Open Letter to Sutherland Shire Councillors

Port Hacking & Georges River Waterways Planning Proposal

Stop Wasting Ratepayers’ Money

Stop the Destruction

Withdraw the Planning Proposal NOW!

We write this open letter to Sutherland Shire Council to leave it in absolutely no doubt that we are unanimously opposed to the Waterways Planning Proposal.

The Waterways Planning Proposal will make charter and tourism boating facilities, kiosks, marinas, mooring pens, and outdoor recreation facilities permissible in the residential areas of our natural waterways. 

This is a really bad proposal as these uses are not compatible with residential uses. No one wants kiosk deliveries or a charter operator firing up the diesel engines before dawn in their back yard or restaurant and marina patrons coming and going into the night. 

This is a really bad Proposal as it threatens much of what we love about our waterways. Through habitat destruction this proposal puts at risk our ability to catch a great fish, diving to find a weedy sea dragon, staring up in awe at circling osprey and sea eagles, see birds that have travelled non-stop from the arctic circle or simply escaping the hectic pace of modern life by drinking in the incredible visual landscapes of our waterways.

This is a really bad Proposal because it is a waste of ratepayers’ money. Spending another $50,000 will not fix this Proposal. It has not progressed for over 3 years because it does not have merit. It was rejected by NSW Government agencies in October 2025. It cannot make the case that waterways are protected and healthier. It cannot make the case that biodiversity is protected. It cannot make the case that scenic landscapes are protected. It will not convince the community that this is a good plan.

On 23 March Council deferred consideration of the Proposal till the meeting on 28 April. Council did this so a summary of the feedback received to date can inform Council. This is a ridiculous proposition. The submissions received to date give councillors no insight into the depth of community concern because Council has never informed the community and never sought the community’s views. The 142 supporting submissions Council has received were collated by a lobbyist, Harbour Planning Pty Ltd, following targeted letterbox drops to waterfront residents. This is a commercial strategy by a consulting business and must be seen as such.

In the absence of you asking we are now telling you our views – directly, openly, publicly.

Withdraw this Proposal now!

Learn More

UPDATE

Since a copy of this open letter was emailed to all Sutherland Shire Councillors a number of other community organisations have asked to be added as signatories: