Dr WOODRUFF question to PREMIER, Mr HODGMAN
Eastern Shore residents are waiting for a major private development planned for the top of Rosny Hill to be advertised by the Clarence City Council any day. The secretive Office of the Coordinator-General's preferred developer, Hunter Hill, with architect Robert Morris-Nunn, are again the proponents. The plans include two restaurants to seat 325 people, a function centre for 250 people, 100 accommodation rooms and a private bar.
Like the corrupted process around the sale of public land in Kangaroo Bay to Shandong Chambroad Petrochemicals for a hotel, this private development has all the sniff of state government secrecy and support. To proceed, it requires transfer of Rosny Hill Nature Recreation Area to the developer, land of acknowledged high-conservation value and a source of beauty, solace and recreation for local residents. This land was transferred to Clarence Council by then premier and minister for parks, Jim Bacon, in 2003, with the explicit direction that uses must be 'consistent with the conservation of the nature recreation area's natural and cultural values'. Will you commit to keeping this land in public ownership rather than granting a century-long lease, which is a sale by any other name?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. No decision to do such a thing has been made by Government and if it is, there will be disclosure. With respect to the process of any proposed development, that is a matter for the Clarence City Council as the planning authority. More broadly, I have just answered the question with respect to any matters that may affect the state. I will disclose any decisions that are made, if and when that occurs. This is a matter that is principally under the responsibility of the Clarence City Council.