For the last 22 months the Dunoon Community Group Committee has represented the majority of villagers who are concerned about the proposed Hardie Holdings urban style development for our village. Since January this year we have had many meetings with council staff, councillors, Hancock Farms, The Dept. of Primary Industries, Rous Water, The Environmental Defenders Office and various qualified engineers and planners. As of going to print the situation is:
We have been informed that it is highly unlikely that Council staff will have their report ready to present to councillors at Council’s August meeting. Due to the local government elections being held on 13th September, there will be no business brought before the council in that month.
Planning staff will have to fully brief the newly elected councillors on all aspects of the development proposal (including residents concerns) at a workshop. The workshop allows councillors to ask questions and express their concerns to staff. This will be a good opportunity for Dunoon residents to access the new information and see how the new council is reacting to it. We encourage a large attendance by residents at the workshop as it will send a strong message to the new council that we are not happy with this development proposal.
Two of our major concerns are:

1. The DA originally proposed 57 residential lots. This has been reduced to 50, however, it is possible that 50% or more of the lots could become dual occupancy. This would substantially increase the density of the already proposed dense development.

2. The proposed sewerage treatment plant will be placed on 7.74 ha of agricultural land (marked Lot 51 for Effluent Use on map). Yet the DA states that only 1.7ha is required for effluent disposal. Why is such a large effluent lot required? Possibly because of the reason mentioned above (dual occupancy), but more likely because if the rezoning of the agricultural land goes ahead, Hardies also have the option to purchase the 33 ha of agricultural land to the east of the sewerage treatment plant. Hardies have a reputation of getting difficult rezoning approved and our fear is that they will, in the not too distant future, apply to rezone the 33 ha lot (marked Lot 52 on map). If the rezoning of this lot is approved, up to 300 houses could be built on this land and connected to the sewerage treatment plant which would have to be increased in size dramatically. We do not want to lose any agricultural land to housing.

The DCG committee was elected by the majority of villagers at a public meeting in October 2006 to represent them in fighting this inappropriate development. We are not against development in the village, but we want appropriate development to enhance our village. We in no way claim to represent every person in Dunoon. There may be some who think this development will be good for the village and they have had the opportunity to express their views at the 2 public meetings held at Dunoon Hall, to speak to councillors at any time, to address council at 2 council meetings, talk to the local media and have been invited to voice their support in this publication. I am yet to hear any support or sound arguments voiced for this economically and environmentally damaging estate.
If anyone has any questions or wishes to be informed regarding how the development is proceeding you are more than welcome to call me, Paula, on 6689 5954 or Ross on 0409 425 551.
Ideally, it would be easier for us to keep you informed periodically by a newsletter via email. If you would like to be kept up-to-date please send your email address to:
dunoongazette@yahoo.com.au and write in the subject field ‘No To Hardies’.
Paula McDougall