Lake Macquarie Council votes to scrap Bath St development
Lake Macquarie councillors voted to support the mayor’s motion to have a six-storey development at Toronto’s Bath street site scrapped to concentrate on other vital development for the city.
Newcastle
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While the decision to support a six-storey development proposal along Bath St on Toronto’s foreshore was made in ‘good faith’ two years ago, Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says it is now not the way to go.
Ms Fraser put forward a motion on Monday night’s council meeting urging councillors to pause and reflect on the next steps of the Toronto planning proposal and not proceed.
The motion was voted eight to four in favour, which means any further work will be deferred and investigation to commence on reclassification of the site into community land and for consultation with community on future planning of the site.
Ms Fraser said her backflip on the proposal was the result of dramatic changes happening across Lake Macquarie.
“Two years ago, when we went on this journey, there was lower investment in the city, there wasn’t a lot of confidence, we didn’t have developers investing in our city and we were trying to stimulate the market,” she said.
“We were a fairly new council and we made that decision not long after we were elected.
“We made it in good faith and it was the right decision then because we wanted to kick start the economy.
“Now we see bigger dollars and investment in our city, we can see what’s happening around the Boolaroo site, the Pasminco site, there’s a lot happening out at Morisset and our whole city is progressing forward.
“I don’t think council needs to be spending energy and resources in the development process for Bath street Toronto when we have so much development.
“I would rather see the staff resources go to that to get a better outcome and we should be looking at all our property portfolios.”
The change of heart has come after 15 months of continued pressure from the community and MP Greg Piper, who wanted the proposal scrapped.
Residents lobbied to see the land put back into community hands and called for an alternate proposal which included a public waterfront park with landscaped gardens, playgrounds, barbecue areas and a space for festival and pop-up cafes.
“I have been talking and listening to the community and I don’t think the consultation process was great over the last few years,” Ms Fraser said.
“Yes the community has been vocal and I do value their input.
“I’m focusing on the bigger picture for this city. Let’s reflect, let’s think about it let’s look at the last two years.”
Denying her decision to scrap the proposal was in any way shape or form influenced by the local MP.
“It was most unfortunate to have that political influence and intervention but no way does any state member influence my decision,” Ms Fraser said.
“I make the decision on the information in front of me, fully informed and on behalf of the residents and the interests of the community so I’m taking this step because I believe it is the right step.
“This is a turning point for us and we will have to write to the minister to ask for the site to be rezoned so it was an opportunity for me and other councillors to reflect what has happened over last two years.”
The Lake Macquarie MP was pleased with the result and that council is finally listening to the community on what they want.
“I’m very pleased council has vowed to rethink its plans for the Toronto waterfront,” Mr Piper said.
“Four and six-storey buildings on the Bath Street site are totally inappropriate in my opinion.
“I’m hopeful that the council can pursue a plan that is more in line with community expectations, and I’m more than happy to seek state assistance to see that come to fruition.”
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