If the Administrator endorses the recommendations of the report, the Planning Proposal will be sent to the State Department of Planning and Environment for finalisation.
The plan seeks to amend the planning controls for the area to allow:
# the relocation and expansion of Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club and gym and
# redevelop the site to incorporate:
* low density residential dwellings,
* seniors housing,
* medical facilities,
* childcare centre,
* service station,
* food outlets,
* hotel accommodation and
# expand the recreation facilities to include an
* indoor sport facility,
* go cart track,
* paintball and
* expansion of the Raw Challenge course.
The proposal was exhibited from 19 November 2021 to 17 December 2021 and attracted seven submissions from the community and six from NSW Government agencies.
The site, at 49-65 Wentworth Avenue and 80-120 Pacific Highway, Doyalson is about 45 hectares.
It includes the club, gym, sporting fields, Raw Challenge course, a house, greenhouses, and offices and ancillary facilities that supported former agricultural business Pacific Hydroponics.
The site is proposed to be redeveloped in stages over the next 20 years.
The Proponent (developer) has offered to enter into a Planning Agreement with Council to implement a biodiversity strategy and vegetation management plan and to ensure that development is not able to commence on 90 Pacific Highway, Doyalson until suitable alternative grounds and facilities have been found for all the sporting groups currently using the site.
Criticisms about the site being located between the ash dams of Vales Point Power Station and the former Munmorah Power Station were addressed.
Council said the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) was consulted on this
matter.
“The EPA provided the following advice,” Council said.
“The NSW Government is taking meaningful steps to manage the health and
environmental risks relating to NSW’s coal ash repositories.
“Thirteen of the sixteen recommendations in the coal ash dam inquiry were supported and the Government has proposed alternative means of achieving the intent of the remaining three.
“The EPA has committed to understanding the impacts of coal ash through our research
agenda; and has commenced a study of surface and groundwater around the State’s coal
fired power stations and ash repositories.
“Furthermore, some measures recommended by the inquiry, such as the re-use of coal ash,
are already underway through the Government’s comprehensive Waste and Sustainable
Materials Strategy 2041.
“This is backed by $356 million in funding, as well as a commitment to create stronger markets for recycled materials.
“The EPA has investigated reports of dust emanating from the ash dam of Vales Point
Power Station during dry and windy conditions.
“The EPA is aware that the operator is using several methods to reduce the incidence of wind-blown dust.
“The EPA will continue to ensure that all practical action is taken to reduce the risk of off-site dust impacts.”
Council said it would continue to monitor the NSW Government’s progress with the recommendations of the NSW Legislative Council’s coal ash inquiry and respond accordingly.
“The inquiry did not recommend restriction of residential development in the vicinity of the subject land,” Council said.
