The updated plans were lodged in February this year with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and will go on public exhibition soon.

The modifications have been proposed to better manage potential environmental impacts and incorporate the protection of riparian zones, habitat corridors, Aboriginal and European heritage, water and soil quality.

The Shaolin Temple Project, which it is estimated will inject $6.2 million annually in tourist visitation spend and approximately 600 direct local jobs, includes a Zen Meditation Hall, Kung Fu Hall, various religious buildings, accommodation for monks, students and guests, a convention centre, retail and hospitality facilities, teaching and education facilities and a cultural museum.

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Located approximately 12 kilometres south of Nowra, off Comberton Grange Road, the Shaolin Temple Project is being designed by Australia's leading architect, Glenn Murcutt, who is renowned for his sensitivity to landscape.

The modification application lodged seeks to separate ​public and private spaces to improve harmony with the natural features of the site.

Feng Shui principles and site conditions have been considered, which has resulted in the proposed relocation of buildings, while the project staging has been modified to improve sustainability and deliver the project across a 10 to 15-year period.

The Shaolin Temple Project will be located on the lower slopes of landforms and within the footprint of the pine plantation to ensure buildings will be viewed against topography and landscape and not against the sky, where they could dominate the setting.

Various environmental management aspects will be implemented as part of the project including - measures to treat surface runoff and prevent pollutants running into the natural streams and their eco systems; minimal native tree removal during the construction process; and protected areas of native vegetation and wetlands will not be open to monks or visitors. specified walkways will be provided, and clear signage will outline where people can and cannot walk.

By relocating the approved buildings, the Foundation says it is better able to protect the environment as the majority of building will be in the footprints of previously disturbed areas.

New roads that are required to be built within the site are intended to blend in with the natural landscape.

During the initial stages of construction, Comberton Grange Road will be used for access to and services of stage one of building.

For subsequent construction stages, and occupation, Charcoal Road (off Forest Road) will become the primary access point to the site. This road will lead to ample car parking in the north eastern corner of the site for visitors.

​It has been identified that the intersection of Princes Highway and Forest Road will require an upgrade as part of this project, and this will be completed prior to stage one of the project.

It is expected by mid 2019 the DPE will do a preliminary assessment and review the submissions made in the exhibition period. Shaolin Temple Foundation will review issues and prepare a response.

By late 2019 DPE will assess the modification application and make a recommendation for determination.

More than 130 interested community members attended a recent second community information day on the Shaolin Temple Project at Huskisson.

Local community members met monks for a tea ceremony, Kung-Fu and acupuncture workshops at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.

An initial community open day in November informed the community about proposed modifications to parts of the Shaolin Temple Project, which was approved in 2014.

Head of the Shaolin Temple Foundation, Master Yanchong, attended the event to hear first hand the community's questions.

"It was a pleasure to host a second open day to meet with the community, answer questions and provide more information on the proposed design of the temple project," Master Yanchong said.

"We are excited to be a part of the Shoalhaven community and share our promotion of health, wellbeing and connection with nature".

On its website the Shoalhaven Temple Foundation says the project will provide a boost in local jobs for the local area, particularly in hospitality and tourism, with an anticipated $6.2 million annually in tourist visitation spend and approximately 600 direct jobs for the Shoalhaven LGA.

"The Shaolin Temple Project will provide another reason for people to come and visit this tranquil place," Master Yanchong said.

It says the project will allow for people connected to the movement to introduce the Shaolin principles to others and integrate with Australian communities, with the aim to allow those who visit and stay within the Shaolin Temple Project to connect spiritually as well as physically with the local environment.

In 2014, the golf course and residential subdivision were not approved and so do not form part of the modification application.

For more information on the project go to www.shaolintemplenowra.com.au

Community engagement company Urbis is collecting feedback on the proposed modification plans and is available to answer any questions from the community.

You can contact the team on 1800 244 863 or email shaolintemple@urbis.com.au for further information or to share your ideas.