THE Bellingen Labor Team has announced its opposition to the proposed Heartwood housing development in Bellingen due to safety concerns and a lack of support from local residents.

The development would have provided for 80 lots at the top of Endeavor Drive, Bellingen.

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Bellingen Shire Council candidate for Mayor and Councillor, Andrew Woodward, has written to local residents advising them of Labor’s position on the development.

“Labor candidates for the Bellingen Shire Council election are 100 percent opposed to the Heartwood development and will vote against it at every opportunity,” Andrew Woodward said.

“Labor does not support the Endeavour Drive rezoning and proposed Heartwood precinct subdivision because we consider it an unsafe development on a fire-prone ridge where there are bushfire containment and community evacuation difficulties.

“Further, the proposal is risky, with many significant associated adverse social and environmental impacts, and has the potential to permanently and adversely alter the character and culture of the locality.”

Some of these risks the Team state as bushfire risks, stormwater/ flood risks, landslip risks, risk of deforestation, adverse social impacts, as well as the inappropriateness of the housing development being a Community title with privately owned roads and areas, and the visual amenity of the development.

“The proposed 17ha clearcut being so high up on the southern escarpment, would compromise Bellingen’s scenic beauty,” Mr Woodward stated.

Mr Woodward said he and his Labor Team are committed to opposing the Heartwood development at every vote.

“We support development and measures to increase the supply of housing of all types – but not at any cost,” he stated.

“It has to be the right development in the right place.

“Heartwood doesn’t meet those criteria.”

By Emma DARBIN