More than 40 submissions have been received from concerned residents in response to two Development Applications (DAs) currently under consideration by Yass Valley Council.
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The DAs are requesting that two properties on Nanima Road, which have been operating as truck depots for many years, are formally designated as such.
One DA, for 881 Nanima Road, has requested approval for an average of 10 heavy and light vehicle movements per day, with the majority occurring between 6am and 5pm on weekdays. However, it is noted that there may also be late night and early morning departures.
The other DA, for 1245 Nanima Road, specifies an average of 12 heavy and light vehicle movements per day, with the majority occurring between 6:30am and 5:30pm on weekdays.
These DAs were prompted by one that was approved at the end of last year, for a controversial truck depot in nearby Carrington Road, Wallaroo, at which time it was noted that other truck depots had been operating without DAs.
The two Nanima Road DAs were put on public exhibition in December last year and submissions are still being accepted.
Aside from making submissions to Council, some residents have also made their concerns known to the Yass Tribune.
Issues that have been raised include the following:
The road is only rated for vehicles of up to 10 tonnes in weight, yet much heavier vehicles, of up to 30 tonnes, have been reported and even photographed in the transport depots
The road is not wide enough to safely allow the passage of large vehicles, which poses risks to other road users
The road has become severely degraded over years of heavy vehicle use
The proposed operating hours clash with the school bus service, potentially resulting in two large vehicles trying to pass one another on the narrow road, as well as presenting a risk to children
The noise level and dust emissions could threaten the peaceful and healthy rural lifestyle which has been sought out by some residents
The region could transform into an “industrial dump” as more and more areas are turned into industrial zones
Having these DAs approved retrospectively could encourage further “industrialisation by stealth”.
Yass Valley Council Director of Planning, Chris Berry, said all submissions and objections are being considered, along with reports from NSW Roads and Maritime Services.
The decision on the DAs is scheduled for the next Council meeting on Wednesday, May 25, at 4pm and staff are now compiling their assessment report, which will be available to the public on the Friday before the meeting.
“If people have concerns, they can lodge a submission, or address Council by registering to speak at the Open Forum at the start of the meeting,” Chris said.
“The documents which will guide Council’s decision are the Yass Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013 and the Truck and Transport Depots in Rural Areas policy document.”
If people are unhappy with the final outcome they can lodge an appeal with the NSW Land and Environment Court.
For further information, ring Council on 1300 553 652 during business hours, email council@yass.nsw.gov.au, or visit their website at: www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au.
To view the two development applications, use the links below:
http://www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/881-nanima-road-springrange
http://www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/truck-depot-1245-nanima-road-nanima
