Investigation and action have been the response to a significant number of community queries regarding the development of a residential subdivision on Gregory Street in South West Rocks.
Kempsey Shire Council has investigated and acted on each of the areas that residents have expressed worries about regarding works being carried out in Gregory Street South West Rocks on Lot 223 DP754396.
The development has been visited by Council officers on several occasions in response to community concerns about noise, stormwater sediment, cultural heritage and dust.
Noise
Graham Snow, Manager of Development and Compliance at Kempsey Shire Council said noise generated from construction can be frustrating for residents living nearby.
“We understand that noise can impact surrounding properties during construction projects,” said Mr Snow.
“The state government sets the rules around noise. They permit developers to make higher noise levels given the construction is temporary in nature. Excessive noise and unreasonable work hours are not permitted, and compliance action can be taken.”
Council has found that some activity generated noise considered offensive and additional measures were established to help mitigate this. A later assessment revealed noise levels to be acceptable.
Stormwater sediment
Another concern raised is erosion from the site causing sediment in the stormwater and impacting water quality.
“There has been an above average rainfall this year,” said Mr Snow.
“The level of rain was more than the sediment and erosion controls are made for, resulting in more stormwater sediment than normal.”
“On one occasion a haybale being used to control sediment runoff was washed into a drain resulting in a blockage and overland stormwater runoff. This was fixed by the developer once they were made aware of the situation.”
Council officers have frequently visited the site in response to stormwater complaints with no fault being found that would warrant compliance action by Council. Stormwater and sediment controls, approved by Council engineers, are in place at the site.
Cultural Heritage
The Kempsey Local Aboriginal Land Council has worked with the developer on all necessary works in relation to cultural heritage.
“If the developer carried out this type of work without a cultural heritage officer, Kempsey Local Aboriginal Land Council would have notified Council of the breach,” said Mr Snow.
Dust
Council has investigated concerns about excessive and uncontrolled dust coming from the development site.
On visiting the site, Council officers noted appropriate dust limiting devices are fitted to machinery. An example of this sort of equipment is sprinklers on the crushing equipment.
“Council has worked with Safe Work NSW and additional dust limiting measures have been proposed for rock-hammer activity,” said Mr Snow.
“Regular monitoring of dust production is being undertaken to ensure compliance.”
Rock crushing
Excavated material from the site is being crushed to be reused in the subdivision’s road construction.
“So long as the crushed material is going back into the same project, it is just another part of the construction process. As such it is subject to the same impact controls as the other construction machinery, like that of noise and dust,” said Mr Snow.
“If the crushing is done to create material for commercial sale at an amount that is considered a distinct commercial activity, then separate development consent is required.”
Impact on roads
Council has heard concerns about potential damage being done to local roads.
The developer completed a dilapidation report which captured the condition of nearby roads before earthworks began.
“The state of the roads will be compared to this report at the completion of the development and any damage caused by the developer will be fixed at the developer’s cost,” said Mr Snow.
Council will continue to monitor the development site and will investigate and act on any potential issues.
