Breaking News
Currawong proposal in hot debate
Andrew Tillett
20 February 2008
ACTIVISTS fighting the redevelopment of Currawong hope to rally the community to join their campaign after The Manly Daily yesterday revealed Eco Villages' plans for the workers' retreat.
The developer has valued its investment in Currawong at almost $50 million $15 million to buy the land and $33 million to build 25 new houses and refurbish nine cottages.
While Eco Villages has offered to dedicate more than half of Currawong's 20 ha as national park, its proposal will also effectively quadruple the amount of land covered by buildings.
State and federal government planners and environmental experts are currently examining Eco Village's application.
Planning Minister Frank Sartor has appointed a hand-picked panel to assess the application and make recommendations on approving, amending or rejecting the company's proposal before he makes a final decision.
Friends of Currawong co-convenor Shane Withington said it was important for the community to realise the scale of Eco Villages proposal. "I would like to think the people of Pittwater now know they are getting a $50 million suburb stuffed into a national park," he said.
Eco Villages director Allen Linz said the company's proposal was in keeping with the surrounds.
He said he was frustrated at the untrue rumours being "peddled" by opponents.
"When you brush away a lot of the hype, hopefully people will be able to see the proposal for what it is," Mr Linz said.
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