Batemans Bay masterplan will not turn town into ‘the next Gold Coast’, says planner Vivian Straw

Planners with an ambitious vision to transform a quaint NSW South Coast town into a tourism powerhouse fit with skyscrapers up to 100m high have rebutted strong community fears it will become the next Gold Coast. See the plans.

Artist impression of Batemans Bay's proposed transformation. Picture: Supplied

Planners with an ambitious vision to transform a quaint NSW South Coast town into a tourism powerhouse fit with skyscrapers up to 100m high have rebutted strong community fears it will become the next Gold Coast.

Eurobodalla Council’s strategic planning manager, Vivian Straw, said the town’s draft masterplan – currently on public exhibition – aimed to modernise a “tired” CBD, not replicate Surfers Paradise, Queensland’s tourist mecca on the Gold Coast.

“Unfortunately, the town is looking a bit tired, and we really want to find ways to encourage people to live, work and relax in the town centre,” he said.

“A fundamental goal of the masterplan is to encourage residential development and more people living in town.

“More people means more activity, more places to shop, and more places to dine.”

Eurobodalla Council's manager of strategic planning, Vivian Straw. Picture: Eurobodalla Council

The plan outlines how Batemans Bay must evolve to keep pace with rapid population growth.

Proposed changes include more parks, expanded market spaces, and most notably, mixed-use towers potentially reaching 100 metres.

The draft masterplan splits the Batemans Bay CBD into multiple sections. Picture: Eurobodalla Council

In response to community concerns, Mr Straw clarified only five landmark sites would be considered for buildings of that height.

“The Gold Coast has more than 30 buildings over 100 metres high and a handful over 200 metres whereas the draft masterplan is talking about five landmark sites where heights up to 80-100 metres may be achievable.”

He said revising height limits — set in 2012 and based on 2007-08 plans — was key to attracting high-quality development.

“A lot of things have changed since then so it’s good to review what’s working well and what we can do better,” Mr Straw said.

Buildings up to 100m high could soon sore in the Batemans Bay CBD. Picture: Supplied

Mr Straw’s comments align with Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher, who previously said Batemans Bay must embrace change.

“This masterplan addresses that,” Mr Hatcher said.

“It’s natural for a town to grow. We can’t ignore it.”

Mr Straw said the ultimate goal was to create a “beautiful town in a beautiful location”.

“When people drive over the Clyde River Bridge, we want them to say wow,” he said.

The draft plan is open for community feedback until June 30.

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Originally published as Batemans Bay masterplan will not turn town into ‘the next Gold Coast’, says planner Vivian Straw