Chambroad seeking Major Projects status for Kangaroo Bay Hotel

The developer behind a controversial hotel project wants another shot to have it assessed away from the council. Details

Kangaroo Bay Hotel. Picture: Supplied

The developer behind a controversial hotel proposal at Kangaroo Bay has sent a new application to the state government, for the project to be considered a major project.

The Kangaroo Bay Hotel was rejected by the Clarence Council last year, after it had failed to substantially commence a previously approved project for a hotel and hospitality school on time.

Chambroad is currently locked in a court dispute with the council, which is trying to force the company to sell the land back.

The company has previously sought to have its development assessed as a major project, a move which would bypass the council approval process and allow it to be assessed by an independent panel.

Kangaroo Bay Hotel. Picture: Supplied

In September last year, the Planning Minister ruled the Kangaroo Bay Hotel was not eligible to be assessed as a major project.

Project director Greg Hudson said the new application was lodged because the company had new figures which showed a greater economic benefit to the state’s south.

“This new analysis updates the base level investment of the hotel to $65m and finds that it will result in an increased visitor spend of more than $500m over the first 10 years, as well as the creation of 100 construction jobs and 443 full-time equivalent ongoing jobs across the southern region,” he said.

Kangaroo Bay Hotel, Project Director Greg Hudson. Picture: Chris Kidd

“The hotel will also increase the number of luxury rooms in the southern region by approximately 50 per cent.”

Chambroad’s plans for an educational facility were dumped back in 2022, because an education provider could not be secured.

Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley said the council had not been advised of Chambroad’s new application.

“We will respond formally once advised,” he said.

“Importantly, this matter was comprehensively considered and rejected by the state government 12 months ago.

“The government’s reasoning was that Chambroad’s proposal did not have the necessary attributes to qualify as a major project and I fail to see what, if anything, has changed.

“As far as council is concerned, we are presently in the Supreme Court and will continue to work towards buying the land back for our community.”