Q |
Where in MacDonalds Road is the proposed development? |
A |
147 MacDonalds Road, Lisarow. Refer to location map and aerial photo
Link to Developement Plans |
Q |
How will this development affect me? |
A |
The following issues are probable effects from a development of this size:
- Traffic will increase throughout Lisarow, Ourimbah and Holgate, adding pressure to the already congested intersections at the Pacific Hwy, Tuggerah St, MacDonalds Road, Chamberlain Road and The Central Coast Highway.
- The rural aspect of Lisarow will be changed forever leaving the door open for other major developments to be approved in this region.
- With an increase of EB members living in the Lisarow/ Ourimbah and surrounding areas, to access their meeting hall social change will be inevitable. EB members usually do not connect with the local community. It is their policy to exclude outsiders, Barney Zwart, (The Age, 5/1/2007), states, “Exclusive Brethren cannot eat or drink with non-members, because their rules require them to be utterly separate”. Michael Bachelard (2008) writes, “The Brethren erect a wall between themselves and the outside world. The eating rule means there are no friendships, no social intercourse whatsoever with outsiders, and sect members are encouraged to behave with an air of being impervious to the outside world and aloof from it”.
- Traffic will increase throughout Lisarow, Ourimbah and Holgate, adding pressure to the already congested intersections at the Pacific Hwy, Tuggerah St, MacDonalds Road, Chamberlain Road and The Central Coast Highway.
- Increased runoff will add to the flooding problems in the area.
- Additional pollution will negatively impact on the ecology of Bangalow Creek due to drainage and septic system issues near the creek.
- Stress on the extensive wildlife living in the section of the valley near the development.
- Adverse effect on the scenic value of the area, as Elisabeth Wynhausen explains, (Sun Herald 16/5/93), “The churches they build are windowless… had all the stylistic nicety of an airplane hanger”. An article found in Peebs.net describes the meeting hall in Brisbane, “Today a typical Exclusive Brethren 'fortress' has been erected. A windowless, sinister-looking structure surrounded by fences, the standard steel-barred gates and noticeboards devoid of even the slightest hint of a 'Welcome'”
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Q |
What is the valley like? |
A |
At present we are a small, friendly community located on a narrow lane spanning 1 km. Our properties are nestled in a small valley that is surrounded by natural forests creating wildlife corridors. The valley is fed by 2 creeks and natural springs that form Bangalow Creek. The springs provide water reservoirs that are thriving with aquatic flora and fauna.
We enjoy and appreciate the abundance of wildlife and the tranquillity. The DA we have seen will bring abrupt and permanent changes in terms of continuous noise and traffic. A quote from “ThisIsGloucestershire” (November 01, 2008), highlights the problem. “We imagine that the residents might have something to say about cars passing their homes at 5:30 am on a Sunday - let alone the sound of car doors echoing“ (Please see the extensive hours of the meeting hall use).
We will no longer enjoy strolling on our safe lane. The road will be widened and we expect the rural scene will the jarred by the eyesore of a structure totally out of character with the rural amenity of the valley. The existing green pasture will be tarred to provide a meeting hall car park that will rival the one at Lisarow Plaza, according to the draft DA plan.
See Google Earth/Street View |
Q |
Why do we want to preserve and protect this valley? |
A |
Residents know there are numerous and significant species of wildlife in the valley and we fear the impact of changing the existing quiet, low traffic nature of the valley will be damaging to the existing habit. We wish to:
- Maintain wildlife corridors.
- Maintain the integrity of the creek as a habitat for the fauna and flora including a platypus that lives in the creek.
- Maintain the scenic value for future generations - Gosford council itself rated the valley with scenic protection status.
- Maintain a safe place for Lisarow resident to walk, ride bikes and horses in a quiet peaceful location.
- Maintain the character of our valley and maintain the lifestyle the valley offered prior to these unwanted and intrusive changes.
- Keep the valley welcoming rather than being exclusive.
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Q |
Who are the Exclusive Brethren? |
A |
Please visit the link provided in Media Links |
Q |
Will this meeting hall benefit the community? |
A |
No, research indicates the hall is only for members of the Exclusive Brethren. The community is excluded. A statement in the website “Peebs.net” declares, “Watching the arrival of Exclusive Brethren at one of their 'Fellowship Meetings' is quite an occasion. Each arriving vehicle is met by a 'Security' official who ensures the visitors are genuine EB. If not, they will be turned away - violently if necessary”. |
Q |
What impact has similar development had on other communities? |
A |
A journal article abstract in the Journal of Rural Studies, Volume 17, Issue 3, ( July 2001), discussing the EB, notes, “ Members of the sect have attempted to achieve this spatial separation by settling in a few small, relatively remote communities in rural Australia. This emerging Brethren geography has led to significant economic and social changes in those rural communities in which sect members have settled”. |
Q |
What actions have Lisarow R.A.I.D already taken? |
A |
We have:
- Raised awareness about the development through media and leaflet letterbox drop.
- Actively lobbied Councillors.
- Manned Election Day information booth at Lisarow Public School.
- Organised petitions.
- Consulted with solicitors, town planner, local Members of Parliament and other authorities.
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Q |
Would you support another type of development of a similar size in the valley? |
A |
No, it is out of character for this area and all the previously mentioned objections remain valid. |
Q |
What do we hope to achieve? |
A |
We hope the Exclusive Brethren will choose a more suitable place for their meeting hall. A place that:
- Has an adequate access road.
- Has access to Public Transport.
- Has existing sewage and drainage.
- Is not affected by the large closed structure.
- Can support a huge car park.
- Will not impact on the social and emotional state of the existing residents.
- Is not in a flood prone area.
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Q |
What can we do to assist Lisarow R.A.I.D.? |
A |
- Read up on the Exclusive Brethren so you understand the plight facing this area.
- Watch this website as when the next development application for the very large hall is submitted. We will list the news in the news flash section of this web site.
- Sign petitions and /or write to inform the council of your objection when the next development application goes into council.
- Inform others of this development.
- Offer professional advice.
- Share your concern with the Councillors and Members of Parliament.
- Tell us your story if you have been affected previously by EB development.
- Offer information you may have e.g. on flooding; traffic problems; environmental issues, etc.
- Turn up to the council meeting when a decision is to be made on the development.
- Contribute to our “fighting fund” (contact us with your interest)
We welcome your support. |
