Cambria Green: a win
THE Tasmanian Planning Commission said it could not consider the Cambria Green planning scheme amendment to facilitate a large-scale tourism development at Dolphin Sands because it was not satisfied landowners had given consent.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This is a momentous decision, an incredible win for community action.
It also demonstrates the value and importance of a robust and transparent decision-making process. The Commission is vitally important in making these strategically important decisions that affect the whole of Tasmania. Planning decisions affect communities, the environment and quality of life, often with long-lasting consequences. Which is why it is essential there is an independent body in Tasmania making decisions about land use across the state.
This decision by the Commission highlights how an independent and inclusive process allowed a community to have a voice. Four members of the community must be acknowledged for their dogged and forensic research work on the issue of landowner consents and other jurisdictional aspects. Appearing together at the Commission's public hearing to cross-examine the applicant's representative Ronald Hu. We must thank them for their enormous efforts.
The community now waits for the applicant: Cambria Green Agriculture and Tourism Management Pty Ltd to decide on what they do next. In the meantime, the community can celebrate their win, and be confident in the knowledge that we do have an independent body and a process that allows us all to have a say.
Anne Held, President of the East Coast Alliance, Dolphin Sands.
The Tamar River
PEOPLE who want a better, cleaner Tamar River should visit Adelaide - a city that have fixed its river.
The Torrens River is landscaped for many kilometres with beautiful pathways between trees and habitat for birds. With most of the cityscape looking down on it, extending North and South, it clearly underpins their tourism. One of their riverside Interpretation signs shows a historical photo, of how the river was once a series of mud flats and polluted pools.
To anyone from Launceston it looked eerily familiar. The difference with the Torrens is a weir downstream, holding back part of the river to create a stable water level that gives the foundation for beautification.
Historically, we've loved our Tamar River, but we've loved it to near-death. We've let it decay, silt up and being a repository for e-coli as well as agricultural and industrial waste from years ago. Everyone is calling for a 'fix' to the Tamar River but it would appear no one is doing anything. Responsibilities are split between various authorities. There's debate, but no science, no serious investigation of the alternatives. The Tamar is different from the Torrens River but the problems (and community desires) are very similar. We need an overarching authority to investigate all the possible solutions. We deserve the restoration of our wonderful river. In turn we'll have a more attractive city, with growing tourism and a growing population.
Andrew Lovitt, Launceston.