Bermagui: Petition created opposing $26m senior housing development

A proposed $26m senior housing development on the NSW south coast has been opposed by residents, who say the small town doesn’t not have the resources to facilitate the colossal plans.

The proposed development includes the construction of 162 dwellings.

Hundreds of residents from a small south coast hamlet have come out opposing a proposed multimillion-dollar senior housing development, saying the ‘resort style’ construction would strain the town’s limited resources.

Bermagui on the NSW south coast could soon see a $26m, 162 dwelling senior housing development erected on a subdivided property on Nutleys Creek Rd, if the development application [DA] is approved by the NSW Regional Planning Panel and Bega Valley Council.

However, the proposed development for the town of 2700 has resulted in backlash from the community, with a petition against its construction reaching 557 signatures in less than a week.

Bermagui resident Wilton Orr created the petition on Change.org, saying the major development would strain the small town’s resources and cause major issues from traffic ingestion to drastically altering the aesthetic of the coastal hamlet.

“Our town is being threatened by resort-style development that is not only changing the character of our community but also straining our limited resources,” he said.

Mr Orr said Bermagui was already having issues with medical facilities and resources, before noting the construction of an elderly person estate would only worsen the problem.

“Our town’s medical facilities are already stretched thin and with an influx of residents from these new developments – particularly elderly residents who require more frequent medical care – we fear that these facilities will be overwhelmed,” he said.

The petition has reached more than 500 signatures in less than a week.

“There are also no hospitals within an hour’s drive from Bermagui which could pose serious risks to the health and safety of our community members.”

Planning documents reveal the property on Nutleys Creek Rd, Bermagui, would be subdivided into five major lots, where the 162 single storey houses would be built.

Along with the homes, a major community facility featuring a pool, gym, lobby and more would be constructed.

A separate cleared section of land would also be allocated for boat storage.

Queensland-based developers Metacap submitted the DA to the Bega Valley Council, with a spokeswoman telling The South Coast News elderly and retirement living was needed in the region.

An artist impression of the homes in the development.

Another artist impression of the homes.

“The south coast is lacking in living spaces for elderly people and this development will facilitate that,” she said.

“We have also designed the development in a way that keeps with the aesthetics of Bermagui.”

However, Mr Orr said he – along with the rest of Bermagui residents – were not being heard.

“Bermagui has always been known for its natural beauty and small-town charm – qualities that are now at risk due to these large-scale developments,” he said.

“The council has failed to communicate effectively about these developments, leaving many residents feeling unheard and ignored.

“We call on the local council to halt resort-style developments until there can be open dialogue with residents about sustainable growth strategies for Bermagui. It’s time for us, as a community, to stand up against big business development practices.”

The Nutley’s Creek Rd DA will remain on public exhibition until late next month.

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