Kiama Municipal Council says it will raise concerns about the impact of the new Shellharbour Hospital on the Minnamurra River with the NSW Government.
Councillors, at their meeting last Thursday, voted to write to NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park and the state’s Environment Minister, Penny Sharpe.
The Council said its communication with the ministers will:
- Highlight that in addition to providing natural habitat for endangered and threatened species, the Minnamurra River and surrounding eco-systems provides public and social infrastructure for recreational, fishing and tourism activities, activities that bring significant economic benefits for our municipality.
- Express concerns about the cumulative adverse impact of urban and industry development (such as the Shellharbour Hospital and Dunmore Lakes Sand Extraction projects) on the biodiversity of the Minnamurra River and surrounding eco-systems.
- Seek clarification on what planning instruments or other legislative arrangements are in place to protect and preserve the biodiversity of the Minnamurra River and surrounding eco-systems from the cumulative impacts of nearby urban and industry developments.
- Seek assistance to establish stronger planning controls (such as the introduction of a site-specific Biodiversity and Conservation State Environmental Planning Policy) to protect, preserve and restore the biodiversity of the Minnamurra River and surrounding eco-systems.
Councillors voted to support development of health facilities in the area that are designed to meet the health needs of the community, while also acknowledging the Minnamurra Progress Association’s concerns about the potential adverse impact of the Shellharbour Hospital development on the biodiversity of the Minnamurra River and surrounding eco-systems.
The Notice of Motion, tabled by Cr Karen Renkema-Lang was supported by Councillors Draisma, Keast, Larkins, Renkema-Lang and Rice. Councillors Brown, Croxford and Steel voted against the Motion.
