Shoalhaven City Council has given conditional approval to an ecotourism development planned for Nerringillah Creek in Bendalong.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The developer must first consult with landowners nearby to establish a “right of way” or a road in, at his own expense.
This road will be maintained by the developer, who is happy to do so.
The ecolodge will comprise of primitive camping on-site for a maximum of 30 guests, toilets, showers and camp kitchen facilities, and parking for 36 vehicles.
Stage two of the development will include a 12-room bunkhouse with shared amenities, dining, kitchen and laundry facilities, an outdoor kitchen, lounge and deck, and a function room catering for up to 60 guests.
The developer specified that up to 18 functions would be held per year, with a prohibition of the use of amplified music on site.
The developer will also build a sewage system.
Shoalhaven City Councillor Mark Kitchener advocated for the development at a council meeting on Tuesday night.
“85 per cent of international tourists want to include Aboriginal culture in their visit,” he said.
“Nerringillah Creek gives easy access to sacred caves, rock carvings and unrecorded sites known to the local clan.
“It will continue in keeping the Shoalhaven at the forefront of tourism in Australia.”
Developer Tim Pembroke claimed he had been demonised by members of the community who were opposed to the development, and was relieved by the result at council on Tuesday night.
It may be some time before the shovels hit the turf.
The right of way will be a challenge for the developer, as he is dealing with a deceased estate, and can not obtain consent at this stage.
There were 70 written submission about the development – 69 against it.
Redhead Villages Association president Kevin Millar said “a majority” of members were against the development because it was out of place.
“It's in a rural setting, there are concerns it could grow beyond what's stated in the proposal,” Mr Millar said.
“The community don't believe what’s proposed is a true reflection on what's going to happen.”
A contingent of Redhead locals travelled to Nowra for the council meeting where the decision was made on Tuesday night.
“They’re very disappointed on the way council went, the community are feeling very negative towards it,” he said.
“But council said it ticked all the boxes.”
