Bermagui: Developers of $26m senior housing development respond to community concerns
Developers seeking to construct a major, $26m senior housing behemoth in a small south coast town have responded to community members, slamming the proposal as “ugly” and citing a number of over population issues they believe could arise as a result.
NSW
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The developers of a mega, multimillion-dollar senior housing subdivision and facility pinned for a coastal south coast village have responded to a myriad of objections and concerns from community members, ranging from it’s “ugly” look to significant population increases causing issues for services in the town.
More than 160 houses could be built at Nutleys Creek Rd, Bermagui, if $26m plans for the staff run gated aged care facility by Queensland-based developers Metacap are approved by the Bega Valley Shire Council.
However, the proposal, which would result in hundreds of retirees moving to the town of 1800 has angered residents and even seen an online petition created by resident Wilton Orr to stop any construction from going ahead.
The Change.org petition created in February this year has reached more than 1600 signatures.
“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,” Mr Orr said.
“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.
Other complaints from residents included the visual “eyesore” of the 162 homes, increase of traffic congestion, noise pollution and public transport becoming overwhelmed.
However, developers Metacap have responded to the community’s concern following a period of public exhibition.
In a document tendered to council, Metacap responded to concerns the 162 single storey houses built across five major subdivided lots would be “ugly” for the town, saying the homes were small, modern and worked with the suburban landscape of Bermagui.
“While the proposal may serve to attract people to the area, this is not seen as a negative, and is in line with council’s broad strategic direction,” the developers said.
“It should also be noted however that the proposal will also service the existing ageing population, allowing the surrounding residents to downsize and stay close to the community.”
Metacap also responded to claims the rapid population growth would strain existing services and lead to traffic congestion by stating the ageing residents would be taken into the CBD by way of buses operated by staff and, due to living in the senior facility, would rarely venture into Bermagui.
“The additional population may also serve as an attractor for some of the services,” the developers said.
Planning documents reveal that, 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.
A Metacap spokeswoman said the facility was needed.
“The south coast is lacking in living spaces for elderly people and this development will facilitate that,” she said.
Bega Valley Council will discuss the proposal in the coming months.
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Originally published as Bermagui: Developers of $26m senior housing development respond to community concerns
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