Opponents protest against Kangaroo Bay development before council vote

CLARENCE residents made a show of force ahead of a council meeting on the future of the Kangaroo Bay development.

Dennis Keats, of Howrah, joined residents outside the Clarence Council meeting to protest against the proposed Kangaroo Bay development. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

CLARENCE residents made a show of force ahead of a council meeting on the future of the Kangaroo Bay development.

About 80 locals protested outside Clarence City Council chambers, chanting “Save Kangaroo Bay” as aldermen walked in before a vote on a second development application for the project.

MORE: WATERFRONT LAND SOLD OFF FOR $2.4M

The $50 million development of a hotel and hospitality training school by multibillion-dollar Chinese petrochemical company Shandong Chambroad and Robert Morris-Nunn’s Hunter Development was approved by the council in January.

But a second application has been put forward to address concerns raised by residents.

MORE: LOCALS SATISFIED AT CHANGES TO PROPOSAL

An artist’s impression from the second development application for Kangaroo Bay. Image: Circa Morris-Nunn

Local Dennis Keats said he believed the development was inappropriate.

“It’s ugly, too high, too close to the road, and takes away the general ambience and view of the bay,” he said.

“My sign says ‘community betrayed,’ because I think we were.”

Resident Sachie Yasuda said her concerns were about the process.

“It’s really heartening to see so many members of the community prepared to come out and hold their elected members to account and put them on notice,” she said.

“Council elections are next year and I say get ready because there’s going to be a fight.”

An artist’s impression from the second development application for Kangaroo Bay. Image: Circa Morris-Nunn

Planning consultant Kate Loveday, who spoke on behalf of the proponents, urged aldermen to pass the new plans.

She said the permit for the original proposal remained valid, so if the new proposal was rejected the proponent would be forced to build the more controversial design.

“I’m simply saying the permit exists for a larger building, with less landscaping, less public use and less pedestrian access,” Ms Loveday said.

“This proposal is a response to improve all of those things.

“If the decision of council is to refuse this building then the bigger building will be built.”

Aldermen approved the development application, with only Alderman Richard James voting against.