I AM all for educated and respectful debate over issues that we may not all see through the same lens, but I am not an advocate for personal attacks under any circumstances.

This opinion piece is often forthright and to the point. I am not above criticism or scrutiny if it is respectful.

I have previously written about the last great beacon of local journalism, the Facebook page titled ‘Fraser Coast Regional Commentary’.

Its ceremonial leader Dave Barrowcliffe has taken the decision to post a 560-word diatribe entitled ‘MALCOLM QUINN A PURVEYOR OF DISINFORMATION – EXPOSED’. 

Whilst it’s unlikely to win a Walkley, one could possibly interpret that heading as suggesting I may be liberal with the truth. 

That’s not very nice Dave and libellous. I’ll let that simmer for a while.

The post goes on to reference ten points that are upsetting him about the 21 Storey development application, most of which have nothing to do with anything I have written.

I can understand why Dave is upset, the ‘no vote’ campaign for the 21 Storey development is flailing like a fish in the hot sun. 

It’s baked.

Dave has maintained a steadfast public campaign, vehemently protesting that Development Application MCU 23/0090 (the 21-storey development) is not compliant with the Fraser Coast Regional Planning Scheme and cannot be approved.

He's on the record, incessantly.

Here are the facts.

The Council is required to undertake a performance-based assessment of development applications. Even if there are conflicts with the existing planning scheme, these conflicts do not necessarily cause grounds for refusal.

When considering a DA such as the 21-storey development, the Council must consider the scheme as a whole and balance any provisions of the scheme against the overarching desired outcomes of the scheme.

For larger ‘Impact Assessable’ applications, the act also requires the Council to consider any other relevant matter which could include economic and tourism impact, housing needs etc.

If the Council does not approve the DA, and the developer appeals to the Planning and Environment Court, the Court will undertake a meritorious assessment of the proposed development. 

In the event the merits of the DA outweigh the conflicts of the scheme, they will likely approve the development.

Play nice Dave.