West Culburra Mixed Use Subdivision

There is not one good thing I can approve of with this Development at Culburra Beach.There is not sufficient parking at our shops and beach car parks nor are they maintained so with the extra persons living here will be not good and we have more holiday houses rented out now to reap the Covid influx of Weekend Warriors the roads are very busy all week and not only on weekends there are more cars using our main road in and out without more housing to make our unkept roads deterioration in a more dangerous condition. Totally against the impending round about on a bad section of road, the size of the blocks of land are way to small and the width of the roads are to narrow as well the shops already in existence will never be utilised by the locals no matter how many live here they take the trip into Nowra to Bunnings/Aldi/KMart /Fresh Meat/Fish Shop/there is no such thing these days as loyalty depends on who has the cheapest this week so that won't make any difference to shopping local.
The urban run off into Curleys Bay no matter what sort of sediment pits are installed it is impossible for it not to affect the Water quality of Curleys Bay. Not onlywith the run off of water go into Curleys Bay but drain into lake woolumbulla which borders a National Park the lake is already damaged from previous development. I also think that with the extra persons living here what about like with the Bush Fires so close only 9Km from here and only one way in and one way out we were given the no don't leave our homes so stay in place' if we were able to leave and those extra people were living here as well and we all left and were caught in the fire not a good idea or be it in different circumstances we all were to congregate on the beach either the coming or the going would be a disaster.We do not want this area to be changed for what the Village charm that has been it's charm to live here. I know there will be a certain amount that won't bother writing as they have said I'll be dead and gone but what about like me that hopes to be able to enjoy my life here at Culburra Beach in the Village I know as home

My wife and I moved to the area some 6 years ago from our property in the City of Blacktown.
For the Past 50 years I was associated with Blacktown City Council firstly as a Health and Building Inspector and as the Executive Director and Principal Building Inspector for the City and in the later 20 years as a Councillor and Mayor of the City.
During this time I was Chairman and Director of the Western Sydney Development Board and then the inaugural Chairman of Regional Development Australia for the Sydney region.
I outline my experience above only to give insight to my comments relating to this proposal having regard to the hundreds of subdivisions I have seen and been involved with.
On 3rd February 2021 I attended the meeting arranged by allen price & skarratts the land and development consultants who explained in detail the proposal to more than 100 in attendance.
When considers the site that is zoned for residential development and is part of Council's Growth Management Strategy the only objections only relate to compliance with normal development conditions.
The major objection to the previous concept plan related to pollution of Lake Wollumboola and run-off affecting the oyster leases in the Crookhaven River.
As the drainage now, apart from a roundabout, does not flow to the Lake and the oyster growing and coastal wetlands are protected by a "best practice" integrated water recycle management strategy. Additionally there are rainwater tanks on every lot which also reduces run-off from the development.
The upgrading of Culburra Road with three new roundabouts will increase safety for the community.
The real positives of this development are the benefits it will make to the community which is in a steady state of decline due to the lack of available land and loss of permanent residents.
The decline in permanent residents has led to closure of many shops and businesses since we have moved here some six years ago.
The Home Hardware closure accelerated the demise of other retail shops in the CBD which is littered with empty shops.
The remaining shops are mainly coffee shops or fast food, second hand goods and clothes, estate agents, post office, chemist and a few small businesses with declining customers.
Many of the shops do not open every trading day or only open for reduced trading hours.
The approval of this development will provide the opportunity for new housing to the area which will provide local jobs leading to more needed residents to bolster the declining community and also provide more sports fields adjacent to the development.
As I have outlined above regarding my experience in relation to residential development I see no reason to justify refusal of what I consider to be a high standard development.
Alan Pendleton OAM

We strongly object to this development due to several environmental, ecological and safety concerns it raises with little or no benefit to the local community's economic and social well-being. These concerns are detailed and explained in the attached letter.

My name is Brian Muller and I am the President of The Culburra Beach & Districts Chamber of Commerce. This submission in support of the West Culburra Mixed use Subdivision is made on behalf the Chamber and has been endorsed by members of the Chambers Executive.

