A date has been set for the Public Hearing on the reclassification of Council’s Blue Haven Bonaira land holding from community to operational land.

Council says the operational classification should have been done as a matter of course within three months of the acquisition of the site, to comply with the Local Government Act, and that an oversight resulted in it being designated community land by default.

While its reclassification at this time is a crucial element in progressing Council’s decision to sell the Blue Haven Bonaira property and its operations, the Public Hearing will only focus on the planning issue of whether the current classification is appropriate for the site.

The State has appointed Council to manage the planning process to correct what it sees as an anomaly. As such, Council will make the final decision on the matter based on a recommendation that takes into account views expressed in the Public Exhibition and at the Hearing.

The Hearing, on Monday 22 May, will be the last opportunity in the Gateway process for people opposing or supporting the reclassification to put their case to the independent Chair.

People do not need to have made a submission during the earlier Public Exhibition to speak at the hearing (five minute limit), but they do need to register (even to attend) by 19 May through Council’s website. Written submissions may also be lodged.

A recommendation might be made to Council as early as the June Meeting, and if the reclassification is approved it will lead to a change in the Local Environment Plan.

The sale process is currently in limbo until the reclassification occurs, following the appointment of StewartBrown Advisory as the aged care experts to conduct the tender and divestment process.

The Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday 22 May 2023 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm in the Council Chambers, 11 Manning Street.

Register to attend or speak here.