DEVELOPMENT in the Jerrabomberra Valley is a step closer to becoming a reality after the draft rezoning of land in the Poplars, North Tralee, South Tralee and Googong was approved by Queanbeyan City Council on Wednesday night.

However, in a decision which sparked much debate between the councillors and caused a divide between those typically on the same side, 50 hectares of land at Tralee Station was not included in this first release for rezoning. In the report to the council, it was argued Tralee Station was a suitable site for urban development rezoning.

Because of the large scale rezoning already planned to take place in the area, it was recommended the property be a long term option for future urban development.

``There is no urgency to commence further rezonings prior to the completion of the comprehensive LEP (Local Environment Plan) and the South Tralee, North Tralee and Poplars LEPs or to fast track them once commenced,'' the report stated.

For the full story, please see Friday's Queanbeyan Age, available from our front office on Monaro Street, or at newsagencies and supermarkets across the Queanbeyan region.