Lizard Rock: Liberals block Belrose development to defuse Teal threat

The highly controversial plan to build 450 homes in bushland on Sydney’s Northern Beaches will not go ahead now, with the Coalition pledging to stop the Lizard Rock project if re-elected.

The highly controversial plan to build 450 homes in bushland on Sydney’s Northern Beaches will not go ahead now, with the Coalition pledging to stop the “Lizard Rock” project if re-elected.

In a move to help retain at least three Liberal seats under threat from independents, the Coalition has declared it will not allow the Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council (MALC) to develop its 70 hectare site.

Lizard Rock is one of nine sites totalling 912 hectares owned by the MALC on the Northern Beaches.

In December last year, a Planning NSW panel ruled the proposal had merit and could proceed to a “Gateway determination” despite more than 1100 public submissions­ received when the initial development plan became public.

Multiple petitions have since been circulated, with candidates participating in rallies to stop the proposal.

The Lizard Rock development on Sydney’s northern beaches is highly controversial. Picture: AAP

The four Liberal candidates for the seats of Pittwater, Wakehurst, Manly and Davidson have also been opposed to the plans but were being portrayed as responsible for it.

The move to clear about 45 football fields-worth of bushland to build as many as 450 homes was cited as the key reason Wakehurst independent candidate Michael Regan decided to run for parliament.

Teal independent Jacqui Scruby — an environmental lawyer hoping to seize the Liberal seat of Pittwater — has also made stopping Lizard Rock a key part of her campaign and has the backing of federal Teal Dr Sophie Scamps.

By developing the site, the MALC wants to generate hundreds of millions of dollars to help support programs for ­Aboriginal people, including with social housing.

Dr Scamps has suggested the land be turned into an ­“Aboriginal-owned national park” with a “knowledge and visitors centre”.

Other Liberal seats potentially impacted by this intervention include Manly, where Environment Minister James Griffin is being challenged by Teal Joeline Hackman.

In confirming the government would not support the proposal, Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said he had heard the voices of the community “loud and clear”.

“As Minister I have always advocated for the right developments in the right place with community support, particularly in keeping with local character,” he said.

“I have heard loud and clear the community’s concerns about the appropriateness of the rezoning application for Lizard Rock by the MALC.

“The concerns raised by the community in relation to bushfires, critical infrastructure and density of the application cannot be overlooked.

“As such, if the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is re-elected, we will not allow the rezoning application for Lizard Rock to proceed.”

Liberal Wakehurst candidate Toby Williams declared the pledge a “great outcome for our community” while Liberal candidate Rory Amon, who is hoping to win Pittwater, said the move would protect the pristine bushland “for future generations.”

FIGHT OVER LIZARD ROCK TAKES VICIOUS TWIST

A highly contentious housing development on the Northern Beaches is rapidly turning into an issue that could decide the local seat – and even the fate of the state ­government.

Northern Beaches Mayor and now independent candidate for Wakehurst Michael Regan has made blocking the Lizard Rock housing development a pivotal issue.

Now Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Nathan Moran has accused Mr Regan of engaging in paternalism, or speaking down to and on behalf of Indigenous people.

“It’s an affront when non-Aboriginal people say they know what’s best for us,” Mr Moran said.

Nathan Moran from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mr Moran said the majority of the Aboriginal community and the community at large is in support of the development, which would see Native Title bushland turned into 450 dwellings and an Indigenous cultural centre in Belrose.

Mr Regan, who had two of the federal Teal MPs at his campaign launch, is seen as a genuine threat to taking the seat from the Liberals now long-serving MP Brad Hazzard has retired.

“We are indeed ultimately the body representing all ­Aboriginal people, so when people make claims that their Aboriginal community doesn’t support us, it’s factless, it’s lies,” Mr Moran said.

While the Land Council said its development will increase affordable housing in the area and still preserve sacred sites, Mr Regan claims it will decimate bushland and put houses in bushfire zones.

In response to accusations of paternalism, Mr Regan said he “felt for Mr Moran” for being out of touch.

“(Mr Moran) is out of touch with local Aboriginal people living here on the Northern Beaches. He doesn’t reflect nor represent their view, particularly on this development,” Mr Regan said.

“Whether it’s the Aboriginal Land Council, Landcom, a big commercial developer or a mum and dad application proposing this overdevelopment, I and the community will not support it.”

Last week Mr Regan told The Sunday Telegraph, if elected, he will offer support to whatever party vowed to bring an end to the project.

The Lizard Rock project will now proceed to a Gateway ­decision, which will decide if the plans proceed to public ­exhibition.

The Land Council expects construction could begin as early as this year.