Harrington
MID COAST COUNCIL - WORIMI COUNTRY
DEVELOPMENT PROFILE
Development company Bayline was granted consent in 2020 to construct 292 independent living units at 56 Manor Road, Harrington. The plans will accommodate 500 people over 55 and/or with disability.
The site is extremely vulnerable to fire, surrounded by Vegetation Category 1 and Category 2 bushfire-prone land and therefore inappropriate as a residence for hundreds of people with disability and mobility problems. Locals question why it was considered compliant with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability) 2004 section 25(5b), and the relevant RFS Planning for Bushfire Protection 2006, which were applicable at the time of the consent.
WHERE IS IT UP TO?
Land in-filling has begun as of October 2022. Construction is imminent.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
- Approximate area to be cleared: 21 hectares
- Fire danger: The site lies directly opposite Crowdy Bay National Park and is surrounded by fire-prone bushland. In 1989 this site was entirely consumed by fire, and in 2019 the massive local fire began immediately opposite the site. The site’s fire vulnerability is escalating over time, as evidenced by the burning of nearby fire-resistant Melaleucas in 2019.
- Access: There is no through-road fire truck access so much so that neighbours have felt compelled to buy their own fire-fighting equipment. During the 2019 fires an elderly couple residing in a nearby caravan park could not be evacuated with other residents.
- There is clearly an unacceptable level of risk in evacuating those with limited mobility.
- Flood vulnerability: The site lies next to the Manning River and some parts of the property require in-fill to reach minimum elevation requirements. Potential for flooding also poses problems for evacuation of vulnerable residents.
WHO’S FIGHTING IT?
- Concerned Citizens of Harrington