The Independent Planning Commission has knocked back a major development proposal at Culburra Beach, citing potential adverse impacts on sensitive local waterways.
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The Halloran Trust had sought approval for a large-scale, mixed-use subdivision on approximately 100 hectares of land it owns on the southern bank of the Crookhaven River at West Culburra.
The $40 million proposal, to be built in five stages over 20 years, comprised 650 residential dwellings of low and medium density, tourist accommodation, cafes and restaurants, three kilometres of foreshore reserve and 3.5 hecatres of industrial development.
The Department of Planning and Environment referred the project to the Independent Planning Commission for determination in June after receiving more than 25 public objections.
Chair of the Commission, Professor Mary O’Kane AC, nominated Mr Ross Carter, Ms Ilona Miller and herself to constitute the Commission to determine the state significant development application.
They met with the applicant, as well as representatives of the Department, Shoalhaven City Council and the Jerrinja Local Aboriginal Land Council, and inspected the site and surrounding areas.
A public meeting was also held at Culburra to listen to the community’s views.
Residents who spoke in favour of the project cited economic and social benefits, including employment creation; support for local businesses and services; and the provision of a mix of new housing options.
Those who spoke against the proposal raised concerns about potential impacts on surface water and groundwater, the impact on Crookhaven River estuary, Lake Wollumboola and local wetlands.
The Commission sought independent advice from experts at UNSW Sydney’s Water Research Laboratory about the project’s potential impacts on hydrology and water quality.
Following careful consideration of all the evidence, the Commission has today (Wednesday 17 October) determined to refuse consent to the project.
In its Statement of Reasons for Decision, the Commission said the site was not suitable for the project in its present form.
“The Commission finds that the West Culburra area may be suitable for some limited urban development but that the project as currently proposed is inappropriate in scale,” the statement read.
“The project has potential to adversely impact the Crookhaven River and Lake Wollumboola catchment’s and furthermore has potential to irreversibly impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage, in particular the Crookhaven midden complex.”
The Commission also found the asserted social and economic benefits are not supported by adequate empirical evidence.
“The Commission acknowledges that the project is likely to generate some employment opportunities, both during the construction and operational phases,” it said.
“However, the Commission finds that it cannot assess the full economic benefit, including approximate employment generation, and flow-on impacts for the Culburra Beach area, as set out by the applicant because no detailed assessment has been provided.”
Madeline Crittenden
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
