Review of 7(d) Hacking River Catchment Environment Protection Zone

The exhibition period has been extended to 30 November 2009

Council is seeking community feedback on the Draft Review of 7(d) Lands at Helensburgh, Otford and Stanwell Park.  The lands at currently zoned 7(d) Hacking River Environmental Protection.  The zone seeks to protect the water quality of the Hacking River and Royal National Park.  The zone contains steep bushland, as well as cleared area used for rural activities, dwellings, tourism uses and commercial uses.  The 7(d) zone permits a limited range of land uses.  There are some 784 lots, of which 100 contain dwellings.  The majority of lots are smaller than the lot size standard on which dwellings are permissible. Many owners want to build a house on there land.
 
As part of the draft Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 2009, Council on 28 July 2009 resolved that the 7(d) lands should be zoned E3 Environmental Management (rather than the exhibited E2 Environmental Conservation zone), pending the preparation of new planning controls for the area.
 
The draft 7(d) Review proposes a new strategy for the area - it is not a detailed environmental study.  It proposes that the sensitive bushland be zoned E2 Environmental Conservation (no dwellings permitted), while the less sensitive areas either retain the E3 Environmental Management zone and that a dwelling house be permitted, or be zoned to permit residential or rural land uses.  Additional studies and investigations will be required to be undertaken prior to any rezoning or development occurring.
 
The draft 7(d) review is on exhibition until 30 November 2009. Copies of the Council report and draft review can be downloaded, or viewed at the Council Administration Centre, Wollongong Library or Helensburgh library.  A free CD containing the documents can be obtained from the Land Use Planning Team on 4227-7631.
 
A public drop-in Information Session will be held at Helensburgh Workers Club (Boomerang Street, Helensburgh) on 15 September 2009 from 4 to 6pm.  land owners and other interested persons are invited to come and ask questions about the draft Study or their property.  
 
A public forum will be held at the Helensburgh Workers Club (Boomerang Street, Helensburgh) on 15 September 2009 commencing at 7pm.
 
Submissions on the draft 7(d) review should be sent to Council by 30 November 2009.

The draft Review is not a detailed environmental study, but examines the existing situation and considers possible future outcomes. Council will review the issues raised in submissions and then determine whether further studies are required and whether a draft Local Environmental Plan, to implement changes to the zoning and planning controls, should be prepared. Any draft Local Environmental Plan will be subject to further community consultation.