As part of the review of the 7(d) lands at Helensburgh, Otford and Stanwell Tops, Wollongong City Council has resolved to exhibit a draft Planning Agreement involving a land swap proposal.

This draft Planning Agreement is an early part of the community consultation process and Council is seeking community comment.

The draft Planning Agreement proposes the dedication of 321 hectares of land to Council for inclusion in the National Park. In exchange, the draft Planning Agreement seeks urban development within the Land Pooling and Lady Carrington Estate South precincts. The draft proposal also includes an exit strategy for third party land owners in the Lloyd Place, Central Bushland and Lilyvale precincts.

Council Administrator Dr Col Gellatly AO said Council considered that it would be worthwhile seeking community comment on the proposal of a land swap.

“It is worthwhile considering a method that would allow Council to bring the sensitive bushland areas into public ownership, and the draft Planning Agreement provides a mechanism to achieve this without the community having to purchase the land,” Dr Gellatly said.

“This is the first step in the informal process of gathering community comment on this draft Planning Agreement.”

Following community consultation a further report will be submitted to Council on whether the Planning Agreement should be progressed. This report will be considered by the incoming Council after the 3 September elections.

For more information you can visit Council’s website at www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au or call Customer Service on (02) 4227 7111.