Niall Edwards-FitzSimons Niall Edwards-FitzSimons

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.

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Niall Edwards-FitzSimons Niall Edwards-FitzSimons

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.

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