The General Manager
Eurobodalla Shire Council
PO Box 99
MORUYA NSW 2537

NAROOMA STRUCTURE PLAN

Coastwatchers Association congratulates Council and DIPNR on the Narooma Structure Plan. Overall it is very encouraging. We are particularly appreciative of the Plan's real intention to protect the natural assets of the place, particularly the visual amenity through the town and the north and south approaches.

Some of the principles which we endorse and look forward to seeing implemented are:

• ecological conservation taking precedence over built aspects where conflicts arise;
• protection of the foreshores and improved public access to them;
• reassessment of future Urban Expansion and Rural 1c zoning to reduce its impact on the scenic setting south of Narooma;
• prevention of Kianga spreading into sensitive forest/scenic areas to the west;
• tight planning controls for Kianga and Dalmeny;
• protection of the important forested area between Kianga and Dalmeny; and
• provision of more public transport including shuttle mini-buses.

We particularly endorse the principle of abandoning plans for a freeway through the town, and for roundabouts. These would destroy Narooma.

The principles with regard to building design, colours and materials also look positive.

The idea of strengthening the existing main street is a good one. However, in reality it may be difficult to close or even restrain the Plaza shopping centre. If the Plaza could be confined to a supermarket/food centre that might be the best outcome, especially as it appears to have adequate parking and people are most likely to take their cars to get the weekly groceries. Moving government offices back to the main street will help strengthen the town.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON THE NAROOMA STRUCTURE PLAN

We have received additional feedback from our southern members and ask that these be considered as part of Coastwatchers' submission.

Extension of time - we believe the closing date for submissions should be extended as people are only now beginning to come to grips with the implications of this important plan and more community discussions are planned.

Our members object to some aspects of the Plan -

1. The 13 metre height limit between Ballingalla and Campbell Streets and on the Flat
Narooma residents fought hard to limit building heights in the town to 10m and then only in a few areas. The Ballingalla-Campbell Streets area is partly on a ridge and taller buildings there would undermine the stated aims of the Plan to preserve the scenic qualities of the town. On the Flat taller buildings will dominate the views of the area and hide the older buildings which give character.

2. Loss of affordable housing
Easts Van Park provides affordable housing for many permanent residents. It is not acceptable that this land be re-zoned unless other suitable and equally affordable rental accommodation is available.

3. The proposed commercial zone on the Flat is too large
Realistically, the Plaza shopping centre is too well established and its intention to expand is not likely to be successfully blocked. Strengthening the main street on the hill by moving government offices there is a good suggestion.

The commercial zone on the Flat would be better kept smaller and should integrate with the recreation areas, foreshores/boating amenities and sports facilities. The Flat lends itself more readily to be the leisure centre of the town and this would also cater for tourists.

4. Re-zoning the ambulance station as commercial
The site is strategically located between Bill Smyth Oval, the leisure centre and the swimming pool. It would be better zoned for sporting/recreational use.

5. Large flat-roofed buildings
Most of the suggested building designs are well suited to the character of the town but large flat-roofed shop-top dwellings or apartments would detract from this character.

Jenny Edwards
Secretary,
The Coastwatchers Assoc Inc