The Northern Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) has approved a development application for an eco-tourism proposal on Waterfall Way east of Fernmount.
The proposal is for 18 two-bedroom tourist cabins, a conference centre and associated infrastructure. This would be developed in five stages, stage 1 involves the construction of six cabins and a temporary marquee for functions.
The property currently runs 200 dairy cattle by the Perry family who are behind the eco-tourism proposal.
Tanya Perry said the family was not prepared to reveal the total cost of the project at this stage.
“The Development Application process has taken two and a half years working exclusively with local specialists to develop the successful application,” she said. “Work will now commence on a detailed construction plan for submission to Council which will contain the timeframes for the first two stages.”
"Denis Atkinson has done a great job in pulling together the team of local specialists who really got behind the project," Ms Perry said.
She said the concept for the development was an Ecological retreat in harmony with the unique natural habitat of the Bellingen Valley, in harmony with the farming use of the land and in harmony with the local community. “Ecological principles are not at the cost of farming and local communities, they enhance them. This is an important foundation of the development.”
"I grew up in the valley when the term greenie was considered hostile, greenies were seen to be forcing a minority view on long established farming practice. Today eco is the new buzz word and it is our future as the world realises natural resources once destroyed impact everyone's quality of life. Bellingen is a special place, we all benefit in maintaining and promoting it,” Ms Perry told the Courier-Sun.
She said the development was not a total destination resort, meaning it did not contain recreational entertainment such as pools and gyms you would typically find in a resort. “The emphasis is on visitors getting out and experiencing all the local area has to offer.”
“The Eco-development will have an animal conservation program and focus on promoting ecological principles such as the materials used, energy use, recycling, protection of wetlands and forests and education programs as well as offering a conference centre with the scale to host meetings and events such as conferences and weddings.
"Our family has been farming in the Bellingen valley for the last seventy years, like most young people my sister Louise and I had to leave the valley to gain employment. This has seen us both travel Australia and internationally to attend conferences. We have never experienced anywhere else the unique combination of rainforest, beach and artistic country charm the valley has to offer. I suppose we simply look forward to inviting people home," Tanya Perry concluded.
Chair of the Northern JRPP, Garry West said: “The proposed development is not a ‘total destination resort’ and will therefore be of economic benefit to the local community as guests are likely to make use of local shops, services and tourist facilities during their stay”.
“Additionally, the tourist accommodation provided by the development would contribute to the continued viability of cultural events in the local area,” the Chair said.
“The proposed development will also provide a function facility that is not available elsewhere in the shire.”
“The proposed development complies with all relevant planning instruments and, while the capacity of the proposed tourist accommodation is much greater than other tourist cabin developments in the shire, it is considered that the size, scale and location of the development is acceptable.”
The proposed development application includes:
• A conference centre with the capacity to host functions for up to 120 people;
• 18 two-bedroom cabins, providing accommodation for up to 72 people;
• Associated infrastructure (new internal roads, upgraded roads, electricity, telecommunication services, on-site wastewater disposal, stormwater treatment facilities, installation of water tanks, on-site parking provision);
• The clearing and under-scrubbing of vegetation; and
• Planting and regeneration works, involving planting of up to 1,480 trees in 4 locations on the site.
Other elements of the proposed development include:
• Buildings will be low density and low rise and barely visible from Waterfall Way or other properties;
• Construction materials will be natural and include timber and limestone;
• Minimal earthworks will be required as the cabins will be erected on piers, the conference centre will be located on flat land and internal roads follow the contours of the site; and
• Revegetation works will occur on the frontage of the site.
The development application was referred to the JRPPs because it is classed as regional development, and provided for accommodation for more than 25 persons.
Mayor Mark Troy welcomed the decision to approve the tourism development.
“The proposed conference centre that can cater for up to 120 people in a location between Bellingen and the coast should to be good for the Shire and the Coffs Coast region. The accomodation and conference centre will add a new dimension to the local tourist industry," Cr Troy said.
"It is great to see a local family having the confidence to make this significant investment in the family property," he said.
Email a friend