Residents afraid for the future of their town

“The size of the development is larger than the footprint of [the town] itself,” a resident has said about a tourism development application put forward to council.

Falmouth Beach, Tasmania. Picture: SUPPLIED

RESIDENTS of the North-East town of Falmouth are objecting to a proposed tourist accommodation project, saying it could diminish the coastal settlement’s pristine character and environment.

The Break O’Day Council will consider a private operator’s plans for the heritage-listed Glencoe Farm site. The plans include a 10-suite accommodation along with guest dining room, meeting rooms, shop, gallery, bar and cafe.

But Falmouth resident and Friends of the East Coast secretary, Graeme Wathen, said the group has put in a submission to express concerns about the size and nature of the proposal.

“Falmouth is changing from a rather pristine coastal settlement into a tourist hub,” Mr Wathen said.

“And it will lose a great deal of its amenity with these sorts of developments.”

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The proposed development would have 10 suites, each with a kitchenette, dining room, lounge, a bedroom with ensuite, an entry deck and main deck.

The suites would surround a new farm dam, and a cafe, toilet block while other amenities would be developed nearby.

Mr Wathen said his main concern was the potential environmental harm.

“Both in terms of the scenic corridor, the threatened species, the wastewater and wetlands, and the soils,” Mr Wathen said.

“If you drive along that section from Scamander down past Four Mile Creek, the sweeping views of the farmland around Glencoe are really quite significant...

“It shouldn’t be there to be exploited in this way, it should be there to add to the tourist experience rather than have it be degraded by these developments.”

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The size of the development was also a concern, Mr Wathen said.

“And already the accommodation available for [holiday] rentals in Falmouth is larger than the entire permanent population,” he said.

The town has about 100 permanent residents.

Break O’Day Council Mayor Mick Tucker said the application will go to a council meeting for consideration.

Break Of Day Mayor Mick Tucker. Tasmania.Picture: ROB BLAKERS

“Just like all other applications, this development will be assessed on the relevant planning criteria and our decision will be based on this criteria alone,” Cr Tucker said.

The application can be found at bodc.tas.gov.au.

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