Premier says Kangaroo Bay should not be left a wasteland as Clarence begins talks with Chambroad

Plans for a five-star hotel at Kangaroo Bay were rejected this year, and as the developer appeals the decision, Premier Rockliff fears the site could be “left a wasteland”. What he said.

The most recent designs of the Kangaroo Bay Hotel. Pic: Chambroad Australia.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says Kangaroo Bay should not be left a wasteland, something he’s concerned could be the future for the site, as the Clarence City Council begins mediation with developer Chambroad over the waterfront parcel of land.

Earlier this year the Clarence City Council voted down Chambroad’s revised plans for a five-star hotel at the site, instead opting to buy back the land it sold to the developer in 2017.

The latest designs of the Kangaroo Bay Hotel. Pic: Chambroad Australia.

It was a decision which came after Chambroad failed to substantially commence a previously approved project for a hotel and hospitality school.

In April, the council received a legal challenge from Chambroad, which hoped to appeal the decision to reclaim the land.

Since then, the two parties have begun the formal mediation process.

On Monday, Mr Rockliff met Clarence Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley and CEO Ian Nelson, seeking an update on the situation with Chambroad.

In an email to councillors about the meeting, Mr Blomeley said an overview of the dispute process was provided to the Premier.

“The Premier was keen to manage the relationship between council and Chambroad, however he didn’t elaborate further,” he said in the email.

Mr Blomeley also said in the email that the council had indicated the time frame for an alternative development could be two to four years away.

Mr Rockliff was concerned at the idea of the land sitting unused for years.

“While I understand that council and the proponent remain in legal dispute over ownership of the land, my position on Kangaroo Bay has not changed,” Mr Rockliff told the Mercury.

“The site should not be left a wasteland as the council and the developer fight over a buyback, which could take years.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Blomeley said he welcomed the opportunity to engage with the state government.

“I made it quite clear council has a clear position; We are now in legal dispute with Chambroad, there’s a process outlined as part of the contract. We’re following that,” Mr Blomeley said.

Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley. Picture: Linda Higginson

“Council’s position is crystal clear, we will buy that land back and return it to the community.

“I will provide further updates to the community when I’m in a position to do so.”

Kangaroo Bay Hotel project director Greg Hudson said the independent mediator has been formally appointed to mediate the dispute between Chambroad and the council.

Chambroad was not involved in yesterday’s meeting between the council and Premier.

Originally published as Premier says Kangaroo Bay should not be left a wasteland as Clarence begins talks with Chambroad