Susan McLeod was relieved when MidCoast Council voted against an application to develop a multi housing dwelling in Tinonee.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms McLeod was one of a small group of residents who gave passionate and emotional pleas, asking councillors to reconsider the project at the June 26 monthly ordinary meeting in Forster.
The construction of a six unit building on Gollan Avenue would be out of character with the small community, she said.
"I am relieved that council has refused the motion.
"I now have more confidence my house will not be devalued and council has listened to our pleas."
A known koala habitat, neighboring resident, Peggy Bird said she was happy and relieved both for herself and the koala population.
"The people of Tinonee do not live in a village to have high density development; towns of Wingham, Taree, Forster and Tuncurry are there for that reason," she said.
"If you wanted to live in Tinonee, it would be so that you had your privacy, not living on top of other residents.
"We live in Tinonee for open spaces."
Deputy mayor, Katheryn Smith questioned councillors' perceived emotional response to the request.
"When we look at it (DA) off the report, it ticks all the boxes," Cr Smith said.
"We just cannot opposed it because we don't like it."
Brad Christensen said he sympathised with the residents but reminded councillors the proposal had been passed by expert council staff.
However, Claire Pontin said she did not agree the application 'ticked all the boxes'.
"Tinonee is a hotspot for koalas in the area."
To accommodate the structure, just one of the small stand of trees - which accommodated many koalas - would be retained.
"The report says that the site does not form part of any identified wildlife corridor, how does the developer think the koalas get to the trees?" Ms Bird said.
"This is a village and totally out of character for that area," Peter Epov said. "It is time to stand up and say no."