The General Manager
Eurobodalla Shire Council 27 July 2005
PO Box 99
MORUYA 2537

Attention: Mr Allan Grimwood

NAROOMA TOWN PLAN
File No 03.7172

Coastwatchers congratulates Council and the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources on redrafting this plan in response to the wishes of the public. Our members are much happier with the new draft.

We are very supportive of the aims of the plan to protect the environment of the Narooma area and the integrity of Wagonga Inlet. Rezoning important forested land to non-urban will do much to maintain the scenic qualities of the approaches to the town while preserving significant ecological areas. We are particularly happy to see the land south of Glasshouse Rocks Road and that on the northern side of Kianga Lake kept as non-urban.

Avoiding rural residential development in scenically and ecologically important areas is also a step in the right direction.

Some members have commented that urban consolidation via multi storey apartments is not what residents want. However, there may be ways to increase densities in urban areas while allowing people to live on a level without stairs. The sloping land in much of the town should give some opportunities for access via ramps/bridges to an upper storey apartment and yet have private open space almost on the same level. The Illawarra Retirement Trust units on the Princes Highway go part way to achieving such a design.

Coastwatchers supports the plan to limit development on the Flat to small retail / commercial / tourist ventures. There will need to be some standard set regarding maximum floor space otherwise there will be no certainty for developers or residents, and constant requests for over-scale buildings will only generate controversy in the community and problems for Council.

Jenny Edwards
Secretary