Lismore News
The DA decision for Koalas stands!

The DA decision for Koalas stands!
Story by Lara Leahy
Image by Lara Leahy
There has been public and not so public debate surrounding an ecologically sensitive development proposed in Goonellabah.
Council discussed the latest developments at its ordinary meeting last week – whether to rescind the DA refusal. The strength of debate and popular opinion prevailed and the motion to refuse the DA, held strong.
Cr Gordon started discussion surrounding this issue in the defence position.
He spoke of the obligation of council and stakeholders to speak to the people and give feedback to the developer to provide them a “right of reply”.
“They’ve done that and now we have an obligation to them to discuss that in the forum of council. There are five pages of it, and it is supported, I think, by staff. Even our ecologist has looked at it.”
Cr Ekins requested that the councillors “hold firm” to the decision made on June 14th.
“The ecologist’s report that was just forwarded to me says that even though there are 20 koala trees that are being removed from the original 70, there is no indication in this document that supports the development at all. All they’ve said is that the revised layout presents an improved ecological outcome.”
Cr Ekins points out the road and sewerage infrastructure still positioned in the conservation area. She reminds attendants of the threat to koalas and their responsibility “that developments we approve need to adapt to the environment.” She points out that there is no detailed information on how the proposal will work or how it will impact on the koalas.
Cr Ekins indicates the dangers of “even considering” a DA that nearly doubles the number of houses originally planned and “seriously impacts” on the koala corridor in the environment zone.
“It smacks of greed to me,” and talks of the need for a “much better development that supports the koala population that we all say we value.”
Cr Rob spoke against the rescission.
“Last time I fought hard for the developer,” Cr Rob said.
“But I am a creature of procedure and habit and I like to dot my ‘Is’ and cross my ‘Ts’ and there’s a legal matter. I told council staff before this meeting that I can’t make a decision on this as it is sub judice. It’s because I can’t explain my reasons either way because I need to speak about what is currently before the court.”
Cr Rob went on to explain the legal matter has only risen since the last council meeting. He spoke about the amount of information and paperwork needed to be assessed to make an informed decision and concerns like the retention basin that has no overflow outlet that require attention.
Cr Guise agreed with Cr Ekins and Cr Rob and said it was “an untoward way of doing a complex development application. What we ‘ve had dumped on us at a very late stage are supposed significant modifications to development to satisfy these ecological concerns, yet we don’t have the sufficient time, expertise or ability for us to discuss these in a proper fashion in order for us to make a genuine decision that is equal to the gravity of what it means.”
He spoke of other issues including the half page summation the ecologist provided, a proposed 9 metre high retention wall and “traffic impacts that have not been addressed” and the inherent dangers associated with it.
“It’s not a good way to do council business.”
Cr Cook thanks the four councillors that have brought up valid points in the debate so far.
“I am concerned that the developers answer to our offer to have a chat about clarifying some of the issues, was “See you in court”. They’ve lodged an appeal against the refusal to challenge this council as to whether we will buckle under pressure. From negotiations, to straight to the lawyers. I don’t like that Mr Mayor. I don’t like threats from developers.”
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