That fact was evident when Nationals Throsby Electorate Council chairman Nick Cleary dared to say the late Chelsea Gardens landowner Jim Avery “had a vision”.

Calls from previous speakers to be heard, whether the council or others agreed or disagreed, seemed forgotten by the crowd when his commendations to the council and support for the proposal were made hard to hear over angry cries and jeers.

The night began with presentations from Stop Moss Vale Sprawl media officer Alan Hunt explaining opposition to the development and the council’s Strategic Planner, Mark Pepping, outlining the processes undertaken to date.

The microphone was then opened to the public. We Still Care and Green Between member Ian Scandrett challenged the Chelsea Gardens and Coomungie landowners, their representatives and Throsby candidates to speak - a challenge not taken up.

He then presented Mr Pepping with a petition signed by more than 600 opposing the proposed development.

Several speakers followed, raising questions such as likely traffic issues and excess strain to sewerage infrastructure, which had not been thoroughly investigated.

The council said such comprehensive studies would go ahead only after the rezoning was made final, but made an assurance that all developers would have to contribute to any costs.

The night’s debate also encompassed concerns held for the planning powers of local government to be retained and not taken over by the State.

Councillor Ken Halstead repeated his call for a march up Macquarie Street in protest, Cr Juliet Arkwright talked of the need to stay in control of “our own destiny”, and Stop Moss Vale Sprawl president Geraldine Turner had almost all onside when she challenged councillors to fight.

“I want a mayor and a council I believe are actually fighting for me, not one that seems to be rolling over to the State Government,” she said.

“To me, this council is reactive when it should be proactive.”

Speaking as the lone under-35 age demographic representative, Mr Cleary said “smart, structured growth” was needed in the Shire for future generations to “evolve”.

“What other growth have we got plans for? Where are people supposed to live? Think about that before you rule it [Chelsea Gardens/ Coomungie] out,” Mr Cleary said.