Premier Jeremy Rockliff is urging Clarence City Council to reconsider its buyback of the Kangaroo Bay development site.
Councillors voted on Monday to refuse Chinese company Chambroad any further extensions, after plans for a hospitality school and hotel failed to come to fruition.
Mayor Brendan Blomeley believes the decision was in the community’s best interests.
“We are acutely aware of the time invested in this project to date, but that does not mean we should rush to a decision and commit to the option in front of us just because it’s the only one on the table,” Cr Blomeley said.
In a statement, the Premier noted that he is issuing invitations to Council representatives, along with the proponents and peak tourism, construction and hospitality bodies to meet with him and the Ministers for Planning, State Development, Construction and Housing and Local Government – to discuss the future of the site.
“I understand there are a variety of views on the project, but the bottom line is it would be a lost opportunity for the site to be left a wasteland for years as the Council and developer fight over a buyback,” Mr Rockliff said.
