On Friday we published this story about a community protest art exhibition in Coolum. Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson got back to us with his response as follows: The exhibition is a means of people expressing their opinion. We are a free country and they are entitled to do that. But equally, they need to accept there are people with differing opinions who want to see a progressive Sunshine Coast - a future of opportunities. It would be remiss of council to totally dismiss a billion dollar investment without giving it full consideration. The council is not in a position to make a decision at present, but when it does, council will need to take a range of issues into account, including the views of the community, the impact on our environment and the long term economic benefit. Planning amendments do exist within the guidelines and occur regularly and it was the State Premier Campbell Newman who, upon returning from a trade mission to Japan in early 2014, made the original announcement that Sekisui proposed to develop the Yaroomba site. I reassure residents the community will be consulted regarding any proposed Planning Scheme amendment in relation to the Yaroomba site. As I have said publicly and in the media on many occasions, any Planning Scheme amendment, if it were to be proposed by Council, would need to go through a number of processes before an amendment was actually made. If a decision were made by Council to propose a Planning Scheme amendment, this will only start a process – throughout which the community has input. It does not amend the Planning Scheme at that time. Council will need to consult the Planning Minister and any proposed amendment that is subsequently released for public feedback would be just that - a proposed amendment. The community would then have the opportunity to make formal submissions which are required to be considered by council. If, after considering submissions, council were to decide to amend the Planning Scheme, it would once again be referred to the Planning Minister. These steps are required under legislation and will be “meticulously followed by council”. But as I have stated on numerous occasions, we are a long way from that point. ENDS
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 02:08:57 +0000
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