Lyn Saxton steps down as president of Development Watch community group
The woman who, with her organisation, spent years fighting several Sunshine Coast development applications including the Sekisui House proposal in Yaroomba has passed on her mantle.
Sunshine Coast
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A community stalwart has decided to pass on her mantle after almost a decade of advocacy and dedication to preserving the beauty and liveability of the Sunshine Coast.
Lyn Saxton, the now former president of Development Watch, has stepped down from her role after almost nine years.
Ms Saxton will continue to volunteer with the group as a legal officer and former executive committee member Brian Anker took on the position of president on Thursday, June 13.
Ms Saxton was also given a lifetime membership award for her services.
In her nine years as president, Ms Saxton has spoken out for development planning outcomes on behalf of residents, the most prominent being the group’s fight against the former proposal by Sekisui House for high-density seven-story buildings in Yaroomba.
After years of persistence and court battles, the site was sold to Dennis Family Corporation, which was an ideal outcome for the group.
Ms Saxton was also dedicated to opposing the Twin Waters West development, which was approved, to preserve flood plains as well as the former Bunnings proposal at Barns Lane, Coolum Beach.
Ms Saxton said she had been with the group for about 12 years, first as secretary prior to her work as president.
The main catalyst for the change was the induction of councillors committed to listening to the community, Ms Saxton said.
She also would have not stepped down without knowing the group would fall into good hands.
Ms Saxton said Mr Anker had life experience and his own consulting business, had previously worked with state developments and was professional and intelligent.
Ms Saxton described herself as exhausted after battling developers “pushing boundaries of the planning scheme” and looked forward to her new role on the committee.
“It’s not easy so it does tend to take its toll on you,” she said.
Stepping down was not an easy thing to do and she acknowledged other committee members for their support.
“My only parting wish is to developers to respect communities and their planning schemes,” Ms Saxton said.
Mr Anker described Ms Saxton as a “human dynamo” who put her all into protecting the community.
“She is totally dedicated and has tenacity when it counts, so you want her on your side, but very importantly she is honest, open and caring,” he said.
Mr Anker said stepping into his new role was “exciting” but there were big boots to fill.
Ms Saxton and her husband Matt can now relax after fighting “large multinationals and your own council at times”, Mr Anker said.
Mr Anker said the goals of Development Watch would not change and he hoped to work in partnership with the council to deliver the new town plan and monitor any possible overdevelopment.
The group will focus on some “big ticket items” in the future including Clive Palmer’s proposed car museum at the Yaroomba Palmer Coolum Resort and preserving flood plains.
Sunshine Coast Council’s deputy mayor and councillor Maria Suarez acknowledged Ms Saxton for offering her submissions and feedback on behalf of the community.
Councillor Taylor Bunnag also commended Ms Saxton for fighting “tirelessly” to protect the character of the Sunshine Coast.
“She is truly a person who has shaped the Yaroomba community for the better,” Mr Bunnag said.
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