Developers fight council decision to reject Nagambie tourist park

A controversial $30 million tourist development proposed for Nagambie has been rejected by council. But the battle is just beginning.

The proposed site at Kirwans Bridge has caused plenty of controversy in Nagambie. Photo: Jacob Dedman.

Developers of a multi-million dollar tourist park in Nagambie will fight for it to go ahead despite council rejecting the controversial proposal last week.

Strathbogie Shire Council unanimously voted against the $30 million site being built at Kirwans Bridge, 50km south of Shepparton, on June 15.

That decision has since been appealed and the matter is expected to go to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal later this year.

Parklea Developments, who have housing estates southeast of Melbourne, lodged the application in 2020 to build 153 caravan or camping sites, 119 cabins, a function centre, boat ramp and trailer parking with four jetties along the waterfront.

But council said the proposal failed to meet key criteria including “adequately addressing” the potential environmental impacts.

Councillors also said the developers did not say how it would benefit the Nagambie community.

Strathbogie Shire Council acting mayor Laura Binks said the decision was not made lightly.

“We are concerned the permit application has not adequately addressed the potential environmental impacts and we are not satisfied with the provision for transport connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists to Nagambie,” she said.

“We are listening to our community.”

Kirwans Bridge Community Association organiser David Maddocks said the decision was a relief, however, the battle was not over.

Mr Maddocks said the area for the proposed site was home to protected wildlife including platypus, Yellow-billed Spoonbill and brolgas.

“Prominent in our concerns was the loss of amenity and enjoyment of the area to the residents of Kirwans Bridge,” he said.

“Why should tourists and a developer’s profit outweigh the needs of the residents and the people that have a true appreciation?

“The good people of Kirwans Bridge and the fauna of the Eastern backwater and wetlands can have a momentary sigh of relief.

“But the battle will go on against this inappropriate development that should go to some place other than the Kirwans Bridge area of Goulburn River that people in the Hume region and beyond enjoy for its natural significance, tranquillity and contribution to personal wellbeing.”

A VCAT hearing will be held in October.

Parklea Developments chose not to comment.