In a brave move Geoff Cox, Managing Director of Crighton Properties (owner of Tea Tree Gardens and The Hermitage in Mid North Coast NSW) issued a letter to the Kiama Independent newspaper stating ‘conflict of interest’ by the local council concerning his Jamberoo village development. He pointed out:
• The council owns an opposition village (Blue Haven)
• Blue Haven sales enquiries go through to a council employee
• The council General Manager is Blue Haven’s CEO
• The Mayor is Chairman of Blue Haven
• Three other councilors are on Blue Haven’s board
• The council borrowed $28 million to expand Blue Haven the month before Crighton lodged its DA
After four years of battling, Cox informed us he has given up on the development.