South West Rocks, NSW – September 6, 2024: In line with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA), Rise Projects recently requested and received documents detailing some of the financial costs incurred by Kempsey Shire Council so far in opposing ‘The Rocks’ development.
Through this request, Rise Projects obtained copies of invoices amounting to approximately $300,000. It is important to note this sum excludes ongoing Council staffing costs since 2021, and excludes the cost of current legal matters. This significant sum raises questions as to if this expenditure is an unnecessary financial burden placed on ratepayers in a time when Kempsey Shire Council is otherwise making efforts to curb their spending.
Speaking to the fact that discussions with Kempsey Shire Council in 2021 were very positive, with Council support being voiced in meetings for development at the scale of the current masterplan proposal, Rise director Daniel Pszczonka said the contrast to the present day and having to resort to legal avenues is a disappointing outcome for all parties.
“Long-term development projects often span changes in local government, presenting unique challenges for both developers and councils. While initial plans may have been collaborative, new leadership brings fresh perspectives and potentially different priorities. This underscores the critical importance of maintaining open, continuous communication between all parties. It’s essential that developers remain flexible and responsive to evolving community needs, while councils strive for consistency in their approach to long-term projects. By fostering ongoing dialogue and mutual understanding, we can navigate these transitions more effectively, ensuring that development serves the best interests of the community both now and in the future,” said Pszczonka.
Kempsey Shire Council is grappling with a projected $79 million deficit over the next decade, prompting them to apply for a Special Rate Variation (SRV). This measure will result in a substantial 24% increase in rates over the next two years. While the Council cites “limited alternative revenue opportunities” as a key factor for this increase, Rise Projects offers a different perspective.
“Our project alone stands to contribute over $31 million in payments, rates, and contributions to the council over the next decade and a half. These funds could be vital in addressing the financial challenges the council faces.” Pszczonka said.
“When decisions are tested in court instead of through open, collaborative dialogue, the cost of that process will inevitably fall to someone,” said Daniel Pszczonka, Director of Rise Projects. “In this case, it’s the ratepayers who bear the brunt of these expenses. The most recent example of this dates from September last year, when we tried to negotiate with Council on what they would consider best outcomes for the development site. They were not open to discussing anything beyond two storey housing. Their position stands in isolation to the unique planning permissions that the site is afforded, including having ‘Key Site’ status designated by the NSW Department of Planning. If Council won’t even discuss proposals that comply with planning controls, it is difficult to have confidence in their assessment process. We believe there’s a better way to address development challenges during the current housing crisis—one that prioritises shared goals and open communication.”
Under the GIPA Act, section 13 emphasises that public interest should be the guiding factor when assessing whether information should be disclosed, without regard for whether the information might cause embarrassment or a loss of confidence in the government. This principle reinforces the need for openness and transparency, even in difficult circumstances.
Rise Projects noted comments from Council Governance Advisor Nicole Hodges, reiterating the importance of transparency in the GIPA response saying, “The expenditure of public monies is an issue important to members of the public. Disclosure of records promotes accountability and transparency in Council’s financial dealings. Transparency plays a fundamental role as it allows access to and understanding of the Council’s decision-making processes.”
As Kempsey Shire Council continues to focus on reducing costs and finding efficiencies through their financial sustainability plan, Rise Projects calls for a renewed emphasis on a more united approach to development to mitigate costly court-led decisions, provide much-needed housing sooner, and secure alternative revenue streams that serve the broader needs of the community.
“We all want the same thing—a strong, sustainable community with homes that locals can afford. There’s a better way to achieve this by working together,” Pszczonka concluded.
Community Engagement:
To ensure the community is well-informed and involved about the project, Rise Projects has created a community information hub which including detailed environmental reports, visual renderings of the project and ongoing updates, please visit swrcommunity.net or contact Daniel Pszczonka at the provided contact information.
Watch the Latest Community Update Video
Read the release and view video here.
About Rise Projects:
Rise Projects is a leading property developer committed to creating sustainable, high-quality residential communities. With a focus on environmental responsibility and community engagement, Rise Projects aims to deliver exceptional housing solutions that meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
Contact Information:
- Name: Daniel Pszczonka
- Title: Director
- Phone: Sydney: (02) 8094 1209 | Brisbane: (07) 3229 2469
- Email: daniel@riseprojects.com.au
- Address: 57/6-8 Herbert Street, St Leonards NSW 2065
- Postal Address: PO Box 1662, North Sydney NSW 2059
- Website: www.riseprojects.com.au