Catherine Hill Bay is at the centre of a development dispute between the handful of locals who want things to stay the same as they’ve been and those (including some locals) who welcome change. At almost an hour south of Newcastle in traffic, and about the same to Gosford, lifestyle and the proximity to the beach are the drawcards.
Here’s a picture I took of the bay on my way to Sydney on Friday. Up on the hill in the centre of the photo is the disused mine that is the site of the controversy. More after the jump…
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Currently there are some 100 residences in the vicinity of this beach, but when the proposed development is complete, an additional 1000 lots are estimated. This sleepy little slice of paradise will hit the big time with residential sales and housing construction if this development is approved.
It has been reported in the local newspapers that the developer, Rose Corp, has recently lodged preliminary plans with the Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor, and if the proposal is accepted it would be forseable that lots could be on the market within a year.
It’s hard not to have an opinion about developments that will radically change the local community, but a disused coal mine is sitting beside a beautiful beach, what would you do with it if you were a developer, or if you were the Minister for Planning. There will always be a vocal minority who oppose change, particularly, but not always limited to, those who’s lives are most likely to be affected. I suppose that some people would say that the site could be turned into a National Park or something, some comments:
- there doesn’t appear to be precedent for such a course of action for a site like this,
- the area is already surrounded by residential and could be integrated into (and even improve) the existing infrastructure.
I don’t like the idea of the local residents getting pushed around by a developer, nor do I like the way that the planning laws give a level of protection to developments that are environmentally sensitive, but at the end of the day, development is going to keep happening, particularly on the coast, rather than opposing every development proposal that comes along, how about we get behind some of them and bring about change in how they are built and the principles they stand on.
If you enjoyed this post, why not try these ones:
- Development Opposition
- Development, Mining and Water in the Hunter
- Climate Change Considerations for Coal Mines
- Shipwreck on Nobbys
- Urban Planners and the Rural Equivalent
Mike Thomas
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree with everything Mike I agree with everything Mike has said.
Catherine Hill Bay is a small coastal town of simple beauty, a reflection of times passed, and of significant history to the war effort.
It’s not that anyone is trying to keep this small piece of paradise locked away from the world. We simply want it to remain as it is – untouched, simple and quiet.
In the middle of urban sprawl of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and bustling Central Coast areas, Catherine Hill Bay is a reminder of everything that is real in this world. A place to gather your thoughts, enjoy the surf and the sunshine, and get back in touch with everything that is real and important.
Being a scuba diver, I hate the idea of the changes that this proposed development will bring not only on land but underwater as well. There are several dive sites at Catho that are treasured and protected by divers. Catho is a place where divers, fishermen, surfers, residents, public, bikers, and Mother Nature come together in harmony. We all protect and look after each other in a way that is unique in the concrete sprawl we otherwise exist.
I mentioned bikers, because bikers of all marques, sizes, genders and ages all schedule a ride to the Catho pub for lunch. It’s a well known destination on the bikers calendar. Scooters, Superbikes, Dirt Bikes, mums, dads, teenagers, grans – the lot, we all ride to Catho and lunch at the pub in a relaxed environment.
Visit the website of the Catho Progess Association for more information (http://www.catherinehillbay.org.au)
Mr Sartor has called for “Community Consultation” … a polite way of saying “Stuff you all, I’ve sold Catherine Hill Bay to my good friend Neil Rose”. It appears that it is going to happen despite objections against it. The Sartor Community Consultation is simply being seen to do the right thing.
It’s not just the residents of Catho that are losing here, it’s all of us. Wildlife, flora, heritage, Australia’s history, scuba divers, bikers, surfers …. alike. All of us suffer and for what …. put simply power, ego and greed.
Nice Photo Mike!
I’ll have Nice Photo Mike!
I’ll have to stop there on the way up the coast sometime, might have to make it sooner rather than later.
@Laynie: Keep up the community work, its a big fight, you may not be able to stop development, but done smartly, you’ll be able to influence what is actually done on the site. Good Luck!
Thanks for your comments Thanks for your comments guys, in some ways I wish that I were sticking around to keep blogging about the development on the coast of NSW, perhaps I can convince someone in Australia to continue this? What about you guys? Anyone else?
Mike, let me know how and I Mike, let me know how and I will do what I can.
I have a friend who lives at Catho as well as people in the progress association, divers and bikers who all enjoy Catho.
My life is very hectic normally and 2007 brings great changes to my professional life meaning greater time demands, but nothing is impossible!
As a bodybuilder I often do my beach running cardio at Catho also. So Catho is central to my wellbeing.
I will put my hand up and keep make a contribution to continue this fight. If we can’t beat ‘em we certainly aren’t going to be laying down for them either. As you rightly said, we may be able to influence what happens there … and the proposed extended urban sprawl into the bushland at Gwandalan/Summerland Point by the very same developer.
Just as an aside, I am also active in promoting the inclusion of motor scooters into the Government’s sustainable energy LPG rebate programme. Whilst motor scooters use petrol, their consumption is small in comparison to cars, and have would make a significant difference to the environment in terms of emissions and oil consumption. Look how popular they are in Europe and the UK. Their benefits are far reaching and not just about a ‘cheap way to get around’.
As you can see my perspective on giving a helping hand to Mother Nature is not just about recycling.
Let me know how I can continue your work on this matter.
I’ll contact you in the new I’ll contact you in the new year via email, we’ll see what we can come up with as far as another providing another platform for discussion.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!