Is The MacKenzie “Team Too Achieve” finally showing a few surface cracks? The Mayor looked very lonely on this one at the Council Meeting 12 August 2014. His usual supporters all deserted him. A few other decisions did not go his way either for a change.
Examiner August 16: Port Mayor in Unsuccessful Bid For Airport Exemption
Item 3 in Council Papers for Ordinary Council Meeting 12 August 2014 is an application to waive the section 94 development contributions for the extension of the terminal at Newcastle Airport.
TRRA has written the following letter to Councillors and staff;
11/8/14
Councillors and Staff
Port Stephens Council
Regarding meeting tonight Tuesday 12th August 2014
3. DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION TO SECTION 94A DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS FOR NEWCASTLE AIRPORT – EXTENSION OF TERMINAL
Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc. strongly supports the recommendation to Councillors in the Agenda papers on this Item which is to:
“Refuse Development Application 16-2008-940-3 for Exemption to Section 94A
Development Contributions for Newcastle Airport – Extension of Terminal,
subject to the conditions contained in (ATTACHMENT 3).”
We believe that the reasons stated for this refusal are valid and reasonable in the circumstances.
The additions to the Newcastle Airport terminal are needed but are being proposed by a commercial operator albeit with Port Stephens Council as a major shareholder .
To waive section 94 contributions would set an undesirable precedent.
There will be many services and Infrastructure required beyond the Airport precinct as a consequence of the proposed expansion which will fall mainly within the responsibility of Port Stephens Council; this exactly the purpose of Section 94 provisions.
As with any other major development in our Council area, Corporations are expected to include Section 94 contributions into their costs and business plans.
It is suggested that the Section 94 contribution of $82,000 is unlikely to significantly affect the Corporation’s decision to proceed with this project.
Terry Wall
President
Tomaree Ratepayers & Residents Association Inc.