The Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel will host ‘‘a public briefing meeting’’ on the Shellharbour City Hub in response to the large number of submissions received on the controversial development.
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The meeting will be held at 4pm on Thursday, August 28, in the Tasman Room at the Shellharbour Club.
Plans for the hub attracted 87submissions during the development’s public exhibition process in June and July.
A breakdown of submissions showed 27 objected on the grounds of the facility being too lavish and extravagant, while 36 submissions suggested Lamerton House or the council facilities at Warilla should be refurbished and expanded instead.
Ten submissions raised objections on the grounds of non-compliance with council’s DCP requirements for parking, car park design and traffic and access-related issues.
Independent consulting firm Helen Mulcahy Urban Planning was appointed by the council to prepare the assessment report on the application, to be presented to the JRPP at a later date.
Chair of the Southern JRPP, Pam Allan, said the public briefing on August 28 would not determine the application for the hub.
However, Ms Allan said it was expected that issues raised by people at the briefing would be addressed in the final report to be presented at the determination meeting, which would be held at a later date.
People wanting to address the JRPP on August 28 will need to register with the Regional Panels Secretariat before 4pm on Tuesday, August 26, on 92282060 or email lisa.foley@planning.nsw.gov.au.
Meantime, Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said she would be standing down from the JRPP when the council’s City Hub project was due to be determined.
In March, Cr Kellie Marsh said the council’s decision to involve an external, independent assessor would mean little if Cr Saliba retained her position on the deciding panel.
The panel consists of three state government representatives and two council representatives.
Under the JRPP code of conduct, the Mayor is not required to withdraw from the panel.
After initially refusing to step aside, Cr Saliba said she had now decided to opt out of the JRPP process.
‘‘First of all, I felt it was my duty to be on the panel as a council representative,’’ Cr Saliba said.
‘‘I have decided to reserve my opportunity to participate in the process once the plans are approved. It also removes the council from the process and makes it clear to people there is no attempt to unduly influence decisions.’’
The proposed multi-purpose community and civic facility will be located at the corner of College and Cygnet avenues in the Shellharbour City centre.
The development includes an administration centre, library and museum, civic square, auditorium, community and sessional meeting rooms, cafe and council chambers.
The council expects to consider awarding a construction contract in October, subject to the outcome of the development application and proposed sale of council assets.
A 10,000-signature petition opposing the hub will be debated in State Parliament on November 13.