Formally banning brothels, mortuaries and video game arcades from the industrial area around the port of Port Kembla is part of a new State Government approach.
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The government is looking to make changes around what can be done at the state’s three ports, without any development consent and with limited consent – as well as tightening up what is not allowed.
It has put out a series of proposed amendments that include the areas of the ports the government leased out to private entities several years ago.
State Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said the changes would “streamline” operations at Port Kembla, Port Botany and the Port of Newcastle.
“Ensuring our ports operate efficiently is integral to protecting and strengthening the state’s economic future and the prosperity and well-being of NSW communities,” Mr Roberts said.
“Port Botany and Port Kembla are our key import and export gateways. The Port of Newcastle is the largest bulk port on the east coast of Australia.”
Among the changes includes clarifying the planning policy to formally prohibit a wide range of activities on land zoned SP1, which covers the inner and outer harbour and part of the landside areas.
READ MORE: Gas terminal planned for Port Kembla
“It is proposed to amend the land use table to identify the full list of uses which are prohibited in the SP1 zone, to ensure that inappropriate uses are not inadvertently permitted,” the government’s Explanation of Intended Effect stated.
The “inappropriate uses” of land around the harbour include amusement centres, sex services premises, “artisan food and drink industry”, a jail and a veterinary hospital.
Other changes include allowing the demolition of bulk liquid storage tanks without the need for a development application, as well as the switching of storage of one combustible liquid to another.
The installation of any pollution mitigation measures and environmental protection within the harbour will also be regarded as an exempt development.
Any loading or unloading bays for dangerous will continue to require development consent under the planning policy.
The government’s Explanation of Intended Effect document states these and other amendments are aimed to “promote the efficient development and operation of the ports, further supporting the ports’ contribution to the state’s economic activity”.
To view and comment on the Three Ports State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) Amendments visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au before November 1.
Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
