Threats of ICAC Inquiry Welcomed: Mayor

August 20, 2007: Mayor Tony Allen has welcomed a resolution from a Bermagui public meeting to refer Council’s actions in a rezoning application for Wallaga Lake to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

“I am totally confident of Council’s processes in adopting its position on Wallaga Lake. We have been open and transparent in our decision-making,” Cr Allen said.

“I believe this Council will be fully vindicated, if in fact an inquiry takes place. If there are no grounds for an inquiry I would expect at a minimum that a formal apology is given to this Council by the movers of the resolution.”

Cr Allen said the Wallaga Lake decision supported Council’s planning staff recommendations, and the matter has been referred to the Department of Planning for a final decision.

“In all this debate, it seems to have been forgotten or ignored that the umpire in this case is the Department of Planning.

“Council has received no application to build on that land, it is a case of supporting a rezoning application that will eventually be determined by the Minister for Planning Frank Sartor.”

Cr Allen said the NSW Department of Planning had clarified the steps that needed to be taken before any final approval is given to rezoning.

This included:

• Consideration by the Department of Council’s Bermagui Structure Plan, which would set the framework for future development in the area, including around Wallaga Lake;
• Preparation and consideration of relevant environmental studies;
• Consideration by the Department’s Local Environmental Plan Review Panel as to whether the proposal should proceed;
• Consultation with relevant Government agencies, including NSW Fisheries; and then
• If the proposal is deemed adequate, approval by the Department for Council to exhibit the rezoning proposal for a minimum of 30 days.

“Our planning staff will continue to liaise with the department throughout this process on the relevant planning issues associated with the area,” Cr Allen said.

“There is no doubt that the issue of future development in the Bermagui and Wallaga Lake area is contentious, and it has divided the community, however I reiterate that any decisions pertaining to rezonings are to be made by the Minister.

“The weekend’s resolution has not only put into doubt the professionalism and credibility of the whole Council, but the professionalism of staff which is an indictment on the massive amount of work that has gone into meeting community needs, expectations and the future growth of the area.
“Council’s processes have been sound, reached with a massive amount of community consultation and working within the framework of the South Coast Regional Strategy.

“To suggest that some Councillors have been dishonest and corrupt during this extensive program of preparing the Bermagui structure report is nonsense and I personally support any investigation knowing that we have acted in a transparent and open manner throughout this exhaustive process.”