EUROBODALLA councillor Gabi Harding unsuccessfully called on Tuesday for the council to revoke its approval of the expanded HuntFest festival, on advice it may have been illegal.
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Cr Harding’s motion was presented at the council’s meeting as a matter of urgency.
The move came after the Environmental Defender’s Office (EDO) wrote to the council’s general manager, Catherine Dale, last week advising the original approval did not support this year’s proposed additions of weapons sales and an air-rifle range.
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SAFE representative Peter Cormick, who formally joined the group this month, said the EDO expressed the view that a fresh development application would be required under the EPA Act.
However after seeking legal advice, council’s planning director Lindsay Usher disagreed.
Mr Usher said on Tuesday the EDO’s argument incorrectly assumed the consent concerned land use.
“The development consent is for temporary structures associated with the event, it doesn’t require a (new) development application,” he said.
Mr Usher went on to say temporary structures referred to marquees, stages and “things of that nature”.
Cr Harding said she understood there was a view within the council that HuntFest was officially characterised as a market, and if this was the case, despite the event being advertised as a festival, council was required to advertise it under the Eurobodalla Plan of Management.
She expressed concern some colleagues had not read the EDO letter, and therefore could not make an informed decision.
She urged councillors, particularly past and present ERA councillors elected on a platform of openness and transparency, to be accountable.
“I’m not saying stop HuntFest, but the amendment creep that has happened since day one is abhorrent,” Cr Harding said.
“It’s completely different.
“There is no accountability for that amendment creep in this chamber.”
Cr Danielle Brice supported Cr Harding, but Crs Neil Burnside, Peter Schwarz, Liz Innes and Rob Pollock opposed the motion.
Cr Milton Leslight abstained as he “did not have all the facts”, but this counted as a vote against.
Mr Cormick said the matter was “yet another example of council incompetence”.
“SAFE will communicate with the EDO to see where things stand,” Mr Cormick said after the meeting.
“The EDO is waiting on a response from the council.”
