APPROVAL for the Shaolin Temple proposal at Comberton Grange at Falls Creek is possible by Christmas, according to Phil Balding, the secretary of the Shaolin Foundation.
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“We have gone through one consultation period with the Department of Planning and we have taken its comments on board and have our proposal ready to go back to the department on those comments,” Mr Balding said.
He anticipated the proposal would be lodged by the end of this week.
It will go to the Planning Assessment Commission, which will then stage a public meeting at which anyone who opposes the project can place their objections.
“I believe the Planning Assessment Commission will then make a final recommendation to the minister,” Mr Balding said.
“If that is accepted, approval will be given. Hopefully, that will be by around Christmas time. We are ready to go as soon as approval is given,” he said.
The proposal comprises a Buddhist temple sanctuary complex, kung-fu academy, 500-bed four-star hotel, commercial shopping precinct and community centre and permanent housing residential development.
Mr Balding said the Shaolin Temple Foundation had spent more than $1 million on consultancy fees to advance the plan.
But to date Shoalhaven City Council has only been paid the original $250,000 deposit by the developers, with $4,750,000 outstanding on the original purchase price.
Council general manager Russ Pigg said council agreed on several occasions to defer settlement payment of the mortgage pending the Department of Planning’s determination.
“The project has been left open at that point. In the last decision there was no cut-off date, it was all dependent on the department’s ruling,” he said.
“Council has taken the position of trying to give ample time to get approvals.
“The project promises to be something special for the region if it comes off as planned.
“I’m sure it would be a very good economic driver for the region in a whole range of ways.
“It would certainly boost tourism spend and add to the tourism products the Shoalhaven offers.”
Mr Balding said the project would have great financial benefits for the region.
“It will create a lot of employment in the area which is something that is desperately lacking,” he said.
“It will be a boost, not only for tourism but also to the local economy. It will be great to get it up and running.”