A massive development in Culburra, first proposed in 2013, has been scaled down as part of an appeals process.
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The plan was first put on public exhibition in 2013, and at that time included an urban development area of approximately 75 hectares; 650 low and medium-density residential lots; 3.5 hectares of industrial development; tourist accommodation, cafes, restaurants and viewing areas; foreshore reserve; a sports field, parks and view corridor and supporting infrastructure and services, including new roads and a stormwater management system.
A number of objections were lodged by members of the community. Concerns included the proximity of the development to Lake Wollumboola, destruction of bushland, and the large scale of the proposed development.
In 2018 the Independent Planning Commision refused development consent for the proposal in the Land and Environment Court.
The applicant, Sealark Pty Ltd, has appealed the decision, and was allowed to provide an amended proposal as part of the appeal.
That proposal is now on display, and Culburra Beach and Districts Chamber of Commerce president Brian Morley has spoken out in support.
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He said the number of holiday houses in Culburra made it difficult for local businesses to survive outside the holiday season.
"Lots of little shops are going by the wayside," he said.
"Holiday homes want to be close to the beach - because this proposal is set back from the beach it's more likely to attract permanent residents."
Frances Bray, of the Lake Wollumboola Protection Association, isn't convinced.
She welcomed the reduction in scale, but said the proposed development was still too large.
"It would still have a significant environmental impact," she said.
"After the bushfires, unburned coastal forest must be protected."
Mrs Bray was also concerned about the extra burden a larger population would put on the single road in and out of Culburra, especially in the event of bushfire.
The amended proposal is for an urban development area of approximately 47 hectares; 244 low-density residential lots, capable of providing up to 293 dwellings; 12 medium-density residential lots; 45 integrated housing lots; three mixed use lots; 13 industrial lots; a sportsground with supporting amenities and parkland/open space areas; and supporting infrastructure and services, including new roads and a stormwater management system
It is on exhibition at: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/40901
There will be two meeting for supporters of the development on Wednesday, February 3 at 2pm and 7.30pm held in the Culburra Beach Bowling and Recreation Club.
Attendees must register beforehand with the club or First National Culburra on 4447 3600.