Vincentia resident and vocal opponent to the Shaolin tourism complex at Comberton Grange, Falls Creek, Judy Gjedsted has called for an extension to public submissions on the controversial project.
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Updated plans for the proposed Shaolin Temple and Tourist Development went on public exhibition on the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) website on April 15.
Public submissions close on May 13, which Ms Gjedsted believes is too short a period.
"There needs to be an extension," she said.
"There is just so much information to wade through. A huge amount. There is something like 87 documents in the submission.
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"I've asked the department for an extension, as I did last time in 2014.
"We seem to be having to make submissions on this every 10 years or so - we need longer than 30 days.
"And there are some major changes proposed.
"The original proposal has been turned on its head really.
"They haven't just modified a few things, I'm probably more familiar with the project than most, having followed it for so long but these are profound changes.
"I believe these changes will have more impact on people who live along Currambene Creek.
"And it is a proposal that could take anywhere up to 20 years to complete."
She has urged local residents, either for or against the project, to avail themselves of the proposal so they know what is being planned for the property and to make a comment.
"I still believe it will be very bad for Jervis Bay," she said.
"I'm also very suspicious of the financial arrangements. I can't see how a multi-million dollar project is being paid for by donations which is what Shaolin says is the source of the funding.
"And having the project to be developed over the next 20 years is far too long. How can we make decisions on what they are going to do over the next 20 years.
"I know I certainly won't be living to see it. I'm suspicious of what it might turn out to be."
The Department's South Coast Regional Strategy stated no new towns or villages would be supported unless compelling reasons are presented and they can satisfy the sustainability criteria.
"It will certainly be the biggest new town or village on that side of the bay," Ms Gjedsted said.
For further details or to make submissions on the Shaolin Temple modification which close on May 13, go to the DPE Major Projects website - http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=9024
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Robert Crawford
Robert Crawford is a senior journalist at the South Coast Register, for Australian Community Media . Everyone's got a story, what's yours? Email robert.crawford@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Robert Crawford is a senior journalist at the South Coast Register, for Australian Community Media . Everyone's got a story, what's yours? Email robert.crawford@austcommunitymedia.com.au
