When Ash became dust

By BRENDAN CRABB

GROUP of Albion Park Rail residents opposed to a recently approved development have formed a new action group.

The Green Meadows Action Group, headed by Bob Johnston, have voiced their displeasure over what they feel was an inadequate public consultation process and an unsuitable location for a development in Ash Avenue.

At the last council meeting, Administrator David Jesson approved the development, which allows for the demolition of eight existing shops opposite Albion Oval and the subsequent re-building of the complex into an Aldi supermarket, three retail shops and seven residential lots.

“I never received any notice about this proposed development, and I live two streets away,” Mr Johnston said. “Only the select few that were notified by letter were invited by council to inspect the plans, but the wider community wasn’t informed,” fellow resident Gloria Webber said.

She said there had been a small sign placed in front of the site, but “that was taken away after less than 24 hours”.

She was also disappointed at being allowed only the designated three minutes during public participation at the last council meeting to voice her opposition to the development.

The group feel that the loss of the existing stores, including a butchery and supermarket, would be a great loss to the community who rely heavily on it, especially the residents at nearby Warrigal Care.

They were also concerned that 10 local workers would lose their jobs and the development would create noise and safety concerns for nearby school children and Warrigal Care residents.

“We just don’t understand why it needs to be built here rather than in a commercial area,” another resident, Peter Jemec, said.

Shellharbour City Council was unavailable for comment.