Department could assess Veron Rd land

Gosford Council had the power to involve the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) in an assessment of a proposed development at the corner of Veron Rd and Hillview St, Woy Woy, concerned residents have been told.

It also had the power to require a species impact statement be prepared for the development/

In a letter to concerned residents, the Minister Mr Bob Debus said that Gosford Council must decide that an endangered ecological community (EEC) would be "significantly impacted by the proposal" before the department could be involved.

If the council made the decision, "the applicant must consult with the director-general of the DEC and prepare a species impact statement," he said.

"The director-general's concurrence would then be required before the development could go ahead.

"If Council determines that the impact of the proposal on the EEC would not be significant, the DEC does not have a role."

A development application to build a retirement village of 41 villas on land currently owned by the Catholic Church has been lodged with Gosford Council, but is not expected to be formally considered for several weeks.

"I am advised by the Department of Environment and Conservation that the land proposed for this development contains an example of the Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland endangered ecological community," said Mr Debus.

Letter, September 29 Mark Ellis