A long-time Shoalhaven conservationist has welcomed the Independent Planning Commission’s decision to refuse the West Culburra development application.
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The proposal, located on the southern bank of the Crookhaven River was refused by the IPC on Wednesday, September 17 due to potential impacts on the surrounding environment and waterways.
Approval was sought by the Halloran Trust for 650 homes, 3.5 hectares of industrial development, tourist accommodation, cafes, restaurants, cycleways, picnic areas and a sports field.
President of the Lake Wollumboola Protection Association Frances Bray said the decisions behind the refusal were consistent with the expert advice of other independent inquiries over the past few years.
“We consider that the Halloran planning proposal, which will determine revised zonings for the area, provides a new opportunity to recognise the need for environment protection and realise the limited development potential of Culburra Beach,” she said.
On behalf of the Lake Wollumboola Protection Association, Ms Bray said she was pleased the IPC had recognised the group’s concerns.
“[The IPC] has recognised the sensitivity of the Crookhaven Estuary and Lake Wollumboola and identified unacceptable risks that the West Culburra proposal represented,” she said.
“It has also expressed concern about impacts on the cultural heritage of the Jerrinja people, particularly the midden sites along the Crookhaven.”
Ms Bray said members of the group would prefer to see development of ecologically sustainable tourism as well as Aboriginal cultural heritage tourism, unlike the West Culburra expansion.
“Members of our group enjoy the coastal village character of Culburra Beach and Orient Point, particularly the low density and proximity to the stunning natural environment including the Crookhaven River, beaches and ocean, Lake Wollumboola and coastal forest that surround us,” she said.
“Any development expansion needs to maintain, not destroy our environment and complement low key coastal village character of our community for the benefit of present and future generations.”
Last month, the IPC also knocked back the Halloran Trust’s plans for a golf course at Longbow Point.
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.
