Dear Beagle Editor, Your readers might be interested in the letter I have just sent to the Premier of NSW in regards to the Eurobodalla’s Rural local Environment plan (RLEP) . Madam Premier, I write to you in absolute frustration and bordering on disgust at your government’s failure to deal with Eurobodalla’s Rural local Environment plan (RLEP) amendments. Council passed their RLEP in 2012 leaving out around 45% of rural lands to be re-evaluated because of constricting E-3 legislation demanded by State planning but vehemently opposed by the community. Council then set up a rural advisory committee which involved State planning OE&H and community who after 4 years put a thoroughly evidence based planning update to council. Subsequently the Council endorsed the strategy for State Planning for approval for a gateway determination. This would then update council’s RLEP involving all rural lands within Eurobodalla. This plan, when passed, will ensure the ability for rural lands within Eurobodalla to prosper, diversify and grow while at the same time maintain the rural vista and environmental value this region is renowned for. What is both disturbing and casts doubt on your government’s credibility is that this matter was presented to your planning department in April/May 2016 yet after many delegations from council to the planning department, to Planning Ministers, council have yet to be told WHY or WHAT is the problem with the RLEP proposal presented. Why is there such an issue when all of the relevant departments participated through the 4 years of formulating the rural strategy, yet those departments have not had the decency to discuss what if anything was wrong with the Strategy or refuse the policy outright? To me this is the height of rudeness. Your Planning Minister needs to expedite this matter now. At his last meeting with the Mayor and Minister Constance he stated that he would “fix” this matter ASAP yet after months nothing but silence. Such incompetence continues to erode the electorate’s view of your party’s relevance to this electorate. I bring this matter to you as an ex councillor who endured the initial LEP process. That Council approved the 2012 Rural LEP and also set up the Rural Advisory Committee. I was also on that committee for a further four years as a community representative. After so much input from not only from the community but all relevant departments I find it a disgrace that such efforts are dismissed in such a manner. To treat your electorate in such a manner is also a disgrace. Yours sincerely Keith Dance
