The Mayor of Moreton Bay Regional Council, Allan Sutherland released a newsletter which resembled the like of personal campaign material paid for by the rate payer.
The newsletter was used to present Cr Sutherland’s argument for coming out strongly against parts of the proposed Northeast Business park.
“Recently, for example, you’d be aware that I have spoken strongly against components of a proposed marina on the banks of the environmentally fragile Caboolture River,” Cr Sutherland said.
This is the same river the Coordinator-General said: “I am satisfied that the net impacts on water quality are likely to lead to an overall improvement in the longer term.”
The development which includes a marina, retail, residential, units, marine industry, industrial and commercial has also been attacked over it’s potential for flooding. The ‘Environmental Impact Study’ points out the proposed building pad minimum levels are to be more than 0.5m above the calculated ARI flood level.
The State Government considered making the Northeast Business Park a ‘Prescribed Project’ but backed down when Cr Sutherland came out and said he would declare ‘war’ on the State Government as reported in the Courier Mail.
Councillor Adrian Raedel is at odds with the Mayor and voted for the project to go ahead in it’s entirety.
“I believe as a Councillor I have to make decisions in the best interests of the environment, local community and most important the constituents (voters) who put me here,” Cr Raedel said.
As a local resident, Cr Raedel has explored the Caboolture river for over 25 years and says he has a great respect for what it has to offer and needs.
“In making my decision I took into account that the Coordinator-General had the reports from the experts, including Government departments and recommended an approval,” Cr Raedel said. “I read the huge comprehensive Environmental Impact Study and believe there is a net positive environmental impact. Northeast Business Park is expected to contribute a net community benefit of $2.5billion.”
Northeast Business Park is set to appeal the decision of Moreton Bay Regional Council in the Planning and Environment Court at great expense to both Northeast Business Park and Moreton Bay rate payers.
“We are responding to the refusal of the application by Moreton Bay Regional Council after the project had been recommended for approval in full by the Queensland Government Coordinator-General,” NEBP Chief Executive Officer Jeff Smith said.
