Media Release
During a 3-hour meeting, which was attended by around 250 people, the LEP was amended and debated by Councillors. Clr Larry Whipper expressed concerns about the way the process was being presented; he raised concerns that the document was packed with information that was difficult to debate in any meaningful detail.
Clr Whipper pointed out that he “ has been approached by many people in the community who have raised a number of questions about individual parcels of land and also the basic philosophy of the document. Like those people, I have some concerns about the fact that we seem to have lost the basic vision of the 2002 LEP”.
Unlike this version of the LEP, which almost completely constructed the previous draft almost completely influenced by the residents of the Shire from the ground up, by way of workshops which identified common themes and visions, which then became the basis for the future planning of the shire. Sadly the majority of current Councillors obviously did not share that vision.
My greatest concern for the current LEP is that there appears to be a lack of real protection for environment, it also appears to be light on Social infrastructure, like affordable youth friendly venues and activities. It appears due to the rigidity and generic nature of the planning templates, provided by the government does not allow appropriate environmental protections in place. It does not provide for innovative and sustainable development opportunities, nor does it utilize or expand on the advantages of promoting eco friendly business and development parks.
Clr Whipper also cited the push to get Wensleydale and Gibbergunyah back onto the agendas as highlighting the lack of vision or understanding about sustainable development shown by some Councillors. “ I am also worried that in spite of the Communities insistence that we retain our uniqueness as a shire, there are areas of the LEP that continually provide threats to the character of the Wingecarribee Shire”.
“In fact some of the clutter housing that has evolved incrementally overtime resembles the outer suburbs of Sydney rather than the tranquil Southern Highlands, citing the Big Box retailing establishments and the increasing numbers of traffic lights in the Shire as indicators that we are losing the plot, in terms of retaining the principles aesthetically pleasing and sustainable development and place based planning in our push”. I believe our real future lays in our ability to promote and sustain local business and sustainable housing opportunities that reflect our shared vision for the shire, while protecting our environment, cultural landscape and social conscience.
“I am glad to see the community taking such a strong and determined interest in the future of this shire, as expressed by the numbers at the last two public Council meetings”. Clr Whipper said. I trust we can harness this enthusiasm and that the LEP when it is finalised truly reflects the expectations and visions of the whole shire rather than a few interest groups.
During a 3-hour meeting, which was attended by around 250 people, the LEP was amended and debated by Councillors. Clr Larry Whipper expressed concerns about the way the process was being presented; he raised concerns that the document was packed with information that was difficult to debate in any meaningful detail.
Clr Whipper pointed out that he “ has been approached by many people in the community who have raised a number of questions about individual parcels of land and also the basic philosophy of the document. Like those people, I have some concerns about the fact that we seem to have lost the basic vision of the 2002 LEP”.
Unlike this version of the LEP, which almost completely constructed the previous draft almost completely influenced by the residents of the Shire from the ground up, by way of workshops which identified common themes and visions, which then became the basis for the future planning of the shire. Sadly the majority of current Councillors obviously did not share that vision.
My greatest concern for the current LEP is that there appears to be a lack of real protection for environment, it also appears to be light on Social infrastructure, like affordable youth friendly venues and activities. It appears due to the rigidity and generic nature of the planning templates, provided by the government does not allow appropriate environmental protections in place. It does not provide for innovative and sustainable development opportunities, nor does it utilize or expand on the advantages of promoting eco friendly business and development parks.
Clr Whipper also cited the push to get Wensleydale and Gibbergunyah back onto the agendas as highlighting the lack of vision or understanding about sustainable development shown by some Councillors. “ I am also worried that in spite of the Communities insistence that we retain our uniqueness as a shire, there are areas of the LEP that continually provide threats to the character of the Wingecarribee Shire”.
“In fact some of the clutter housing that has evolved incrementally overtime resembles the outer suburbs of Sydney rather than the tranquil Southern Highlands, citing the Big Box retailing establishments and the increasing numbers of traffic lights in the Shire as indicators that we are losing the plot, in terms of retaining the principles aesthetically pleasing and sustainable development and place based planning in our push”. I believe our real future lays in our ability to promote and sustain local business and sustainable housing opportunities that reflect our shared vision for the shire, while protecting our environment, cultural landscape and social conscience.
“I am glad to see the community taking such a strong and determined interest in the future of this shire, as expressed by the numbers at the last two public Council meetings”. Clr Whipper said. I trust we can harness this enthusiasm and that the LEP when it is finalised truly reflects the expectations and visions of the whole shire rather than a few interest groups.
No comments:
Post a Comment