Q Station plan queried
Tuesday February 13 2002

NSW Planning warned yesterday it would not approve plans for a hotel and conference complex at the Quarantine Station unless changes were made to plans for the site.

In evidence to the inquiry into proposed conservation and adaptive reuse of the North Head site, senior planner Daniel Keary said the department had given "in-principle" support to Mawland Hotel Group's plans.

However, Mr. Keary said while the proposed 45-year head lease had benefits, the department had concerns for the impact on the long-nose bandicoot and little penguin populations and the site's building fabric.

He acknowledged some of the issues had been partially addressed in recent amendments to the environmental impact statement but he said departmental approval would only be warranted if ferry services to the site were to operate immediately (and consideration was given to a dusk curfew) and the number of carparks reduced with alternative parking arrangements made at the periphery or outside the site. Other stipulations would include deletion of plans for overflow car parking along the access road and further justification for the use of ensuites in some first and second class precinct buildings.

NSW Planning's demands followed a morning of evidence presented by consultants on behalf of Mawland and co-proponent the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The consultants assured the commission the proposal would not have an adverse impact on six Aboriginal sites, flora and fauna and traffic in Darley Rd and Manly.

The commission was told measures such as reducing the speed limit to 15km/h, changing the location of the second car park, building roof underpasses, use of fauna-proof bins, and constant monitoring would mitigate problems for the bandicoot population.

Small fences around penguin breeding areas and monitoring would also be carried out. It was denied any work needed to be done to Quarantine Wharf would be detrimental to marine life or sea grass beds.

Assessing the proposal's economic worth, consultant Philip Manidis said Mawland's operation would employ 100 people earning a total of $2.8 million a year and this would have a flow-on effect to the local economy.