Manager, Crown Lands NSW
South Coast
PO Box 309
NOWRA NSW 2541

Our Association strongly objects to the closing of this part of Old Punt Road for the following reasons:

• The adjoining owner wants to purchase the land to use in a development that is incompatible with the objectives of the Local Environmental Plan;
• The closure and sale of the land will lead to the destruction of valuable mature vegetation and wildlife habitat; and
• The road reserve with its intact vegetation currently enhances the important landscape character of the entrance to Batemans Bay from the Kings Highway.

Road closure will facilitate unsuitable landuse
The draft Masterplan for the site was for a development that did not comply with the objectives of the zone (2t Tourism). A few of its shortcomings include;

• the buildings greatly exceed the height limit;
• the development proposes to increase density to the point where the sites' important landscape values will be lost;
• the proposal does not allow for crucial widening of the Princes Highway; and
• it includes a service station and fast food outlet on the corner of the Kings and Princes Highways - one of the most over-loaded and dangerous intersections in the town.

The road should not be closed or sold until a Masterplan for a development that meets planning guidelines and community expectations is approved.

The road reserve has important vegetation
The flora and fauna assessment recommended the retention of certain habitat trees. Some of these are on and adjacent to the road reserve but will be lost if the proposed development goes ahead.

The road reserve needs to be retained in public ownership until a more environmentally compatible design is adopted.

The road reserve gives character to the entrance to Batemans Bay
Batemans bay relies on tourism for much of its income. The current open treed landscape on this site at the entrance to the town from the Kings Highway is very important. The Old Punt Road reserve is an integral part of this landscape.

If the proposed development goes ahead the unique entrance to the town will be lost to a service station, parking areas, fast food outlet and excessive unit development.

The road reserve should not be closed unless the development proposal is changed to retain the character of the entrance to Batemans Bay.

Jenny Edwards
Secretary