Break O’Day councillors who opposed a 54-lot subdivision adjacent to Georges Bay in St Helens feared it would “open the gate” to other developers seeking to build within one kilometre of the coast, and wildlife corridors would be interrupted.
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The proposal on St Helens Point Road passed council five to four, at last month’s meeting, allowing the 151 hectares to be rezoned as rural living.
Councillor Kylie Wright said it could create a precedent and feared wildlife corridors would be lost.
Councillor Janet Drummond was concerned about contained planned residential, ribbon development.
Councillors who voted in favour believed there was demand for this development.
North East Bioregional Network president Todd Dudley said it was a “disappointing” outcome.
“As required under the State Coastal Policy development should be focused in serviced settlements to avoid sprawl and ribbon development ruining our coastline and unique flora and fauna,” he said.