The proposed site of the West Culburra Mixed Use Subdivision has been zoned for residential development since the early 1990's. It is part of Shoalhaven City Council's Growth Management Strategy and is supported by the NSW Government's Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2036. The proposed development has also been recently endorsed by Shoalhaven City Council. (At a council meeting held just several weeks ago). This clearly shows that all levels of Government are in support of this proposal.

The business Community supports this proposal for numerous reasons. Many of our small businesses have closed in recent years and many more are struggling to survive. This is mainly due to lack of permanent population. As the roads and infrastructure between Sydney and Culburra Beach have improved over recent years (and continue to do so) many Sydney residents have seen Culburra Beach as an attractive place for a holiday home as it is now so much closer to Sydney in respect of time distance. This has seen many houses previously used as permanent residences (particularly by older residents) being sold to investors and lifestyle purchasers to use as holiday homes. These people generally prefer to be close to the beach as they like to walk to the beach rather than drive. The location of the proposed West Culburra Mixed Use Subdivision is such that it will attract a more permanent population which will in turn be beneficial to our business community. Holiday owners and tenants tend to peak at Christmas time and summer periods meaning that the population swells at that time of year but diminishes rapidly during the other times off the year. More permanent residents will help to alleviate this situation. The last four sets of Australian Census figures show alarming trends. While most areas in NSW have experienced population growth, Culburra Beach and Orient Point have been completely opposite. In 2001 the permanent population of Culburra Beach and Orient Point was 3,622. In 2006 that dropped by 206 to 3,416. In 2011 it dropped a further 125 to 3,291. In 2016 the population actually increased by 193 to 3,484. This was mainly due to the opening of a substantial Woolworths Supermarket which encouraged young families in particular to the area. Woolworths has been seen as good sustainable development. West Culburra will also be seen as good sustainable development.

The supply of vacant residential land in Culburra Beach has been very limited. There have been no substantial residential land releases in Culburra Beach for decades. This has seen demand hugely outstrip supply therefor putting enormous pressure on the price of residential real estate. The last two sales of residential land in Culburra Beach have been for $469,000 and $645,000. These are extraordinarily high prices for regional NSW areas and make it nearly impossible for young people who have grown up in the area to afford to purchase here. Most will have to leave the area if they wish to purchase a property. The proposed development will ease the pressure on supply and reduce prices making it more affordable for them.

Many of the older residents in Culburra Beach look to downsize their properties as they become too much to look after. Larger blocks and older houses require maintenance that they are not able to do. They don't want sell and leave the area and are not ready to move to the local retirement village. The integrated housing section of this proposal will provide small blocks and new houses meaning they will be able to stay in the area. These lots in the proposed subdivision are ideally situated being just a short walk from the shops and medical facilities.

The economic activity that will be provided by this development will result in much needed employment and financial benefits to the local community. The chamber welcomes the opportunity for this to occur. The development will also compliment and integrate with the existing township. The network of footpaths and cycleways provided will also allow easy and safe access along a pleasant track to the town centre.

The chamber also acknowledges that the applicant has responded to community concerns in relation to several aspects of the proposal. Water quality and runoff was a major concern of some opponents of the original proposal particularly in relation to Lake Wollumboola. This has been addressed with little to no development in the lakes catchment area. For the very small section of road in the lakes catchment area the integrated water cycle management strategy results in a neutral or beneficial effect on downstream water quality. The proposal shows large setbacks from the foreshore areas, large water storage facilities with an extensive treatment train for water quality protection and again results in a neutral or beneficial effect outcome. This will provide protection for the coastal wetlands and oyster growing areas.

The current proposal also addresses issues about Aboriginal Heritage concerns with the conservation of these areas being a priority. It provides an opportunity for preservation of several sites that might normally disappear over the coming years if left neglected. It also provides a large amount of open space recreation areas including parks and playing fields along with substantial woodland areas.

