ANNA Bay residents are fed up, the mayor is threatening to track down the Chinese financiers, Port Stephens Council says its hands are tied, and the receiver says ‘‘news’’ is imminent.
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It’s the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of the failed Birubi Beach Resort, now a derelict mess of half-built, vandalised buildings at the entrance to the Port’s major tourist attraction, Stockton sand dunes.
Fed up with the inaction of the council, one irate resident summed up the feelings of anger and frustration of the Anna Bay people by erecting a sign at the front gate declaring: ‘Shame PSC, Bruce - do something’.
The council’s development assessment and compliance manager Matt Brown said that unfortunately, the council could not control whether developments proceed or not, once approval is issued.
‘‘The owner of the site has acted on the approval and the council continues to ensure any works are in accordance with the relevant conditions of consent,’’ Mr Brown said.
Mayor Bruce MacKenzie was more forthright, saying that he felt for Anna Bay residents and would attempt to track down the financiers taking every step possible to make them accountable.
‘‘I agree with the sign this is a shame. I supported the development because I believed it would create jobs in Anna Bay but we have been let down,” he said.
‘‘I intend to take up the fight for the residents and hope to have that sign replaced with one that says ‘Well done Bruce’.’’
When contacted receiver Andrew Sallway, from Grant Thornton Australia, would not comment, adding he would have news soon.
Cr MacKenzie believed the site could be conducive to a retirement village. Bay residents, however, were divided on its future use.
Anna Bay resident Gerry Mason said if the resort could not be completed he would like to see the area returned to its natural state.
‘‘It is the laughing stock of Anna Bay, it looks like a rubbish tip and has become a serious security and safety issue,’’ Mr Mason said.
Residents Leah Bracegirdle and Jenny Woolard however, floated the concept of a community centre. The one common thread among all residents was ‘‘enough is enough, it’s time for action".