Briefing note on the proposed Colys development in Kangaroo Valley
20 Apr 10
Briefing note on the proposed Colys development in Kangaroo Valley
From the KV Community Association, KV Tourist Association and KV Environment Group
Colys Group wants to build a large housing development on agricultural land owned by Robert Cochrane, behind the Kangaroo Valley Bowling Club. This development comprises:
- 135 dwellings (up to 4 bedrooms)
- 120 "seniors" dwellings (up to 3 bedrooms )and "high care facilities"
- 40 hotel apartments and conference centre.
The land must first be rezoned as "residential" for the development to proceed. While rezoning decisions are made by the State Government, Council can recommend an application proceed, be deferred or rejected.
Council's professional staff recommended that the Council's Development Committee defer the application for more information, and for Council to assess how it fitted with a wider review of all zoning within the Council area.
The developer addressed the Council's Development Committee on 6 April. Colys had commissioned a report on Kangaroo Valley which appears to be the basis for some Councillors' claims that Kangaroo Valley is dying, that it has the highest rents in NSW and needs reinvigorating through the proposed development. The majority of the Councillors on the Development Committee, and of the full Council meeting one week later, voted for the application to proceed.
The Kangaroo Valley community had received no advance advice. Following the Development Committee meeting, many residents contacted Councillors and at least 50 attended the Council meeting. Despite this, all four Councillors from Ward One (ie those who represent Kangaroo Valley) voted against a deferral of the application and supported it proceeding.
Two further steps must now occur; a consultant will assess the planning proposal and Colys is required to consult the community. Then the rezoning/ development application would enter the "Gateway Process" which leads to the NSW State Minister for Planning deciding whether it should proceed further.
It is important to note that the application for rezoning and the proposed development are inextricably linked. The rezoning application has been lodged by Colys Group. Council papers describe the application as being "to amend the zoning controls and permit the proposed development".
When Colys consulted the community in 2008 with a smaller proposal, there was enormous community opposition. A packed meeting in the KV Hall overwhelmingly rejected the proposal .
Concerns about this proposal include:
- It is too big and dense, establishing a suburb larger than the existing village
- There is no infrastructure, transport or services to support it and no satisfactory explanation was given about these
- It is obviously unsuitable for "seniors" living due to the above, the steepness of the streets and the site, and the lack of support services
- The ability to dispose of sewage on site from 295 dwelling units
- There is no evidence of the need for this development; we already have a motel and conference centres and approvals exist for more. Kangaroo Valley has limited employment opportunities, which naturally limits the demand for more housing.
- It is contrary to the planning controls (DCP66) that have protected the character of our village. This character is the basis of our lifestyle and our successful tourism industry.
Consultation between our community and Colys will likely raise the same objections. Colys ignored our views in 2008 and will likely do so again. Shoalhaven Council is fully aware of these objections.
A few key facts
Many people in Kangaroo Valley support the provision of some retirement living, but this is not it! The site is patently unsuitable, being steep and remote from any services and facilities. In fact, the State government has already rejected it under its legislation for Seniors Housing (SEPP).
Council has not made any commitment that our views will be taken into account. The only requirement is for Colys to consult us. We want Council consultation and commitment to outcomes.
Opposing this development doesn't mean we oppose all development! We accept the need for growth and change, and appropriate seniors housing would be welcome. However, we want to be involved in determining what is needed and what sites are suitable, not be driven by Colys' agenda
We expect our Councillors to represent our views. Every Ward One Councillor voted against the clearly expressed views of the majority of our community. We need to call them to account.
Actions you can take if you object to this development
Contact Councillors: A rescission motion will be considered at the Council meeting on Tuesday 27 April seeking to overturn the decision to support the rezoning/ development application. Every email, letter and phone call before then will be really important. Email addresses:
Ward One Councillors: andrew.guile@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au; gareth.ward@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au; soamesn@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
Others: watsong@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au; youngj@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au; greenp@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au; bennett@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au;
brumerskyj@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
Those who voted to support Kangaroo Valley are: fergussonj@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au; findleya@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au; millerr@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au; proudfootb@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
Attend Council meetings, especially on 27 April at 4pm. You just need to be there as part of the audience to show your support for those Councillors who are supporting us.
Have an input when the Consultant is doing their assessment. Talk to others and let people know what is planned and ask them to take a stand too.
Talk to the media when this comes up on talkback shows
Come to Community meetings. Meetings will be organised so everyone can put their views
Tell Colys what you think: try to contact the Colys Group via their website www.colys.com.au although no replies have been received to date!