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Media Release - Department of Planning Sydney: 19 April 2006 DEVELOPMENT STATUS QUO TO REMAIN IN KURNELL VILLAGE A new study supports the State Government’s sensible limits on residential growth in Kurnell village, Department of Planning Director-General Sam Haddad said today.
Mr Haddad said the key findings of the draft Kurnell Peninsula Land Use Safety Study, released for public comment today, were consistent with previous studies.
“The study confirms that the Caltex oil refinery does not pose a significant risk to residents,” Mr Haddad said.
“However, the Department still believes it would be inappropriate to allow further residential growth in the village, particularly since there is only one road in and out.
“This is a sensible decision, based on the realities of the village’s location on a peninsula.
“The Department’s thorough and detailed analysis shows any potential risk is so small that it is well within acceptable standards.
“We have taken a conservative approach in deciding to maintain the status quo.”
The study was undertaken to update earlier NSW Government studies, completed in the 1980s, using the latest available risk analysis and assessment techniques and data.
Its findings are important because they must be taken into account by Sutherland Shire Council when assessing development applications.
The draft study found:
• Risks meet current Department of Planning criteria • The refinery has a robust and effective safety management system • Notwithstanding this, there are opportunities for technical improvements which may further reduce the consequences or likelihood of an accident • Any increase in the residential capacity of the Kurnell Peninsula would potentially hamper evacuation and access in the event of a major incident at Kurnell
It recommended a number of actions, including:
• Caltex should undertake improvements to spillage containment, fire protection and certain monitoring systems within the refinery • There should be further study into evacuation options for the village generally • There should be no increase in residential capacity in Kurnell Village – that is, no new land releases or subdivision • Future land releases or developments elsewhere on the peninsula should take into account the need for adequate emergency road access.
Mr Haddad said protection of residents was an ongoing process and it was prudent to continually upgrade and improve safety management.
In addition, the draft report recommends that Sutherland Shire Council should consult with the Department of Planning before approving any non-residential development within 500 metres of the Caltex refinery.
Mr Haddad stressed that residents living near the oil refinery could continue to enjoy and improve their homes just as they do now, subject to normal council requirements.
“Essentially nothing changes for these property owners or other Kurnell residents as a result of this study,” he said.
A copy of the draft report will be available on the Department of Planning website: www.planning.nsw.gov.au under the “On Exhibition – Draft policies and plans” section.
It will be on public exhibition until June 2. Comments are welcome.
Staff from the NSW Department of Planning major hazards unit will consult with local stakeholders while the study is on exhibition.
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