New bay buyback push
Clarence Council to weigh Chambroad decision
THE future of Kangaroo Bay will be back before the Clarence Council on Monday, as Chambroad hopes the buyback date can be pushed out, meanwhile councillors are hoping to begin the process to reclaim the land.
The company was set to build a hotel and hospitality school at the site after plans for the educational facility were dumped.
Last month the council voted to deny Chambroad’s request for an extension of time to substantially commence the build of a development, also knocking back its redesign.
The Council has until April 12 to decide if it will buy the land back from Chambroad, but now the company has requested that date be pushed out by one or two months. The extra time would allow the company to provide feedback to the council after consulting the public on its revised design.
The council will also consider two separate motions on Monday, moved by deputy mayor Allison Ritchie and Cr Richard James, that the council begin the buyback process.
A third motion, moved by Cr Beth Warren, seeks support for a council consultation process on Kangaroo Bay.
During council elections in October, Ms Ritchie campaigned strongly on the idea the land should be returned to council hands. Ms Ritchie said it was an idea which was supported when she was on the campaign trail.
“I don’t recall meeting a single person who was supportive of the original sale,” Ms Ritchie said. “It should never have been sold, I’m very disappointed it was sold in the first place. We’re moving the motion that empowers the CEO to take the necessary action in line with the SDA.”
Ms Ritchie said she did not support pushing back the buyback deadline.
“I feel they’ve had more than sufficient time to put forward alternatives,” Ms Ritchie said.
“I don’t think Chambroad could reasonably argue they haven’t had enough time.”
Council officers have recommended the council refuse the extension and request Chambroad present the findings of its consultation before March 6, before it considers an extension.
“We know there is significant community interest in this important project,” Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley said.
“The extension request debate and notices of motion on the agenda will again allow our community to understand the complexity of the decisions in front of council right now.”