DHA managing director Barry Jackson reveals it has withdrawn court appeal against council; will restart Mount Lofty development
Defence Housing Australia has revealed in senate estimates it has withdrawn its court appeal against the Toowoomba Regional Council’s decision to reject a controversial housing estate in Mount Lofty.
Development
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DHA managing director Barry Jackson revealed during hearings last night the organisation would instead restart the planning process to address key issues the councillors found with the proposed 50-lot development along Martini St.
When asked by Labor Senator Tim Ayres about the status of the appeal, Mr Jackson said it had already started negotiations with council officers.
“The reason we did withdraw it as of today, is the relationship we’ve had with the council has been very good and continues to be so and we believe that there is an opportunity to continue those discussions without the procedural requirements of an appeal process to come to an agreement,” he said.
“At which point in time we will then submit a new development application if we believe the council will support it.
“As part of the notice of rejection, the council identified four or five issues that they were seeking further clarification on.
“Obviously the most dominant one is the bushfire (risk) and there are some concerns around increased traffic and some ongoing contamination potentially.”
If a new application is submitted, this would be the third attempt from DHA to approve a housing estate on the old rifle range.
After scrapping a massive subdivision of between 340-360 lots last year, the organisation returned with a 50-lot subdivision that was voted down unanimously by councillors.
Senator Ayres said the news would likely cause uncertainty among community members, and asked about whether DHA was planning more community consultation.
But Mr Jackson did not confirm it would do so, saying it was a matter for the council as to whether public consultation was necessary.
“I’m keen, as are the council, to progress — we’ve had a preliminary consultation on Friday and I’m hopeful we’ll have discussions as soon as next week,” he said.
“Whether that will result in community consultations will be determined by the council.”
