‘Patyegarang’ name change masks ‘dangerous proposal’
The public can now comment on more substantial aspects of the so-called Lizard Rock proposal, which has been renamed ‘Patyegarang’ planning proposal.
Under the controversial plan, 450 dwellings would be built on pristine land at Morgan Road in Belrose, which was granted to the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC). Despite strong objections from Northern Beaches Council, the plan was supported at Gateway Determination and is now open for public comment.
Independent Wakehurtst MP Michael Regan has long campaigned against the proposal, arguing there should be no homes on bush-fire prone land. “Whether the planning proposal is called Lizard Rock or Patyegarang, it doesn’t change the substance of the issue – that this is an unsustainable and dangerous proposal, and it should simply not go ahead,” Mr Regan said. The MLALC said it had changed the name to Patyegarang – who was a Gadigal language informant whose name means ‘grey kangaroo’ – as it was a more ‘culturally appropriate name that better represents the rich history of the site’.
Mr Regan said there was ‘vehement opposition’ to the development. “It is unsustainable, inconsistent with the state’s housing targets, costly as new essential services and infrastructure will need to be built from scratch, and dangerous – potentially putting thousands of people in a high-risk fire zone.”
Prior to the start of the community consultation, MLALC had to fulfil certain conditions which it has now met. One was a development control plan (DCP) for the site, which it is hoping will in part be rezoned ‘R2 low density residential’. The MLALC has reduced the amounts of R2 zoning to ‘provide areas of RE2 Private Recreation zoning for riparian corridors and cultural heritage areas’.
Under the proposal, there would be an Aboriginal cultural centre, small shops, cafes and open public spaces. There is also mention of ‘active transport links’. In terms of fire risk, MLALC architects Glyd said in the DCP: “Urban design will carefully consider the relationship between residential areas, open space and nature so as to minimise bushfire risk”.
Ultimately, Planning Minister Paul Scully will have the final say, set to be by mid-2024, and will need to consider what other bodies – including the NSW Rural Fire Service – have to say about the proposal. Mr Scully has already said in State Parliament that any objections from the RFS would mean the proposal could not progress.
To make a submission, visit the NSW Planning Portal by 7 November.