Kingborough community members are dissatisfied with the State Government’s offering of community information sessions about the Huntingfield development, saying the two sessions feel like a divide and conquer tactic.
Minister for Housing, the Honourable Roger Jaensch MP officially announced the times and dates of the sessions on Saturday, September 19.
“With community consultation on the Huntingfield Master Plan having been undertaken over six weeks earlier this year, a Development Application is being prepared for submission in the coming weeks,” Minister Jaensch said.
“A report on the feedback from stakeholders will be released shortly, with community members invited to learn more about how we will respond to the issues raised during consultation.”
Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter said that having the face-to-face sessions was a good outcome for the community.
“We’re pleased to see Minister Jaensch finally coming to Kingborough to hear the voices of local residents,” Mayor Winter commented.
“It’s important the community turns out and has their say.”
The two community information sessions will be held at the North West Bay Golf Club, with questions being raised as to why the government has chosen such a small venue and why school holiday dates were chosen when many families choose to travel during this time, especially in light of the government’s travel voucher program.
In June, multiple community groups petitioned the State Government to extend the consultation period for the development in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Principal petitioner Matt Jones said the community feels the State Government has botched the process from start to finish.
“They could have brought the council and community along for the whole process to ensure this development is done properly,” said Mr Jones.
“The six week community consultation on the Master Plan was done during the hard lock down early in the pandemic.
“This stopped the community from gathering to meet and get needed answers.”
Mr Jones said the small venue, restricted numbers and COVID-safe requirements for the information sessions would not allow for consistency of questions and answers.
“The State Government is keeping the community in the dark again,” Mr Jones commented.
“This sub-division will not only affect people in the immediate area, but the whole region.”
To ensure COVID-19 protections are in place, registrations to meet with members of the project team are essential, with a deadline of September 28.
Session 1: Wednesday, September 30, 5pm to 7pm.
Session 2: Friday, October 2, 10am to 2pm.
Registrations can be made by calling 1800 995 653 or emailing HousingProjects@communities.tas.gov.au by COB, Monday, September 28.
A PDF of the proposed Huntingfield Master Plan can be viewed at https://www.communities.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/87520/Stakeholder-Communication-Huntingfield-Masterplan.PDF
