Proposed Crown road sale - Zobel Street, Newnes

[Allchin09]

Hello,

Not sure if you're aware but there is a process where landholders can apply to have crown roads adjacent to their property closed so they can then purchase them.
All proposed sales are listed in the local newspaper and on this website - https://roads.crownland.nsw.gov.au/
You then have 28 days to make a submission supporting or opposing a closure. The Department of Industry and Environment then makes a decision at whether the road will be closed or not.

On 3rd of February, a portion of crown road on Zobel Street at Newnes in the Blue Mountains was proposed for closure. You can make submissions until 3rd March, see link below
https://roads.crownland.nsw.gov.au/road ... =739834822

I've highlighted the approximate boundaries of the land proposed for closure on the map below. You'll see that it is a section of dirt road (Zobel Street) which connects the main Wolgan Road with the upper reaches of Capertee Creek. This route is used by walkers to access the Red Rocks and Mount Dawson.
https://maps.ozultimate.com/?id=1675945702946

If you walk in this area, I encourage you to make a submission, see details below on how you can.

I have made submissions previously on closure proposals which would impact bushwalking access in the past and have had my objections upheld.
Often applications are made for closures where the crown roads are enclosed within large properties and no formed road exists and the owners are already paying fees for enclosure permits. Purchasing the crown road usual works out cheaper in the long run.
It does not appear to be the case in this scenario and more an attempt by the landowner on the south east of the road to increase the size of their property, which will prevent current public access along this portion of the road.

PROPOSED ROAD DISPOSAL SECTION 152D ROADS ACT 1993

In accordance with section 152D of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given of the proposed sale of the Crown public roads listed in Schedule 1. If a sale proceeds, the road(s) will cease to be a public road upon transfer of the road to freehold land in accordance with section 152H of the Act.

Schedule 1:

Crown road at Newnes, part Zobel St southwest of 8 Zobel Street, adjoining Lots 4 to 10 Sec 8 DP758770 (File ref: 22/07261, Cluster: 637789)

All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to Department of Planning and Environment - Crown Lands, PO Box 2215, DANGAR NSW 2309 within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of this advertisement.

Any person is entitled to make submissions with respect to the sale or disposal of the road. Please note that submissions may be referred to third parties (such as council or the applicant) for consideration in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

For further enquiries please visit the website http://www.crownland.nsw.gov.au or contact Amanda Walker by email at amanda.j.walker@crownland.nsw.gov.au or on T: 02 4428 9152 quoting file references above.

For the Manager, Business Centre Newcastle

The NSW Government is committed to managing the Crown estate to maximise outcomes for the community. This includes the sale of road reserves which are not required for public access. In many cases there is considerable scope to rationalise the Crown road network without compromising the broader public interest.

When an application to close a road is received the proposal is advertised, inviting submissions from interested parties. All relevant authorities and adjoining owners are also notified. Concerns that are raised about recreational use of and access to Crown roads are considered in this process for closure and disposal.

Each road closure application is considered and assessed, taking into account the following matters:

Current use of the road for access including any topographical or environmental restraints that may exist.
Requirements to maintain primary legal and/or practical access, where already available, to holdings.
Requirements to maintain access to other Crown Land (eg reserves) or waterways.
Current utilisation of the road by other parties such as Enclosure Permit and other tenure holders and any relevant existing fencing.
Alternative access available to affected landholders.
Local government and other government authorities submissions regarding the proposed closure

SUBMISSIONS
Submissions from any interested party should be made in writing, clearly outlining any issues for consideration in regards to the proposed closure. Submissions are only considered if received during the 28 day submission period and should be accompanied by supporting documentation where appropriate (eg tenure details, fencing diagrams, photos).

Please note that under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act, such submissions may be referred to third parties (such as council or the closure applicant) for consideration.

Parties making submissions need to quote the file reference number and direct the submission to the Crown Lands case officer whose details are found within the advertisement.

[tom_brennan]

For an example of a previous submission regarding sale of a Crown road, see:
https://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.ph ... 51#p403952

[crollsurf]

I'll make a submission but It would be nice to know "why" they want to sell the land or rather, who wants council to sell the land and for what purpose. Anyone know?

Also there looks to be a large private block a bit further along. I haven't walked up Capertee Creek before but I'm guessing it would be nice. I wonder if you can still walk across that land.

[tom_brennan]

Submission sent

[davidp]

i have sent a submission. This is exactly the sort of reason i set up this page.

[tom_brennan]

Success...!!!

I wish to advise that after a full assessment including all submissions received, the Minister’s delegate has refused the application and the road at Newnes adjoining Lots 4-10 Sec 8 DP 758770 and Lots 4-10 Sec 9 DP 758770 will be retained as Crown road.

Not that we can get to Newnes at the moment

[Allchin09]

Excellent