I was interested to read in the Review about the new Oberon website promoting the attractions of the region. I congratulate the team which put it together.
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It was pleasing to see that the scenic beauty of the region was so well-recognised.
At Parada Hills Truffle Farm, we likewise like to strongly promote both the scenic attractiveness of the area and it being the source of pure, natural food.
Over the last few weeks we have been hosting a number of leading chefs from Sydney and regional NSW at our farm for the annual truffle hunt.
As well as digging up truffles, the main attraction for them is to get out into the country and enjoy the natural beauty.
They return to their restaurants and, along with extolling the food and the beauty of the area to their customers, they are very active on social media in raving about the pristine experience.
The Oberon region can only benefit from this exposure.
Unfortunately, this is all being put at risk.
Our farm faces north across the Duckmaloi River and looks directly at the proposed subdivision at 175 Titania Road.
This proposed development has a number of well-documented environmental issues regarding potential hydrological pollution, water supply, traffic, etc which have not been addressed.
Of significant concern for us is both the potential for water contamination in the Duckmaloi River and the visual degradation of the area.
Those coming to experience the joy of the country, while hunting for truffles, do not want to see a polluted stream or look at a small-lot subdivision with the usual plethora of sheds, shipping containers and old cars.
It is interesting that the proponent of this development has reserved a 25-hectare area in a different catchment to the north of, and visually shielded from, the small lots, for a personal holding.
What is the point of promoting the scenic attraction of the area on the website on one hand while actually appearing to compromise it on the other?
Any development should, as well as benefiting the developer, benefit the community in which it is located and also not be detrimental to others.
I believe this development clearly has no community benefit whatsoever, but also has significant adverse impacts on surrounding properties.
Council clearly erred in zoning the land originally. It compounded the error by reducing the minimum lot size to one-hectare. It would be the ultimate folly to approve what is now proposed.
