Kempsey Shire Councillor Mark Baxter hopes the march to protect the rustic nature of Point Plomer Rd on Sunday will demonstrate that residents and council can work together, including voicing opinions on issues.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cr Baxter said the march is a great example of residents expressing their opinion towards council’s decision to tar the road.
“I applaud active citizenship. The community is showing how much they feel for this area and are ensuring they are making every effort to protect what is there,” he said.
Related content: March to save the rustic nature of Point Plomer Rd
Many residents’ concerns is that sealing the road will lead to building developments along Point Plomer.
“I have double checked with council, and they assure me that the zoning for all of Plomer Rd is sufficient to prevent and prohibit any unwanted development. The zoning at present allows only house, cabin or caravan dwellings without extensive land clearing,” he said.
“I would recommend the march is used to push for the extension of the scenic protection area, so that it extends all the way to Big Hill. This would give an iron clad guarantee that unwanted development does not occur.”
The protest on Sunday is a direct response to council’s decision to tar the road, if they are successful in receiving funding, at the October council meeting.
Council said in a recent statement they will work with community members on a character statement to preserve the rustic nature of the road.
“Council will engage with the community to define the desired character of the area into the future, as part of local strategic planning,” General Manager Craig Milburn said.
“The sealing of the road does not change the zoning of the land and what type of development is permissible.”
The decision to tar the road was largely based on improving road user safety in regards to the increase in traffic volumes during holiday periods and to reduce the ongoing maintenance costs.
The march will begin at Racecourse Headland at 8.30am on Sunday.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Macleay Argus newsletter here.