That’s the premise to 3 Rivers Greens joint convenor Mick Hall’s decision to launch a petition calling for council to amend its Local Environment Plan covering extractive industry (mining) on RU3 zoned land.

Mr Hall said his concerns about the 2015 amendments were increased following the approval of a second quarry at Herons Creek which is sited on State Forest Land.

“We are not opposed to development, but we are calling for a more level playing field. Right now it seems that all the power is with the other side (the developers),” he said.

“This amendment was listed along with a host of other proposals and there was only a 17 day period to make a submission.

“This significant change needs more community attention. As part of the consultation, there needs to be more discussion and airing of this matter in the community.”

Mr Hall said there was a clear message in the approval process for the second quarry: it is very difficult to successfully oppose a development.

“The message from the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Joint Regional Planning Panel is one of legal impotence for the community in opposing developments, even on State Forest Land and Crown Land,” he said.

“There would be an outcry if we sold off Crown Lands but developers are able to attract 20 or 30 year leases for extractive industry purposes.”

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams has moved to reassure residents that changes to the Crown Land Act in 2016 have not weakened government controls over Crown Land or the stringent environmental controls placed on development and mining projects in NSW.

“The decision to approve a second quarry on land at Herons Creek was made by an independent Joint Regional Planning Panel,” Mrs Williams said.

“The new Crown Land legislation was passed by the NSW government last year is anticipated to commence in early 2018.

“The landmark new legislation will fundamentally improve the management of Crown land in NSW. The new, modern legislation is easier to understand and increases community involvement. It requires environmental, social, cultural heritage and economic considerations to be taken into account in decision-making about Crown land.”

Anyone interested in the new legislation can find out more at www.crownland.nsw.gov.au Mrs Williams said.

Mr Hall praised the Herons Creek community for their ‘amazing spirit and effort’ and urged the community to sign the petition, or write a submission or letter to state MP Leslie Williams or Niall Blair who is Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Regional Water, and Minister for Trade and Industry.

The petition can be collected from and returned to Nadine Rose, 9 Merrigal Road, Port Macquarie or from the 3 Rivers Greens website.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams’ office was contacted for comment.