‘A playground for jetskis’: Fears glamping resort will shatter the serenity of this riverside spot

Most days when the weather is mild, Bob Arnold will launch his kayak into the gently rolling backwaters of the Goulburn River, which flow just metres from his home.

The list of birds he has seen on the water has reached 135 species, and he expects it will grow as he continues exploring the riverine environment at Kirwans Bridge in northern Victoria.

Bob Arnold on the water at Kirwans Bridge. Credit: Justin McManus

There are mammals, too. Once, when Arnold was out paddling, he spotted six platypuses – the most he has seen in a single trip.

But Arnold fears this rich ecosystem is under threat from plans for a tourism development by the water at Kirwans Bridge. The proposed tourism project, Nagambie Waters, features 80 “glamping style tent units” at the site of an existing restaurant, which is temporarily closed.

Arnold said water craft, development and crowds of people posed an unacceptable risk to one of the area’s best-loved assets: the vast array of wildlife.

“We lose all that, and the backwater will just become a playground for jet-skis and power boats,” Arnold said.

The water near the proposed tourism development site attracts a variety of wildlife. Credit: Justin McManus

The proposal also includes a three-bedroom manager’s residence and function centre. Developer Andrew Facey owns the land on which the tourism development would be built.

Strathbogie Shire Council has already approved the plans for the project. Now, Arnold is among a group of objectors fighting the project in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The matter is due to come back before the tribunal for a compulsory conference on Friday.

While the proposed development has angered some locals, its proponents argue it is gaining support, citing an online petition with 425 signatures in favour of the plan.

The petition calls for help to develop a “world-class glamping resort” at the site where the restaurant currently sits.

“Nagambie Waters opened with the hopes of encouraging visitors from abroad to stop in and explore our beautiful setting, whilst serving quality meals sourced from local produce in anticipation to expand into a glamping resort,” the petition says.

Tourism is an increasingly important part of the local economy in nearby Nagambie, which has become a popular summer destination. Property developers and horse racing identities have also converged on Nagambie in recent years.

Arnold said the objectors had grave concerns about flooding at the site, part of which was inundated in the 2022 floods that devastated much of northern Victoria.

But he said the objectors’ case was based on the scale of the development, and they were fighting to reduce the number of glamping sites.

They fear the tourism park will generate crowds and traffic in their small and quiet community.

“It’s going to alter the amenity of the whole area.”

In a determination of a preliminary hearing, VCAT deputy president Teresa Bisucci noted the tribunal did not have jurisdiction to consider flood risk on the land that is subject to a flood overlay.

Bob Arnold in front of the proposed development site. Credit: Justin McManus

However, Bisucci noted she was aware the land was subject to flooding and this was known to both the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Strathbogie Shire Council.

The determination said the probability of flooding in the area was based on provisions in the 1989 Water Act. The flood levels in the area are now under review.

“However, to date council as the planning authority has not progressed any amendment to address the knowledge it has about flood risk,” Bisucci wrote in the determination.

A spokesperson for Nagambie Waters said: “Nagambie Waters, the permit applicant, makes no comment on the matter that is before VCAT, but simply wishes to point out that council fully supports the proposed glamping and tourist park as do 425 signatories to the petition supporting the proposal.”

Strathbogie Shire Council and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority have been contacted for comment.

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