Letter to the Editor

Anthony Brewster (GG&HR CN October 2016) opens his report with a phrase that says it all, “The battle over the rezoning of rural lands in the Hornsby Shire is decades’ (sic) old.”

“Battle”, the very word signifies that there will be no discussion, the winner takes all. It is the same emotive word used in the current war on drugs, war on whatever that is going to preclude sensible, informed discussion of a problem or the achievement of a worthwhile goal.

“Decades old”. This is not quite so but it is what some would want us to believe. What has happened over many years has been the regular review of what planning should be in place to regulate the use of the lands west of Berowra Berowra Creek. A two year Rural Lands Study was carried out by Hornsby Shire Council twenty years ago. Recommendations were made and after assessment by Council and approval by the then Minister for Planning, new regulations were put in place for the Rural Lands. These were to be reviewed in twentyfive years. From time to time modifications have been made.

“Rezoning”. This is used as a subtafuge by many but certainly not all, to hide the word “Subdivision”. So here we have it. There is only one solution, only one aim, cut it up and all the problems go away and everyone is satisfied.

I am sure I am not the only person who wants to live in a community that has a broad socio/economic mix; a village with a viable small business economy; a diversified rural industry that makes use of the small landholdings; a protected natural environment; where it is easy to find a busy tradesperson; where there is affordable housing for young people starting out in life; where there is a place for a community to make a contribution to help solve some of the problems that beset us; where those with special skills can make a living within the community and a place we are proud to encourage others to visit.

I cannot see how subdivision, large second dwellings and the destruction of the E3 zones will in any way give us that sort of community.

Let us sit down and have informed talks about what we want in our community and how best to achieve it. We need to set out what our goals are, find out what is already here that can be helped and what we all can do to improve for the common good.

Ask yourself a few questions. How much of my family budget did I spend locally? Was the last tradesperson I used a local? Would I like someone local to do a few days work for me on a regular basis? Have I walked in the national parks lately? Would I like to have a share- farmer use some of my land? Will the second dwelling I might build be affordable accommodation for a young family? Why do I want to subdivide? If I subdivided would I be happy to live in the community thus created?

Have your answers to these questions ready for when the community is asked to comment on the Council proposals after the Minister has examined them.

I thank Mr Brewster for his thorough report but regret that he may not be fully aware, or misinformed, of what has been done in the past. May I suggest that he obtain a copy of the Hornsby Shire Council Rural Lands Study, a study I chaired. It involved many qualified experts and enthusiastic residents and obtained the information I now see as necessary.

Michael Bell OAM.