THOSE concerned about the development of a resort in Killalea State Park can expect their voices to be heard loud and clear, now that the proposal has been granted major project status, Planning Minister Kristina Keneally said yesterday.
"The significance of the proposed development of Killalea State Park means it deserves a robustness and a whole of government approach that the major project legislation offers," the minister said.
Ms Keneally has declared that Killalea Coastal Investments' modified application for 106 accommodation lodges within two areas of the park would be determined as a major project under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
"The project is in a state park, on Crown land, is a relatively unique proposal on environmentally sensitive land ... it is an unusual project," she said.
"This makes it something that is state significant and deserving of greater assessment, wider community consultation and the scrutiny that will come with a 3A process."
Ms Keneally said the fact Shellharbour City Council was under administration had contributed to her decision to take over as the consent authority.
"The outcome is significant - not just for Killalea but other state parks."
The original resort proposal was to build 202 units, a conference centre, tennis courts, pools and restaurants in three areas of the park.
The revised proposal was lodged in August last year.
As for when the plans would be made available, Ms Keneally said the "ball is in the court of the developer".
"We are now waiting on them to lodge a revised preliminary assessment," she said.
Ms Keneally said she intended to visit the site once the preliminary assessment was lodged, and declared that the recently formed Planning Assessment Commission would also hold public hearings.
Save Killalea Alliance spokeswoman Mairi Petersen said the minister's decision to grant the proposed development major project status was a disappointment.
"But at least we know what we are dealing with now," Ms Petersen said.
Illawarra Mercury – 21 March 2009
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