In conclusion, the Culburra Beach & Districts Chamber of Commerce supports the current proposal and looks forward to a positive outcome.

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I object to this proposal for the following reasons.

Roads - the current road in and out of the suburb is in poor condition, even after the recent resurfacing. Adding more traffic will be detrimental to the road in and out, as well as the local roads which are in terrible condition and will receive more traffic.

Retail - The talk of more retail space, when the current retail space isn't fully occupied makes no sense. With what has been proposed, retail occupancy will drop overall. The same can be said of the industrial area proposed.

Solar power - The impact on people already living in the suburb with solar power. The local grid cannot cope with the current level of solar power (meaning high grid voltages and a diminished output for those with solar panels), has this been considered if the majority of new houses will have solar power as well?

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My name is Joanne Muller and I am a property owner in Culburra Beach. I support the West Culburra Mixed Use Subdivision.

The applicant for the proposed subdivision has conducted numerous studies to demonstrate that it can proceed with minimal impact on the environment. The reports are quite technical and I won't go into detail in this submission, however issues that were of previous concern in the initial proposal have been addressed in a satisfactory manner.

The issue of water management has been significantly addressed with almost no development in the catchment area for Lake Wollumboola. The studies show that the Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy for this area as well as the main part of the subdivision show a Neutral or Beneficial Effect on downstream water quality.

Culburra Beach has had no significant land subdivisions for many, many years and therefor the supply of vacant residential land is very limited. With the improved road network connecting Culburra Beach with Sydney, many people have come to the area in search of holiday homes. This has had two significant effects on the area. Firstly, as older permanent residents sell their properties and move to retirement situations, holiday home buyers move in and purchase them but don't occupy their properties all year round. This in turn puts pressure on local businesses who struggle through the quieter periods of the year due to the lack of permanent population. Many local businesses in Culburra Beach have closed in recent years. The location of the proposed subdivision is far enough away from the beach that it will attract a more permanent type of resident which in turn will assist the local small business operators. Holiday home residents don't want to be that far from the beach. Secondly, the lack of land supply has put extreme pressure on the price of vacant residential land in Culburra Beach making it extremely difficult for young people who have grown up in the area to be able to afford to purchase property here. This is disruptive to families who would normally like to stay in the same area. The extra supply of residential land will relieve some of that price pressure.

Other benefits in the proposed subdivision as described in the application include a high level of ecologically sustainable development outcomes due to each constructed property requiring water tanks, solar panels and Iarger than normal energy efficient targets. There is provision for Integrated small lot housing near the existing shopping centre which will be ideal for older residents. The development also provides ample open space for recreation and public enjoyment with sporting fields and woodland areas. Footpaths and cycle ways link it with the existing township which will be another benefit.

This subdivision proposal is in a location that has been zoned for residential development since the early 1990's. It is supported by Shoalhaven City Council's Growth Management Strategy which in turn is supported by the NSW Government's Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2036. In fact, Shoalhaven City Council only a matter of weeks ago voted to endorse the proposed development.

For these reasons I support the West Culburra Mixed Use Subdivision

This submission is in support of the West Culburra development as it is important that positive changes are made to increase the viability of the area.
Members of the Progress Association attended the presentation by allen price & skarratts, who are the consultants for the development, on 3rd February 2021, with very positive views on the development following the presentation.
There were questions asked at the presentation regarding bushfire safety and the adoption of a Fire Plan.
In relation to a "fire plan" for the Culburra Beach and Orient Point area the Progress Association has received a response from the Rural Fire Service after a two year attempt to achieve one.
Firstly, they no longer issue "fire plans" but now issue Community Protection Plans (CPP) which include fire plans.
In the response from the Rural Fire Service in January 2021 it was stated that a CPP is not required for this area at this time and they will consider the necessity for a CPP sometime in the future.
Other than that issue there was support for the development at the meeting.
As the issues of drainage to both Lake Wollumboola and the Crookhaven River have been addressed and other objections complied with it is essential for the development to proceed as soon as possible.
Due to the declining number of permanent residents and the lack of available land our CBD is in decline.
Shops are closing due to lack of patronage at an increasing rate which gives a deserted appearance, particularly when the surviving shops do not open daily.
There is no hardware store and a lack of specialty shops which necessitates travel to Nowra.
In view of the above the Progress Association supports this excellent development to be approved to allow the recovery of the Culburra Beach and Orient Point area.
Alan Pendleton OAM
President

