GREENS MLC David Shoebridge has visited Nelson Bay and delved into the issues of built height for the CBD, The Nelson Bay Strategy, the LEP and the proposed Colonial Ridge development.

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The Minister noted that with no transition to height from the residential area to the CBD that the town would be overshadowed from the Western side particularly in winter.

David Shoebridge told News Of The Area, “If the development proceeds with 10 storey development throughout the town the amphitheatre of trees will be gone, creating an urban canyon.”

He believes that it is imperative that after the change to the Crown Land Act last year which allows for the transfer of crown land to councils that something is put into place to ensure spaces like the Nelson Bay Foreshore parkland shown as two storey in the Nelson Bay Strategy are protected and stay as community land.

At present, after transfer from crown land to council community land it is possible for councils to rezone land and sell it off.

“The greens are requesting a caveat be placed on all crown land transferred to local councils so that these spaces cannot be sold or rezoned.”

The issue of the Nelson Bay Strategy and separate LEP which are on display is that under the proposed LEP clause 4.6 has no limitations and is LGA wide.

There is potential for Council to add to clause 4.6 to ensure that buildings do not exceed certain heights, in specific areas and have design excellence and offer significant public benefit to justify any variation to the development over planning issues such as height.

He believes that 10 storeys across the whole of the CBD as outlined in the current strategy on exhibition is an example of bad planning.

“It is out of keeping with the character of the town.”

The LEP once adopted will be valid across Port Stephens.

“Residents should be sceptical of policy that is LGA wide,” he said.

Mayor Ryan Palmer told News Of The Area, “ I’d welcome a discussion with any visiting member of parliament to get the facts around strategies that council has worked with community on over a long period of time.”

“Members of the Greens have told me openly that they are running a scare campaign on heights at Nelson Bay,” he said.

By Marian SAMPSON