Plans for $14M service centre on Pacific Highway at New Italy
The long-awaited plans for a 24-hour highway service centre at New Italy have finally been unveiled. And if this project gets the green light, it would be a game-changer.
Lismore
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A new 24-hour service centre with a restaurant, 10 double-sided fuel pumps and impressive facilities for truckies is on the cards for New Italy.
The development application for the $14.7 million project has been lodged with Richmond Valley Council and is on public exhibition until August 16.
According to the plans from New Italy Holdings Pty Ltd, the complex would also include a five bay electric vehicles charging area.
Facilities for truck drivers would include four high flow fuel pumps, truck wash facility and amenity area with lounge, shower, gym and laundry.
The service centre shop would have four separate eateries, two with drive-throughs.
There has already been a lot of controversy surrounding this proposed development, with concerns from business owners in Woodburn.
But Joseph Sargo, one of the directors of New Italy Holdings Ptd Ltd, said the project would have many benefits for the Richmond Valley region.
“New Italy represents the only opportunity to interact with Pacific Highway travellers and to interest those travellers in the extensive benefits of visiting the LGA,” he said.
“The project is expected to generate between 150-180 equivalent full time jobs, involving both permanent and casual staff over three eight-hour shifts (or four six-hour shifts), including cleaning, maintenance and service employment.
“The facility will provide opportunities for full and part-time employment for members of
surrounding communities directly impacted by the highway bypassing.
“Particular attention has been given to the impact of the project on Historic New Italy, a heritage-listed site.
“The design of the development will complement Historic New Italy’s facilities.
“The project is beneficial to Historic New Italy and will ensure that the heritage significance of the site is fully respected.
“Overall, the application will have a substantially positive economic and social impact and can be safely accommodated without ecological harm, bushfire threat or any negative impact on the site’s heritage.”
The council’s general manager, Vaughan Macdonald, said although the council was the consent authority, the proposal would be referred to Natural Resource Access Regulator, the Heritage Council of NSW and other NSW Government agencies.
He also said the DA would undergo a full professional and technical assessment, and urged residents to have their say.
“For feedback on a development application to be valid, a submission must be properly made in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Planning and Environment,” Mr Macdonald said.
Submissions close at 4pm on Monday, August 16.
Those wishing to lodge a submission can do so by posting it to Locked Bag 10, Casino, NSW 2470, online, or by emailing council@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au.
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