This summary will update you to the state of play in late 2013.
In 2012 the developer Ironlaw lodged an application with Wollondilly Shire Council for a Waste Transfer Station at 25 Government Road, Bargo. Council rejected this application and Ironlaw then appealed to the Land & Environment Court and then abandoned this appeal during the hearing because of a probable adverse outcome.
But Ironlaw had not given up, and their next move was to lodge a modified application with Council in March/April 2013. During the public comment period, Bargo residents sent Council over 160 submissions against the proposal. Subsequently Council rejected this application in May 2013.
Latest move by Ironlaw is to appeal to the Land and Environment Court and this is unlikely to be scheduled for hearing until mid-2014.
Also over the last few months Ironlaw and associated entities have secured many of the adjoining properties and lodged at least one rezoning application to turn this farmland into 1 to 5 acres residential blocks. We are not sure what their strategy is, but in principle we support this type of development, but without the Waste Transfer Station as a neighbour to these blocks.
The Bargo Progress Association has been instrumental in keeping Bargo residents informed with some members planning to attend the appeal hearing. The Association plans to be in recess over the summer months but if there are developments sooner than expected – then the Association will convene a special meeting to plan action. If you are not a member then we encourage you to join The Bargo Progress Association.
Beware of apathy – don’t assume someone else will solve the problems. Don’t allow developers to blot our town.