I object to this submission as it does not benefit the town of Culburra Beach.
Culburra beach can currently not cope with the tourists that come to this town every weekend and holiday period. Our grocery store runs out of groceries and parking can not be found at the supermarket, takeaway stores or the beach.
Our roads are not adequate enough to support the growth this plan proposes.
I moved to Culburra Beach from Sydney 15 years, in this time I have built my own home here and am raising 2 small children. All my children know is a coastal town that is surrounded by nature,the sound of the waves from their bedroom windows,beautiful trees, flying sea Eagles and ground dwelling animals and not large scale housing developments. This proposal will see a large scale of trees cleared removing lush green habitat for 1000s of local wildlife. We are only in the early stages of repairing from major bush fires, how can we honestly think destroying this beautiful bush land is a good idea and will benefit Culburra Beach.
I have hopes that my children will be able to drive into their home town and see beautiful bush land and animals, not roundabouts and 1000s of new homes and streets that do not benefit them. Culburra residents will not benefit from this proposal it is very upsetting to view the plans and see how much Culburra could potentially change for the worst. I know it will have a huge impact on my lifestyle and also my families that I would sell my property and move. This is not type of area I want my children to be brought up in. At the moment they are free to ride their bikes, swim in beautiful clean beaches and go to school in a beautiful quiet town and this will all change if our population grows.
The retail sector in Culburra will not benefit from this proposal either,they currently can't keep up with the demand from local residents or tourists during holiday trade.
There are plenty of large coastal towns in the shoalhaven, leave Culburra Beach the way it is, natural and untouched by humans.

A letter attached is outlining our reasons for opposing the West Culburra Development. Unfortunately due to the hostility and open agression towards peole opposing the Development, we feel the need to withold personal details on any public forum.

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I totally object to the proposed West Culburra development for the following reasons

1. This development will destroy natural bushland and native animal habitat
2. It will also become a major safety issue reducing access and egress on the single access road to the town in bushfire time and emergency situations
3. 3 x proposed roundabouts entering town will increase traffic congestion and cause road accidents
4.The proposed additional shops will add to the already vacant shop stock and spread the area of the shopping centre making it more difficult to walk between different shops
5 This development at the entry of town will destroy the beachside village atmosphere of Culburra
6 The proposed stormwater treatment will not cope with extreme including inclement weather which will over flow into the Crookhaven river risking the local oyster farms and jobs.
7. The vast majority of jobs produced by the development and project home builders and civil works will go to people from out of the area
8. The road into Culburra from Nowra and the Princes Highway is already extremely potholed in bad condition and not maintained and dangerous addition use heavy equipment by work vehicles during construction along with additional residents vehicles will only increase damage to the road and safety to road users
9. The existing roads, parks and infrastructure in Culburra is in very poor condition and not maintained by council a larger population would only increase the problem
10 Despite council and the developer stating that the majority of residents want the works a local survey revels over 2,600 residents out

A few years ago (2018) I attended a public meeting about a proposed development in the same designated area of Culburra West. The meeting overwhelmingly supported that proposal . This development has been down sized but still provides our township with a longer term economic development outlook. The development has been in the pipeline for many years now and falls within the ambit of all appropriate government bodies and strategy plans. The existing business centre needs revitalisation and this development provides impetus for this to occur and bring with it the economic benefits and increased job capacity and hopefully the improvement of the existing roads and social infrastructure.
If a continual decline in population occurs in the town then the flow on effect could be the closure of the current Supermarket and also the Ambulance Station. This would be a tragedy to the community should this occur.
I wholeheartedly support this Development.