OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT
OAKESHOTT MAKES A SUBMISSION TO THE MID-NORTH COAST REGIONAL PLAN
Independent MP for Port Macquarie, has made a submission to the Department of Planning on the Mid-North Coast Regional Plan, calling for better community consultation, and calling for a new consideration of "All-of-Government Service Capability" to be a key planning tool to shape future growth in the area.
"Firstly, in the current draft plan, there is a small commitment to resource availability, but this should be priority number one when considering a future population. As an example, we need to ask how much water our area can comfortably provide without affecting our overall water cycle. Mr Oakeshott said.
"Secondly, what I also think is important is the service capability of all state and federal government agencies. It is important they are engaged in this regional planning process, but they also must support the future population projections, with the current and future infrastructure needs of the area, Mr Oakeshott said.
"As an example, if health services alone were used as a planning tool, we would have to say we cannot accommodate one more person into our area, until we see the commitment from State and Federal Governments to improve services such as an expanded emergency unit and more nursing home beds, Mr Oakeshott said.
"Provision of services, and a commitment to fund them at an increased level into the future, should be a key component in this regional planning exercise, said Mr Oakeshott.
"It is only when we have enough resources available for the future, and a commitment by state and federal agencies to provide enough services for the future, that we then need to get into any discussion about population size, with the subsequent question of land releases and in-fill development. In fact, I find it a topsy-turvy argument that has been presented by Government that they have chosen a population figure, and then tried to make it fit, Mr Oakeshott said.
"In light of this, I have written to the Minister seeking another round of community consultation on this plan, as I think our community needs more valuable input into the final plan, said Mr Oakeshott
"This is a key planning document for the future, and we need to get this right, Mr Oakeshott said today.
18 March 2007