Councillor Mitchell Pakes has denied a proposal to develop West Culburra is a contentious one, despite it being knocked back by the Independent Planning Commission in 2018.
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Cr Pakes put forward a motion that the council "support an updated West Culburra development plan, and acknowledge the support of many residents and ratepayers for the project".
"I hope, I pray, every day that this development is approved," he said.
The original plan was rejected due to it not meeting environment and cultural heritage requirements.
It garnered significant support from Culburra residents and business owners who beleived it would inject provide more housing for locals and more trade for local businesses.
It was opposed by the Lake Wollumboola Protection Association and a number of local oyster famers, who were concerned stormwater runoff from the development would affect water quality in the area.
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However, at the Tuesday, January 25 council meeting, Cr Pakes dismissed the idea there had been significant opposition to the development, despite the fact that the Department of Planning had recommended the Independent Planning Commision reject the initial proposal.
"There is no contention around it," he said.
"This development has been one of the easier ones to navigate because of the support it has generated from the community."
The developer recently made a new proposal that addresses some of the environmental concerns that led to the inital rejection.
A water quality management plan has been included in the new proposal, that would see stormwater captured and recycled.
Mayor Amanda Findley opposed the motion. She said she was not confident enough work had been done to protect the potential cultural significance of the development site.
"At another development in Culburra right now they are revealing over 100 artefacts per square metre of excavation," she said.
"I'm concerned we would set up future residents for problems."
Councillors Nina Digiglio, Joanna Gash, Mitchell Pakes, Greg Watson, Bob Proudfoot, Andrew Guile, Patricia White and Marck Kitchener voted for the motion.
Councillors Kaye Gartner, Amanda Findley, Annette Alldrick and John Levett voted against the motion.
The motion was carried.
