Cambria Green project faces new hurdle with two-month deadline to respond to Section 39 report

The Cambria Green developer has been given a deadline to respond to issues raised against the $100 million project.

Views of Freycinet Peninsula from part of Cambria Green development site.

THE Cambria Green developer has until February 1 to respond to issues raised by the community against the project.

The first Tasmania Planning Commission hearing for the $100 million development was held on Friday at Swansea Town Hall where almost 80 people attended.

The 2½ hour hearing was the first step in ruling on the proponent’s request to change the planning scheme to allow rezoning of agricultural land for its development.

Cambria Green, proposed to be built at Dolphin Sands on Tasmania’s East Coast, has been controversial since it was announced.

The self-contained complex would feature cafes, restaurants and medical services, such as dentists and pharmacies, on a 3185 hectare parcel of land.

East Coast Alliance president Anne Held said the commission asked the developer to respond to the Section 39 report submitted to the commission by Glamorgan Spring Bay Council and other issues by February 1.

East Coast Alliance president Anne Held, left, and Freycinet Action Network convener Sophie Underwood. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Other respondents have until March 1 to make further submissions.

The report, which had 629 submissions, contained suggested modifications including lower height limits for accommodation buildings, stronger protections for Swansea retailers, higher biodiversity protection and standards, and more stringent standards relating to an airport operation.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said it was clear from the hearing that community opposition to the Cambria Green proposal was strengthening.

“Issues raised by East Coast residents focused on the proposal’s enormous scale and potential impact on the local environment, agricultural land, roads and infrastructure, and existing businesses,” she said.

Freycinet Action Network convener Sophie Underwood said the group would focus on due diligence and the cost-benefit of the planning scheme amendment.

Cambria Green chief executive Ronald Hu said he would work with the commission and the East Coast community to bring its proposed development to reality. He said it would respond to the issues raised.