Bayside Council at odds with developers over Cooks River land swap
While the possibility of a data centre being built on the Cooks River has generated substantial controversy, other aspects of the development are being overlooked. Bayside councillors want to move a proposed public park onto the riverfront, swapping industrial buildings with green space. But despite councillors’ belief it is being actively discussed, developer Stockland says it has received no proposal. As a crucial planning deadline approaches, questions remain about whether the idea will receive serious consideration.
Who gets a say? Community opposition grows over Cooks River data centre
Plans for a logistics hub and possible data centre on the Cooks River have sparked a growing protest movement, bringing together activists, Aboriginal custodians and local residents. Meanwhile, councillors on Bayside Council are railing against their lack of input in this ‘state significant development’ and calling for major changes to the proposal. With the developer’s response to submissions imminent, questions are being asked about what input, if any, the community will have into what the development will look like. Many are asking for better consultation, some are advocating that the whole site be turned over to the public, or to nature, or to Aboriginal custodianship.
EPA, council dodge responsibility after significant Sydney oil spill
On June 4 diesel fuel spilled into Alexandra Canal in Sydney’s inner west, leaving dozens of waterbirds coated in oil and triggering a weeks-long wildlife rescue operation. Questions remain about how quickly the pollution response began, who is responsible for enforcement action, and whether those to blame will actually face prosecution.
The controversial plan for a Cooks River data centre
A redevelopment proposal for the Kogarah Golf Course threatens to build a data centre on the banks of the Cooks River, across from Sydney Airport and near Botany Bay. Residents of Bayside Council, Wolli Creek and suburbs up and down the river express concern at the environmental impacts and lack of community consultation.