill,” Ms Martin said.

“This is 120,000 truck loads.”

“With 50 trucks a day, it would take 2400 days or six-point-five years.”

“Apart from the disruption and noise pollution, the infrastructure costs would likely reduce any chance of it being affordable housing.”

Ryan Falkenmire, Section Manager Development and Compliance for Port Stephens Council said, “The decision regarding the Development Application for 263 Gan Gan Road has not yet been finalised.

“While the hearing has taken place, the final decision remains pending as it must be formally signed by the court.

“Until this process is complete, the decision is not considered final.

“Once the decision is finalised relevant stakeholders will be notified.”

Representatives of the developer were contacted but did not respond to requests for comment.

By Lindsay HALL