Council responds to Coila development protest group

In a letter dated February 9th, 2023, the Eurobodalla Director of Planning and Sustainability Services has responded to the ongoing protests by the Friends of Coila Association who stand The group claim: An Ecological Assessment completed by a Senior Ecologist reveals:

1. Native vegetation consistent with at least two Threatened Ecological Communities listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act,

2. A likelihood of seven threatened flora species and 18 threatened fauna species,

3. The site is immediately next to Migratory Shorebird important habitat considered essential to support critical life stages of migratory species.

4. The Assessment concludes 'The Project would result in unavoidable and direct impacts ... Approximately 16.49 ha of native vegetation will be indirectly impacted by the Project without appropriate mitigation.' Organiser and spokesperson, Robyn Flynn asks on their social media page "Which organisation is responsible for stopping Developers building on low lying land in NSW? Ms Flynn claims "Many of "Driftwood Shores" blocks, Tuross Head next to Coila Lake, are on low lying boggy blocks. When asked, Council say it's not their responsibility and "buyer beware"! Council's website information regarding flooding is not yet updated for Tuross Head. Buyer beware indeed!" "Despite S.4.57 of NSW Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 clearly giving Council the power to revoke any consent and impose conditions on any consent - with consultation and compensation, Council's (Lindsey Usher's) letter 9th February (below) tries to convince us they have no legal authority to request an Environmental Impact Assessment for this Real Estate Plan".