COASTAL DEVELOPMENT IN EUROBODALLA SHIRE.

A couple of articles have been published recently talking about a new development initiative proposed for Maloneys Beach. The language in the articles is vague - it’s not clear, for example, what the development is really going to look like and how eco-sensitive it will be. 

Presumably this will be revealed in June, when the developers present their plans to council.  We all know that Crown Land is loved by developers and we should always keep a weather out for 'big' plans in our neck of the woods. 

Currently, the only significant undeveloped land areas in South Durras that remain outside the Murramarang National Park are Crown Land Portions 92, 93, 94 and 95 (adjoining the southern end of Durras Lake).  Friends of Durras are campaigning to have these included in the Murramarang National Park.  These portions would bring to the Park rich habitat areas and important ecological communities which are not currently represented (such as the critically endangered Bangalay-Paperbark Forest/Shrubland).  Importantly, inclusion of these portions would protect the integrity of the whole Murramarang National Park and the general environment that all of us, residents and visitors, love so much.

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Bay Post Friday 7, April, p1-2.

GRAND VISION

By Eric Wiseman.

$45.6 million development proposed.

Some detail of a proposed $45.6 million development near Maloneys Beach were heard by Eurobodalla councilors in an informal presentation prior to this week’s planning committee meeting.

They were told 140 apartments, a 700-seat conference centre, and recreational and cultural facilities were proposed on about 120 hectares beside Murramarang National Park. 

Consultant Peter Spurway said the site was bordered by the National Park but had "a nice coastal connection".

Sea Acres Eco Sanctuary was designed as a tourist facility with voluntary conservation agreements, he said.  He said a trust would be set up to manage asset protection zones.

"We will let the land tell us what is possible," he said, "rather than forcing development on the land."

He said the proposal included "retreat apartments" and amenities with educational facilities.

There would be a five star camping area, restaurant and café and a meditation centre.

Health and fitness would be features, with gymnasium, spas, tennis courts and natural therapy facilities.v There would also be an amphitheatre.

Mr Spurway said the complex would be self-sufficient, relying on roof and recycled water.  It would have its own fire control, waste disposal and recycling management, and would obtain electricity from solar power and windmills.

Some of the food requirements would come from permaculture gardens.

One of the proponents, Liz Brandson, said the proposal had been worked on for at least 10 years.

"It will set a new standard in development," she said. She added that the main access would be at the northern end, presenting as little impact on Maloneys Beach as possible.
She told councillors it had been decided to bring some details of the proposal to them that day because there were "Chinese whispers" about it in the area.

Some of the financial aspects were covered by Michael D'Onafrio, who said there would have to be a minimum of 140 apartments for economic sustainability.

The project had an estimated cost of $45.6 million, he said, adding that a development application would arrive with council in June, with marketing beginning after the middle of the year, covering the Christmas holiday market.

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And from ABC Bega Online.
Tuesday, 11 April 2006. 09:45 (AEDT)

Council to assess Maloney's Beach tourism plan

A multi-million dollar tourist development that showcases ecological sustainability is soon to come before Eurobodalla Shire Council for approval.

Last week, the $45 million Maloney's Beach project was unveiled for councillors at a briefing, but it is not expected to be ready for development consent until later this year.

Sea Acres Eco Sanctuary will consist of 140 holiday apartments, a 700-seat conference centre and recreational and cultural facilities.

It will be situated on 120 hectares adjacent to the Murramarang National Park.

The site will also generate its own power and recycle grey water.

Developer Liz Brandson says the venture is exciting because it is virtually self-contained.

"One of the big advantages for the development is actually the ongoing costs of the infrastructure will be much lower because it will be sustaining itself not only ecologically but financially and that's got a flow-on for everyone who stays there," she said.

"Any schoolchildren who come and do any of our educational programs will be able to walk away and say they can live in a modern environment, respect the natural ecology and also have a much lower footprint on that environment."

But Coastwatcher's president Mark Fleming says the development will impact on the environment.

"We did some months back meet with the developer, their solicitors and some other people and they outlined their proposal then," he said.

"Mind you, it was something like a 29-lot rural subdivision at that stage. I notice it has now grown to an apartment building and a huge conference centre.

"People need to realise this is in bushland that is zoned 1A adjacent to a national park with very poor access and we're not confident that there won't be massive destruction of environmental assets in that region."

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