Batemans Bay draft masterplan to transform coastal haven into southern Cairns

A bold new plan could reshape a South Coast town into a tourism powerhouse, with high-rises, a revitalised foreshore, and a vision to rival Queensland’s biggest beachside destination.

The plan states height limits would need to increase drastically. Picture: Eurobodalla Council

The closest waterfront town to the nation’s capital is on the verge of radical transformation, with a bold new masterplan aimed at turning the South Coast tourism hotspot into a southern Cairns.

Eurobodalla Council has unveiled its long-awaited draft Batemans Bay masterplan, showcasing a vision of high-rises, tourism precincts, entertainment hubs, and commercial developments.

Mayor Mathew Hatcher said the public had been “crying out” for Batemans Bay to reach its full potential “for decades”.

“This is a step in that direction,” he told this publication.

The draft plan, now on public exhibition, proposes significant changes, including majorly increased height limits in specific locations to accommodate residential and commercial expansion.

The masterplans showcases how Batemans Bay could become a southern Cairns. Picture: Eurobodalla Council

Planning documents noted increasing building height was essential to addressing the region’s housing shortage.

“This plan aims to embrace both the natural advantages of the Bay, and the opportunity to enhance its urban environment while identifying suitable development opportunities for future generations,” the masterplan states.

Eurobodalla Council mayor, Mathew Hatcher. Picture: Tom McGann.

The proposal suggests key sites could see high-rise developments up to 80m tall – an enormous leg up from the current 15m CBD limit – with Mr Hatcher noting not all of Batemans Bay would be affected by height increases.

“There are specific spots chosen for larger developments,” he said.

“It’s not changing the entire town to high rises.”

The former Batemans Bay Bowling Club site – which was returned to council’s hands from the NSW Government following the bridge replacement project – was pointed out in the draft plan as a ripe location for mega development.

The draft masterplan splits the Batemans Bay CBD into multiple sections. Picture: Eurobodalla Council

Proposals currently sitting under consideration for the site exceed the CBD’s height limit substantially.

The masterplan reveals major mixed-use residential, tourism and commercial developments could be erected at the block if height limits are increased.

“These developments would bring more tourism accommodation to the town, which is a big part of this plan,” Mr Hatcher said.

The masterplan also envisions the CBD’s foreshore as becoming a tourism powerhouse akin to Surfers Paradise or Cairns’ market strip.

Plans outline ambitious proposals for boardwalks, commercial outlets, restaurants, and markets.

Beach Rd is set to become a medium density hotspot. Picture: Eurobodalla Council

However, former Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce president David Maclachlan said the proposal was missing a key element – a cruise ship dock.

“Eden gets 40 cruise ships a year, and it’s a massive boost to their economy,” he said.

“We want that too.”

Council’s draft masterplan will remain on public exhibition until April 14, after which submissions will be reviewed before a final vote.

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