Yarramalong identified as potential tourist hub by Central Coast Council
PARCELS of the beautiful Jilliby South and Kangy Angy landscape have been cited for residential development, while Yarramalong could become a destination hub, under a local government draft strategy.
Central Coast
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FOR the first time, land west of the M1 Motorway has been deemed by the local council to be suitable for residential development and examined for its potential as a tourist destination.
Parcels of land at Jilliby South and Kangy Angy will be examined for their potential to move from a rural zoning to one that can sustain more residential density.
Other lands – at Mardi, Little Jilliby and Alison – which were previously earmarked as of “medium suitability” for residential development have since been shelved.
The information was revealed within the Central Coast Rural Land Draft Strategy, which has so far only examined rural land to the north of the region, previously contained within Wyong Shire.
The document expresses a desire to create a tourism destination at Yarramalong that could be used in association with a proposed tourist drive.
“The location and scenic landscape values of the village make it suitable for such a use,” the report read.
The report suggested reconfiguring the existing general store site for use as a hotel, or to consider moving the rural fire service shed and Telstra exchange “to allow for a suitably large site to be created (for a hotel)”.
Westside Yarramalong General Store owner Barry Makhoul said renovations to the general store and Yarramalong Manor, as well as the B&Bs in the area, already made it a popular tourist destination.
“We get a lot of cars, bikes and bus tours on the weekends,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic spot.
‘‘A tourist drive would be great.”
Mr Makhoul, who took over the store in early 2016, was hesitant to comment on future developments in the area, saying “it would depend on the type of development”.
The report also stated, “there is also potential to use the former Yarramalong School site for some tourist use, which could include a hotel. These options will have to be considered by the local community.”
The strategy also outlined the need for expansion of agricultural land uses in the area.
Industries identified include the nursery, cut flower and horticultural industries, horse breeding and training, poultry farming for meat production and turf farming.
“The Central Coast also has the ability to capitalise on the genetic and bio-research industries with international agri-business companies located at Ourimbah and Mangrove Mountain carrying out major research and development projects,” the report read.
“Suitable development incentives could encourage the development of a bio-technology and research precinct close to the Sydney and Hunter regions.”