UPDATE ON OUR CAMPAIGN
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It’s been a while since you’ve heard from us, sorry about that, there’s been a lot of work going on. Here’s a brief update.
ROSNY HILL HOTEL DEVELOPMENT
Update on the privatisation of your public land
Over a year ago, on 21st September 2019, Clarence City Council (CCC) published the Hunter Developments Application for a large hotel and restaurant complex to wrap around three sides of the Rosny Hill Nature Recreation Area (RHNRA).
Along with 512 others, we lodged a submission opposing the development. 10 submissions supported it.
Council approved the development on 22nd January this year, and in February we lodged an appeal with the Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal (RMPAT).
IT’S BEEN A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE !
Many lawyers and expert witnesses were unable to represent us because of a current or former professional relationship with Hunter Developments or CCC. The Environmental Defenders Office was unable to assist us.
THE APPEAL:
With generous community donations, we engaged solicitors Fitzgerald & Browne, barrister Phillip Zeeman, and respected environmental consultant, Fred Duncan, as an expert witness to assess the potential impacts of the proposed development on the natural environment of RHNRA.
Planning issues will be argued, but due to funding constraints, and the non-availability of expert witnesses, we were unable to pursue other possible Grounds of Appeal.
THE PROCESS…
- 26th February 2020 – an initial RMPAT hearing met to set a timetable.
- A Preliminary Hearing date of 15-19th June was agreed between the parties: the Appellants (RHFN and Tasmanian Conservation Trust) and the Respondents (Hunter Developments and CCC).
- In March, COVID-19 struck, and RMPAT began conducting its business via video link and teleconference.
- The Respondents called for and were granted an adjournment till 7-11th
September. - On 3rd September, Hunter Developments requested and was granted a further adjournment to lodge a new piece of evidence.
- Robert Morris-Nunn released a media statement saying that Hunter Developments planned to re-route piping due to the presence of an endangered plant on the site (Sunday Tasmanian, 6 September 2020).
- The Hearing is now set down for 10-14 December 2020.
Hunter Developments and Clarence City Council have much greater resources to meet these unexpected and additional costs as the case progresses, which leaves us in a vulnerable position.
rosnyhillfriends210@gmail.com
for a copy of the Annual (President’s) Report
WHAT NOW?
- RHFN is continuing to fund-raise.
- RHFN Committee is reviewing all of the documentation to contribute to our case.
- We are increasing our campaign via the media, and contacts with Politicians, Councillors and Ministers, to maintain awareness of the environmental and community values of Rosny Hill as a Nature Recreation Area, and our determination to protect it.
- We will update you on any significant developments.
YOU MIGHT LIKE TO CONSIDER:
- Writing letters, emails or social media comments to keep the issues in the public/political eye
- Talking to a RHFN Committee member if you have ideas or questions
- (President 0400 156 340; Vice-President 0435 214 164)
- making a (further) financial contribution towards the Appeal legal costs
- Bank account BSB 632 001, Account 100 197 241;
- cheques to Rosny Hill Friends Inc, PO Box 535, Rosny Park 7018
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT OVER THE PAST YEAR.
With your help, we will continue to oppose this big, intrusive, inappropriate hotel/tourist development on Rosny Hill.
