South coast housing development raises concerns for residents and oyster growers
Residents and the $15 million local oyster industry are concerned a proposed lakeside housing estate may impact their way of life but the developer has hit back saying it ‘ticks all the boxes’.
The South Coast News
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Members of a multimillion-dollar industry and local residents say a proposed lakeside residential development beside a scenic boardwalk may impact their way of life.
Sapphire Coast Wilderness Oysters environment management system co-ordinator Rebecca Hamilton said any future development on a block of land on the shores of Merimbula Lake may impact water quality and their business if not done correctly.
The proposal will see the last piece of bushland beside the scenic lake divided into 13 blocks all under 1000 square metres, as well as a new road and a public reserve.
“We are not anti-development, but it’s about appropriate development with appropriate controls in place,” Ms Hamilton said.
“We absolutely have to protect the lake. Oysters are a $15 million industry in the Shire, so we are big providers.
“We’re concerned about the 75 metre setbacks of the subdivision, adequate sediment control and storm water and sewer connections.
“Sewerage spills can shut us down for three weeks.”
She said the business, owned by oyster farmer Brett Weingarth, will be making a submission to Bega Valley Shire Council over the proposal before the June 29 deadline.
In a letter to residents requesting objections, the council said it had reduced the number of subdivisions from what was initially 25.
Ms Hamilton said the business was trying to be more “proactive” with council and is seeking industry recognition as a stakeholder in any future development applications.
“We have a good relationship with council, and we want to develop that so they have a better understanding of what our concerns are.
“When it gets to the end of a development application it’s almost too late.”
The application was submitted by local earth moving and excavation company RD Miller, and the land is owned by the company’s boss Ray Miller.
Mr Miller said he had “bent over backwards” to ensure the proposal ticks all boxes.
“We’ve gone through a lot of trouble to get rid of any concerns people have,” he said.
“The run off will be no issue, and we’ve protected everything that could possibly need protecting.”
Nearby resident June Forbes said she was concerned the development would impact the 24 plant species and 47 animal species found on the proposed site.
Ms Forbes, a 30-year resident of the town, said she was concerned trees would be bulldozed, and her lifestyle will be affected by lots she says are too small.
“It’s not desirable for this area. Everyone building on the blocks will want water views so I can see two-storey townhouses going up, ” she said.
“We really don’t want it to go through as it is. We’re not happy with what’s being proposed.
“It is a really nice area, so I just can’t believe they are going to let it happen.
“I have people ringing me up almost every day disgusted that it is going to happen.”
Fellow resident Peter Barron said he was concerned most residents aren’t aware it may go ahead if approved.
“It’s right next to the boardwalk, and I think when all the trees are stripped then the public will be concerned,” he said.
“Nobody knows this is going ahead, and I think there’s been a lack of community communication over it.”
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