At its meeting on Tuesday 23 April, Council will consider, and most likely approve, its own DA for a 3 lot subdivision of the Council owned land around the Salamander shopping centre. This will clear the way for the BigW DA, which will be decided by the Joint Regional Planning Panel, reportedly at a meeting on 16 May, and the sale of one of the lots to Woolworths for the BigW store.  TRRA will apply for public access to make a last minute appeal for conditions that can salvage something from this sad example of our Council’s narrow vision.

TRRA maintains its position that Council’s proposals will result in a third rate planning outcome for this important site, condemning the Tomaree community to an outdated ‘big box’ mall style development for the next 30-50 years.  Any prospect of an integrated, pedestrian friendly and environmentally sensitive centre will be largely lost.  We will be calling for a better vision, as reflected in last year’s Planning Principles – currently no more than a paper wish list – to be locked in as far as possible through conditions and a Development Control Plan.

Watch this space for a more detail of the TRRA position, to be presented to Council at 5.30 pm on 23 April.  Support at the meeting would be appreciated – phone any of the Committee for car-sharing.