Northern Beaches Hospital precinct plans delayed again as government departments squabble

HOMEOWNERS  have been “left in a twilight zone”, according­ to Wakehurst MP Brad Hazzard who criticised yet another delay in the planning process around the Northern Beaches Hospital.

The Northern Beaches Hospital site in Frenchs Forest. Picture: Annika Enderborg.

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HOMEOWNERS  have been “left in a twilight zone”, according­ to Wakehurst MP Brad Hazzard who criticised yet another delay in the planning process around the Northern Beaches Hospital.

More than 15 months after the precinct plan — which will reveal rezonings around the Frenchs Forest hospital — was scheduled for release the council has announced a report revealing plans had been removed from Tuesday night’s meeting agenda.

In a statement late Thursday administrator­ Dick Persson said numerous­ government departments were unable to agree on the best way forward­, creating more delay.

“Ultimately, Council cannot finalise the draft structure plan without their agreement,” Mr Persson said. “While Council has been working continuously with these departments, we have been unsuccessful in reaching agreement about the best way forward.”

Brad Hazzard during question time in the Legislative Assembly. Picture: Cameron Richardson.

The council was unable to give a time frame of when planning may be finished for the precinct. “This is a complex matter and any increase in the density of the precinct has major financial implications for a number of the agencies involved­.”

Mr Hazzard said it was time for the council to stop playing the blame game.

“I am extremely frustrated that the council and the public servants in the various government agencies have not been able to come to some agreement that they can then bring to the ministers for further consideration,” he said.

Mr Hazzard said he and Planning Minister Rob Stokes had previously sent a message loud and clear to all involved parties that “the community are entitled to have clarity around what will happen in the vicinity of the hospital.”

Government has delayed again the plans revealing what areas around the new Northern Beach hospital will be rezoned. Picture: Dave Swift.

Preyesh Odhavjee amalgamated properties with nine others in Karingal Cres, Frenchs Forest more than a year ago.

“It is very frustrating we are coping the brunt of the noise and the illegal parking (from workers) in the street,” he said

“We have kids that need to go to school, we have got to work out where that might be, we have got to work out where to live and it is not a pleasant place to be in this common limbo.”

In his statement, Mr Persson indicated that the location­ and type of a new or enhanced education facility was at least partially causing the delays.

“It is imperative that both the existing and future population of Frenchs Forest have access to suitable high quality facilities and services. “In good conscience council cannot put forward a Draft Hospital Precinct Structure Plan that does not provide for an appropriate level of infrastructure.”

Northern Beaches Council administrator Dick Persson. Picture: Troy Snook

THE STORY SO FAR

September 2014: Project launched with flyers

November 2014: Warringah Council holds community workshops looking at the future land use

April 2015: Draft hospital precinct structure plan expected

June 2015: Council works with govt to address transport and road infrastructure

July 2015: More detailed transport assessment needed

January 2016: Govt asks for further detailed evaluation of scenarios

March 2016: Council resumes draft precinct structure plan after transport study approved

April 2016: Draft plan being finalised and due in May/June 2016

July 2016: Five govt agencies ask for the plan

September 2016: Report to Northern Beaches Council delayed again, with no future time frame