By NIKKI TODD
TWEED residents have thrown their support behind a petition to save prime beachfront land at Kingscliff as councillors prepare to discuss Lot 490 at a confidential workshop.
More than 2800 people have signed a petition launched by resident action group Our Lot 490 three weeks ago, calling on the NSW Government to declare the 43ha parcel of Crown Land between Kingscliff and Salt a nature reserve.
The petition was launched after Leighton Properties, which had been granted approval last year to build a $100 million bungalow-style eco-resort on the site, pulled the pin on the plan in May.
Our Lot 490 spokesman Jerry Cornford said the response from the community had been “absolutely sensational’’ with all keen to preserve the sensitive land as a vital wildlife corridor.
“We have done three petitions (on this issue) since 2004/05 and we have never got more than about 700 signatures at any single attempt before,’’ Mr Cornford said.
“I think it shows not just the population of Kingscliff but the Tweed population are saying enough is enough. We have enough resorts, we can’t fill the ones we’ve got.
“We don’t want to lose any more public space because it does belong to everyone. The commercial value of it through tourism in the long-term is far greater leaving it as it is than trying to get some sort of short-term gain from a resort that will never fill.’’
But Tweed Shire Councillor Warren Polglase said he was not optimistic the site would be declared a nature reserve given the State Government had already granted approval for development.
Cr Polglase has instead suggested council seek approval to develop a low-impact caravan park on the site.
But Mr Cornford said such a proposal was ludicrous.
“A caravan park is a ridiculous idea because the construction would be just as destructive as building a resort – once the animals are gone they don’t come back,’’ he said.
Tweed Mayor Barry Longland said he hoped the site could be retained as a nature reserve.
Council officers and councillors will meet representatives from the Lands Department at a workshop to discuss the issue on 29 August.
The workshop, which will bring councillors up to date on the status of the lot, will be followed by a public meeting at a date yet to be confirmed.
Our Lot 490 is aiming to gather at least 5000 signatures so the petition can be presented to the NSW Parliament in Sydney.
“If we get 5000, we’ll have more than 10 per cent of the adult population of the Tweed which is reasonably significant,’’ Mr Cornford said.
To sign the petition, visit Healthy Life, Zanzibar or Boardwalk Books at Kingscliff or the Caldera Centre or New Leaf Café in Murwillumbah.
