Jean-Paul and Kylie Maulguet purchased Culburra Beach Hardware eight years ago after hearing about the proposed development. 

“That was one of the main reasons we bought the shop,” Ms Maulguet said. “With all the new homes we would have had a lot of ongoing clients.”

But, after news the Department of Planning and Environment recommended refusal of the project, the Maulguets have decided to close the doors at their hardware store. 

“It’s just not financially viable,” Mr Maulguet said. “A large proportion of people who own homes in Culburra don't live here so we don’t have enough customers to keep us going.”

Mrs Maulguet said the couple made the decision on Thursday, after months of stress. 

“There are still plenty of tourists coming through but they don’t stop at stores like ours,” she said.

“When you’re married and have kids the stress of the business flows on to that, so we needed to make the decision to close up. It’s really sad.”

The proposal, located on the southern bank of the Crookhaven River, covers nearly 100 hectares of land. Approval was sought for 650 homes, 3.5 hectares of industrial development, tourist accommodation, cafes, restaurants, cycleways, picnic areas and a sports field.

Mr and Mrs Maulguet said had the development gone ahead sooner, it could have allowed them to stay open. 

“We need progress in the town, development is happening everywhere, so why not here?” Mr Maulguet said. 

“We thought this development would have gone ahead years ago which could have really helped us.” 

READ MORE: Lake Wollumboola Protection Association pleased with refusal recommendation

Culburra Beach and District Chamber of Commerce president Brian Muller said the Maulguets weren’t the only business owners struggling in Culburra. 

“I know some businesses are really struggling and this development would have made a huge difference,” he said. 

“In every public meeting held about the development the majority of people supported this development and it’s devastating for a lot of them that [refusal was recommended].” 

Mr Muller said in 2015, only 29.5 per cent of homes in Culburra were owner occupied, while a huge 70.5 per cent were used as holiday rentals.

Now in 2018, Mr Muller said 42 per cent of homes were owner occupied. 

“I know a lot of people are really reluctant to take up businesses leases because of that,” he said. 

The increasing property prices are also forcing people out of the beach-side town, with homes costing $600,000 on average, according to Mr Muller. 

“A lot of young people who’ve lived here all their lives are being forced to buy elsewhere because they just can’t afford it,” he said. 

Mr and Mrs Maulguet said although the decision was fresh, they believed they would be closed within the next couple of months. 

“We don’t know what we’re going to do or where we will go but we’ll be okay,” Mrs Maulguet said. 

“There’s been a hardware store in Culburra Beach since the 1970s so we feel like we are letting our loyal customers down, but we just can’t do it anymore.” 

The Independent Planning Commission will next make a determination about the proposal based off the Department of Planning & Environment recommendation.