Land Classification to ‘Operational Land’ - Bellbird

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Consultation has concluded. Thank you for your submissions.

Project Background

On 30 April 2024, a private developer created a plan to build houses in Bellbird. As part of this plan, the developer gave 2.783 hectares of land to the Council to be used as a drainage reserve.

According to the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) , the Council must decide whether this land should be classified as community land or operational land within three months. If no decision is made within that time, the land automatically becomes community land which may not always be appropriate for its intended use.

The proposal was exhibited for 28 days and received a number of submissions from the community. Below are the key themes from the exhibition, and the Councils response. 

Addressing the Key Themes from the Exhibition Period

Why do you need to classify land? And why did you want to classify this as Operational Land?

Under the Local Government Act 1993, when land is dedicated to the Council by a developer, it must be classified as either community or operational land within three months. This classification ensures that the land is used appropriately for its intended purpose. 

In this case, the land was dedicated to Council by a private developer specifically as a drainage reserve, which is critical for managing water runoff and preventing flooding in nearby residential areas. 

Concerns about the impact on drainage capacity are valid, and Council is committed to ensuring the land continues to facilitate effective stormwater management. This classification supports our ability to maintain and manage the land appropriately to serve this essential purpose. Classifying it as operational land reflects this intended use and helps us manage it effectively for stormwater management and flood prevention.

Addressing Misconceptions

We understand that many of you are concerned about the potential for the land to be sold off to private developers and the impact this might have on the local environment and community. We want to assure you that the classification of this land as operational does not mean it will be sold or developed for housing. The primary purpose of this land is to serve as a drainage reserve, which is essential for managing stormwater and preventing flooding in the area.

Several submissions mentioned worries about the loss of accessible open space and the impact on native bird habitats. We want to clarify that operational land can still be used by the community for passive recreational activities. The classification as operational land is primarily a statutory requirement to ensure the land is used for its intended purpose—drainage. This classification does not restrict public access the land from being enjoyed by the community.

Operational Land risks impacting the Environment

We acknowledge the environmental value of the land and the wildlife it supports. The operational classification does not lessen our commitment to preserving these natural habitats. In fact, managing the land effectively as a drainage reserve helps protect the local ecosystem by controlling water flow and reducing the risk of environmental degradation.

Next Steps
At the Council Meeting 17 July 2024, after considering the submissions by participants, the response to the submissions in the council report, and the recommendation; Council moved to support the recommendation to classify the dedicated land as Operational Land to reflect it’s intended use as a drainage reserve.

Project Background

On 30 April 2024, a private developer created a plan to build houses in Bellbird. As part of this plan, the developer gave 2.783 hectares of land to the Council to be used as a drainage reserve.

According to the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) , the Council must decide whether this land should be classified as community land or operational land within three months. If no decision is made within that time, the land automatically becomes community land which may not always be appropriate for its intended use.

The proposal was exhibited for 28 days and received a number of submissions from the community. Below are the key themes from the exhibition, and the Councils response. 

Addressing the Key Themes from the Exhibition Period

Why do you need to classify land? And why did you want to classify this as Operational Land?

Under the Local Government Act 1993, when land is dedicated to the Council by a developer, it must be classified as either community or operational land within three months. This classification ensures that the land is used appropriately for its intended purpose. 

In this case, the land was dedicated to Council by a private developer specifically as a drainage reserve, which is critical for managing water runoff and preventing flooding in nearby residential areas. 

Concerns about the impact on drainage capacity are valid, and Council is committed to ensuring the land continues to facilitate effective stormwater management. This classification supports our ability to maintain and manage the land appropriately to serve this essential purpose. Classifying it as operational land reflects this intended use and helps us manage it effectively for stormwater management and flood prevention.

Addressing Misconceptions

We understand that many of you are concerned about the potential for the land to be sold off to private developers and the impact this might have on the local environment and community. We want to assure you that the classification of this land as operational does not mean it will be sold or developed for housing. The primary purpose of this land is to serve as a drainage reserve, which is essential for managing stormwater and preventing flooding in the area.

Several submissions mentioned worries about the loss of accessible open space and the impact on native bird habitats. We want to clarify that operational land can still be used by the community for passive recreational activities. The classification as operational land is primarily a statutory requirement to ensure the land is used for its intended purpose—drainage. This classification does not restrict public access the land from being enjoyed by the community.

Operational Land risks impacting the Environment

We acknowledge the environmental value of the land and the wildlife it supports. The operational classification does not lessen our commitment to preserving these natural habitats. In fact, managing the land effectively as a drainage reserve helps protect the local ecosystem by controlling water flow and reducing the risk of environmental degradation.

Next Steps
At the Council Meeting 17 July 2024, after considering the submissions by participants, the response to the submissions in the council report, and the recommendation; Council moved to support the recommendation to classify the dedicated land as Operational Land to reflect it’s intended use as a drainage reserve.