$2bn Developments A Coastal Goldmine

Newcastle Herald

Monday August 20, 2007

DAMON CRONSHAW LAKE MACQUARIE

THE Lake Macquarie coastline from Catherine Hill Bay to Swansea has become a $2 billion goldmine for developers seeking to convert old mining leases and environmentally sensitive land into top-class housing.

Companies see an opportunity to develop a prime strip of coastal land, known as the Wallarah Peninsula, but many residents believe the plans will ruin the area's character.

Mining company Coal & Allied has $500 million plans to build 300 dwellings at Catherine Hill Bay, 700 dwellings at Gwandalan and 90 dwellings at Nords Wharf.

The Rose Group, formerly Rosecorp, intends to build 600 dwellings at Catherine Hill Bay and 312 dwellings at Gwandalan.

Planning Minister Frank Sartor struck a deal to hand the Rose Group and Coal & Allied development rights in exchange for them handing over large areas of land for a national park, leaving residents feeling disenfranchised.

Work has begun on the Stockland Wallarah Peninsula project, to include 2000 homes south of Swansea.

The project, worth $1 billion, has won residents' support for its eco-friendly design and thorough land studies.

In contrast, the Rose Group's $500 million plans have struck heavy criticism from residents and an independent panel, appointed by Mr Sartor, forcing Rose to revise them.

Coal & Allied has begun consultation over its plans and will hold a three-day planning forum, known as a "charette", at Rafferty's Resort this month.

The company has promised to pay catering and accommodation costs for all participants, which will include NSW Government and Lake Macquarie City Council representatives.

"We want to see this land used in a way that can deliver the most benefits for the community, yet preserve its character and heritage," Coal & Allied spokeswoman Fiona Nichols said.

Catherine Hill Bay Progress Association has been critical of the Rose Group's community consultation, which the group rejects.

Of Coal and Allied's charette, progress association president Sue Whyte said: "I feel as though we're being herded into a position".

"Coal & Allied are a mining company that has dealt with communities many times; they have a process in place that gets them the outcomes they want."

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home