Nineteen new lots at Mossy Point, and the removal of fire risk and biodiversity overlay maps are part of Eurobodalla Shire Council’s proposed Rural Lands Strategy.
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Councillor Anthony Mayne questioned both moves at the June 26 Eurobodalla Shire Council meeting.
“When I read the reports council has chosen to not fully accept, I thought it would be good to ventilate with the community why the council has chosen to adopt some recommendations and not others,” he said.
“The RFS (Rural Fire Service) says bushfire protection is best dealt with via the Local Environment Plan, not development applications.
“No-one likes a surprise. Why see a level of ambiguity with the removal of the overlay maps?”
Planning and sustainability director, Lindsay Usher, said landowners were well-informed of the bushfire risks of their properties – and the position of the RFS towards the council’s strategy was unique.
“A very large proportion of Eurobodalla is identified as bushfire prone,” Mr Usher said.
“At the time of purchase it must be identified on the certificate. It is also available on online planning tools and when making development enquiries.
“I am not aware of this level of regulation or position taken with any other LEP – i.e. in Bega,” he said.
“Referring to the requirement that sealed roads must be standard for access – they have not requested that standard in the past.
“The information they wanted was not possible to provide.”
Cr Mayne said he appreciated Mr Usher’s difficulties, but thought the future impact of the strategy remained unclear.
“We have a lot of development going on in our shire,” he said.
“How is the Rural Lands Strategy considered in relation to ongoing development?
“My understanding is there is a block in Mossy Point with 19 lots on it. This is a beach-side suburb.”
Mr Usher said the council planned to preserve villages and open areas, while providing housing choices.
“There is always an interface between urban and rural areas and you’ve just described a situation in which that exists,” he said.