The Hunter Central Coast Regional Planning Panel approved MidCoast Council's development application for a centralised administration office in the former Masters site on Biripi Way when it met in Taree on Monday (February 24).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The panel undertook a visit to the site and listened to a number of community submissions before delivering its approval for the development, subject to a number of conditions.
The independent panel also took into account the application documents - including the statement of environmental effects, the economic impact assessment, traffic impact assessment - and public submissions made during the exhibition period, as well as the relevant planning legislation and policies.
The panel imposed several conditions on the approval, requiring the council to provide a shuttle service from the Taree CBD to the new office on council meeting days, as well as limiting the number of seats for the proposed café to 60 and restricting the café operation hours to 7am to 7pm.
MidCoast Council's general manager, Adrian Panuccio welcomed the decision of the independent panel.
"This decision means we are able to move forward on the project which will result in more efficient and effective services for our community," Mr Panuccio said.
Moving forward Council currently has an expression of interest out for the operation of the café, and a tender for the construction works is currently open, with a decision likely to be made at the 22 April 2020 Council meeting.
Council is also working with Colliers International Newcastle to market the properties identified by council to be sold or leased as part of the $20 million financing strategy for the centralisation project. The first properties to be marketed will be vacant land on Chapmans Road, Tuncurry and the two Breese Parade, Forster offices. A resolution of the elected Council is required prior to the sale of any property.
Offices in Gloucester, Stroud and Tea Gardens will continue to operate as they currently are and are not impacted by the plans. Council has also made a commitment to provide a customer service point in Forster at the Civic Precinct, which is currently under construction.
The community can keep updated with the project by visiting www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/headoffice
The full conditions for the development consent will be available on the Regional Planning Panel's website over the coming days.
