Saturday, 16 February 2013 - 11:43am

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Published by Matthew Davidson on Sat, 16/02/2013 - 11:43am in

Does this sneak peek include an artist's impression of the greatly enhanced ocean views from the balconies of the "key stakeholders" whose concern for their property values has after all been the principal driver of this coastal defoliation campaign? Will we see an artist's impression of the clear line of sight from the beach up to the apartments and McMansions of our social and economic betters?

Can we get a sneek peek at the conversations that took place in the houses of the key stakeholders of the Coffs propertied elite, and the offices of the Advocate and the Council? It shouldn't be too hard; the Advocate's editor will have attended most if not all of them, and he claims to be a journalist. Perhaps a sneak peek at which coastal area is next targeted for being rendered "more open and modern" by bulldozer? Will it be Beacon Hill, where key stakeholders started campaigning in July last year before being persuaded that a setting a precedent at the Jetty Foreshores would meet with less resistance? Will it be Sawtell, as favoured by key stakeholder Keith Rhodes? If anybody knows, it will be key stakeholder Graeme Singleton.

Taken with the recent report placing Coffs Harbour at equal 8th (with the Sunshine Coast) most unaffordable place to live in a survey of seven wealthy industrialised countries, as measured by disparity between median house price and median household income, this extraordinary demonstration over the past year of the process whereby "key stakeholders" - elected to key-stakeholder-hood by virtue of wealth and/or business klout - turn their financial interests into local government policy, demonstrates beyond all doubt that Coffs Harbour is a third-world enclave in a first-world country.