Planning Starts for Future Residential Needs of the Merimbula Area
November 29, 2007: Meeting the demands of residential land needs in the Merimbula district for the next 20 years are highlighted as part of Bega Valley Shire Council’s draft structure report for Merimbula, Tura Beach, Pambula, Pambula Beach and South Pambula and the surrounding rural areas.
The draft report is on public exhibition and has been prepared by planning consultant Garret Barry in conjunction with Council staff and makes recommendations concerning the zoning of most land in the area.
Council’s Acting Group Manager Environment Planning and Development Tony McDermott said it was important that all land owners read the report and make submissions to Council.
The report projects for a population in the district of just under 15,000 people by 2026, an increase of about 5000 persons and focuses on the need for more medium density and seniors’ housing as the population continues to age.
“Overall there is adequate zoned land for residential needs for most of the 20 years provided large landowners like the Department of Lands finalise planning studies and those studies establish they can subdivide a proportion of their current urban zoned lands,” Mr McDermott said.
“However there appears to be some significant environmental constraints to development of some current vacant urban zoned land and the report makes numerous suggestions for protecting and enhancing environmentally sensitive lands as the district further develops.”
Mr McDermott said the report endorsed the State Government position that Bega should be planned as the long term regional centre but recognised the Merimbula district would remain a significant population district for at least the next 20 years and remain a major complimentary centre to Bega with dominance in tourism and coastal living.
“I would encourage people to review the report and make comment,” Mr McDermott added.
“As part of the process there will be a public information session on Wednesday, December 12 at the Merimbula RSL Club at 6pm.
“This will give people the opportunity to ask questions and get a comprehensive briefing on the future plans for the area’s growth.”
Mr McDermott said it was unfortunate that the exhibition period, which would go through until January 11, was being held over the Christmas period, however it was in line with Department of Planning requests for Council to expedite action on its Comprehensive LEP.
“We have extended the exhibition period to accommodate that busy time,” Mr McDermott said.
The report will be on public exhibition at Council’s Bega office and the Merimbula library until January 11, 2008. Copies can be purchased for $5 from the Bega office. The report can also be accessed at Councils website, www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au.
Submissions should be addressed to the General Manager, Bega Valley Shire Council, PO Box 492, Bega NSW 2550 or council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au. Submissions will be received up until 5pm on January 11, 2008.
“After exhibition, Council will consider all submissions, then make decisions on the recommendations as to what changes to zonings will flow through into the exhibition of Council’s new draft planning scheme- the Comprehensive Local Environmental Plan,” Mr McDermott said.
