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Tuesday 15 April 2003, Media Release

MIRVAC RESORT NOT THREATENED BY DARKINJUNG LAND CLAIMS

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council today dismissed reports that a new land claims by Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council threaten the viability of Mirvac's proposed $200 million resort development at The Entrance North.

Local media quoted Wyong Councillor, Brenton Pavier, last week as saying that new land claims near the North Entrance site could prevent beach access, putting the future of the proposed resort at risk.

"Darkinjung LALC has a vested interest in the Mirvac development going ahead. The sale of the land is conditional on planning approval. Why would we turn around and threaten our own interests by denying beach access from the resort?" Councillor for the Sydney /Newcastle Region of NSWALC, Veronica Graf said.

Cr Pavier was quoted as saying parts of the land which were subject to the claim were intended to be used for sporting events.

"If this land has been earmarked by Wyong Council for an essential public purpose, the claim can be opposed. That is the law," Ms Graf said.

Darkinjung Coordinator, Roger Sentance, said that the claims, one off Wilfred Barrett Dr south of the proposed resort and another along the foreshore between the proposed development and the ocean, were lodged by Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council in November last year.

"Last week Wyong Council endorsed the Mirvac proposal. I do not know what there is to gain by generating negative publicity around the resort. Neither the media involved, nor the Cr Pavier called Darkinjung to ask about possible hindrances to beach access before going to the media," Mr Sentence said.