The much-hyped, multi-million dollar Williamtown Special Activation Precinct (SAP) has hit a hurdle and is expected to have both its area scaled back and its projected timeline delayed.
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The setback has had a devastating impact on prominent developer Edward Crawford, who is one of several owners of a significant landholding at the centre of the proposed Williamtown SAP project area.
Mr Crawford said that he was concerned about proposed boundary changes to the precinct and that the delays by the government in producing a draft master plan had left him and other potential developers in the dark.
"We, along with other commercial landowners within the SAP area, have been waiting for issues to be resolved before Port Stephens Council or the Joint Regional Planning Panel will consider any Development Applications or rezonings," Mr Crawford said.
"The SAP was touted as the fast track approach for the government to solve planning, infrastructure, and approval issues 'in bulk'. The Williamtown SAP has been running for well over a year (closer to two years) and seems to have stalled. So it looks like nothing is happening, and no jobs are being created."
The NSW government has committed more than $1 billion to deliver five SAPs across the state that it says will create jobs, attract businesses and investors, support local industries and fuel economic development across NSW.
The Williamtown precinct would capitalise on the defence and aerospace industries to create up to 4300 new jobs for the region over 40 years.
Related Reading: Deputy premier announces $5m kick-start to Williamtown SAP
Asked to comment on the delays, Parliamentary Secretary to the Hunter Taylor Martin admitted that the investigation phase was taking longer than anticipated.
"This is to ensure that potential development does not have an adverse effect on flooding and drainage or compromise the amenity of the surrounding area, which has required additional assessment and analysis," he said.
"It includes undertaking further biodiversity surveys in spring so that important spring-time vegetation can be identified and protected.
"The draft master plan is expected to go on exhibition later this year, however, it may be delayed to early 2022 as we work through and finalise the complex hydrology issues.
"It is expected that the precinct's final boundary will be smaller than the current investigation area and will focus on a confined area, south of the Newcastle Airport."
Mr Martin said that while master planning was continuing, landowners could still apply to rezone their land with the council under current legislative frameworks.
"Potential developers may choose to wait for the exhibition of the draft master plan to ensure future development is consistent with the vision and objectives of the precinct."
Mr Crawford said that his corporation had engaged with both Port Stephens Council and the NSW Government, seeking advice as to whether their land holdings were to be included in the Williamtown SAP.
"It is important for our planning team to understand this, in order for us to make sensible and informed decisions regarding the project," he said.
"We have very substantial organisations approaching us enquiring about joint venture land use opportunities on the site that include significant job creation and investment in the Hunter. We were advised that our opportunity to comment on the proposed master plan will be when the draft plan and discussion papers are placed on exhibition."
Mr Crawford said that it seemed the new boundary would omit his DA approved site just south of the former Williamtown school site, where earthworks have commenced.
"Unlike some of the property, our sites (and others nearby) are also not constrained by threatened species of biodiversity issues. What could be the reason to exclude land that has no threatened species?"
Mr Crawford has also raised the question of a conflict of interest with Port Stephens Council, which is both shareholder of the airport land and the consent authority for development in the SAP precinct.
"The council has set itself up as a land developer in competition with the rest of the community. I believe they are acting in as anti-competitive manner," he said.
"We have both ASX listed and private entities approaching us to undertake developments related to the economic power of the RAAF and airport. They don't want to be tied to a 'ground rent' deal with the airport - they want to own the land they are developing. We can't help them because our hands are tied."
In response to the conflict of interest accusations, a council spokesperson stated: "Council is in receipt of correspondence and is reviewing in accordance with relevant policy and procedures."
Asked if the council would be the sole consent authority for rezoning of land inside the Williamtown SAP, the spokesperson added: "The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is leading the SAP process and is making the decisions in regards to the rezoning of land and planning approval pathways within the SAP. The SAP boundaries have not been finalised and DPIE has indicated to the public a draft plan will be exhibited later this year."
The council spokesperson said that DAs and Planning Proposals would be assessed on their merit, which may require consideration of the SAP depending on their location.
"DPIE has released newsletters to inform the community on expected timeframes for the SAPs exhibition. Port Stephens Council, along with many government and non-government agencies and stakeholders, has been a part of the enquiry by design workshops with DPIE and follow up meetings with DPIE in relation to the continued development of the SAP."
Mr Crawford said that there were thousands of jobs and huge investment waiting to happen.
"We want an opportunity to make this happen," he said.
As one of five regional SAPs - the other four are located in Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Moree and Snowy Mountains - Williamtown has been selected for its long history of supporting Australia's Defence industry.
"The strategic location of the Williamtown precinct next to the RAAF base, creates opportunities to attract new and existing businesses, like Astra Aerolabs and BAE Systems, in the defence and aerospace industries," the government fast sheet states.
"The precinct will bring together specialised large scale international prime contractors, small and medium enterprises, and research and development institutions to create jobs and attract talent into the region.
"The precinct will build on the Defence and Aerospace Related Employment Zone and extend existing relationships between industry and local education and training sectors to increase skills and employment opportunities in the region. The Special Activation Precinct planning process will deliver coordinated and precinct-wide approach to addressing historical land constraints."
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