Another bad development for the Amber triangle?

"This is a classic case where a developer can use planning laws designed by the State Government to reduce public accountability and local decision making”, said Sylvia Hale MLC, Greens Spokesperson for Planning, “and I know residents are concerned at what effect this will have on an area already known by locals as the ‘amber triangle’, a comment on the three big drinking venues adjacent to Coogee beach.”

“The concept plan announced by C.Inc Pty Ltd, the owner of the Coogee Bay Hotel site, is not currently available for public examination through either Randwick City Council or on the NSW Department of Planning website, and nor, in my research, is there a website from the developer giving advice on this project.

“From what is on the public record all we can tell at the moment is that Coogee will be subject to a massive new drinking, gambling and shopping complex which will be excessive in height, bulk and scale, and may be in contradiction to Randwick Council’s Local Environment Plan, a plan that can be ignored by the State Government under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

“The promoters of the development are also significant donors to the Labor and Liberal Parties, having donated tens of thousands of dollars to each party over the last few years.

“They also have a history of donating under different names. Donations associated with the owners of the Coogee Bay Hotel include Mr Christopher Cheung, Cheung Hotels, C.Inc P/L, CQ Hotels and Henry Hotels.

“In the last few years Premier Kristina Keneally has received a $1500 donation, Minister for Police and Finance, Michael Daley has received a $5000 donation, and Henry Hotels gave the Labor Party $20,000 the day after the last state election in 2007.

“I was disappointed to read media reports that quoted the developer as saying that if this application was rejected that it would resubmit an earlier approved application to expand the pub’s drinking area.

“Statements such as this both undercut the developers claims that the new proposal will better manage drinking, and highlight local concerns about the culture of binge drinking and extreme behaviour that has become synonymous with Coogee in recent years”, said Ms Hale.

Further information: Colin Hesse 9230 3030 or 0401 719 124