May 2012 - Wollombi Valley Online

Dear Editor,
Issue 346 - Our Own News - May 2012
I am accumulating some colourful pamphlets published by the Progress Association that repeatedly predict threats to land values as
a consequence of the introduction of the new Cessnock template LEP.
There is no evidence to support these assertions. I have obtained valuations of Wollombi properties by respected registered valuers
during the period in which the Plans have been on exhibition and none support the claims published in OON or the Progress
pamphlets.
The Department of Planning rejected aspects of the LEP relating to Wollombi and Mulbring because the resolution by CCC
Councillors to abandon the environmental overlays was never exhibited and therefore did not comply with planning law. Those
overlays largely incorporate existing laws relating to soil, water and vegetation. So as not to delay the rest of the LEP the
Department adopted its normal practice of deferring these matters. Council will have to re-exhibit. I suggest that anybody who has
concerns arising from the delay consult a registered and insured Australian Legal Practitioner, preferably a specialist in planning law
accredited by the NSW Law Society, rather than rely on what Progress thinks a lawyer will say. Such expertise is available locally.
Generally, the law in NSW protects existing uses (and changes to existing uses) regardless of changes to zoning. In the past
Progress has supported scenic protection zoning for areas around Wollombi without any of the wild claims or controversy whipped
up over E3 (the old scenic protection). Gloucester Council is relying on existing E3 zoning that applies to their scenic landscape to
oppose the proposed open cut coal mine adjacent to their town.
Informed readers probably know that the Lower Hunter Regional Plan identifies the Wollombi Valley as rural and resource land. The
Strategic Regional Landuse Plan currently on exhibition identifies the Valley as highly prospective for gas and coal but the DoP has
no plans to quarantine Wollombi from mining, unlike the vineyards or horse studs. In my opinion, Progress would better serve local
land owners by looking at the bigger picture and toning down its scare campaign.
Warwick Biggs
Barrister & Solicitor
St Yves
tel: +61 2 4998 3205
fax: +61 2 4998 3203
mob: 040 998 3233
NSW CAMELLIA SOCIETY
On SATURDAY 14th and SUNDAY
15th July, 2012, the NSW CAMELLIA SOCIETY will be
holding their 43rd Annual CAMELLIA SHOW in the Auditorium
at Ravenswood School for Girls, Henry St, Gordon.
The Show will be open to the public from 1.30 to 5pm on
Saturday, and 11am to 4pm on Sunday. Admission is $5,
afternoon tea and lunch are available, and plants will be for
sale at special show prices.
Members of the NSW Camellia Research Society will be on
hand to help with information about camellias and their
culture, so if you would like your camellia flowers identified
this would be a good opportunity.
The venue of the show has changed over time, but for the last
few years has been held at Ravenswood School,. Their
auditorium complex makes a beautiful venue, and there is
w h e e l c h a i r a c c e s s .
Many members say their interest in camellias began after
visiting one of our Camellia Shows where there are over a
thousand beautiful blooms on display. There is also a Sogetsu
I k e b a n a d i s p l a y a n d a P h o t o g r a p h i c
Competition. Anyone can enter their blooms in the
c o m p e t i t i o n s , a n d d e t a i l s a b o u t
exhibiting will be in our show schedule on our web site.
Contact us on (02) 9489 4482 or 9653 1036, check out the
website: www.ns wcam elliasnsw.org, or email
n s w c a m e l l i a s @ h o t m a i l . c o m .
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts 6