Some the Current Issues the Association is dealing with are summarised below:-

 

All Residents and Ratepayers urged to study closely the new Shoalhaven Local Environment Plan (LEP)

 

We have previously advised that the Draft Shoalhaven Local Environment Plan (SLEP2009) is being prepared. The LEP governs land use through zoning, development controls and details of the activities that may be carried out in particular zones. For example it defines the areas where only single houses can be built and those areas where apartments may be built, or areas where say boarding house and hotels can be built.

 

We have particular concerns over the rezoning of the Vincentia Village Shops and the increase in Height of Buildings. Please click on "Planning" above to get the full story.

 

 

 

Bayswood - Vincentia District Centre and Proposed Library

Woolworths Ltd. has previously announced that they have purchased from Stockland Ltd. the land for the proposed shopping centre on the Bayswood Estate. The proposal may be viewed on the Department of Planning's website under "major projects". In summary the first stage will include Woolworth and Aldi supermarkets, a Big W discount department store and initially only some specialty shops. Completion date is now likely to be mid 2013.

 

The Centre was originally part of the Stockland Bayswood development but a Woolworths’ subsidiary Fabcot Pty. Ltd., acquired the land designated for District Centre. The project originally engendered much local opposition due to the highly sensitive environment of the area containing many threatened and endangered species and also due to its drainage into the pristine waters of Jervis Bay. These constraints resulted in limiting the development footprint.

 

One redeeming feature of the development was a new two storey library facility covering 1650 sqm and located in a prominent position on the Main Street. This was the proposal when the public made their submissions in 2006. Subsequent modifications to the project, made without formal public consultation, resulted in the Library being reduced to a one storey building and located at the back of the development, but still included in Stage 1 of the development, now it is Stage 2, probably at least 5 years away, if ever. This deeply concerns us as this was the only significant public facility contained in the $250 million development.

 

We and the other Bay and Basin Community Consultative Bodies have written to Council as follows:

 

The General Manager,

Shoalhaven City Council

PO Box 42

Nowra, NSW 2541

Dear Council and Councillors,

RE – CENTRAL DISTRICT LIBRARY, VINCENTIA

 

The Bay and Basin CCBs are requesting that Council seriously investigate through a fully informed planning process the building of the Central district library at the Bay and Basin Leisure Centre site.  This site has become the preferred site for the library since the Council elected not to pursue the Woolworths site in the Vincentia District Centre until stage 2 of construction, which may not occur.

The combined community groups believe that this investigation and planning process should  commence immediately so the Central District Library construction can be progressed  within the timeframe nominated in the  final report ( October, 2009) ‘Develop a Library infrastructure and service delivery model for the Shoalhaven, Shoalhaven City Council’.

It is important that the Central District Library be given priority in future infrastructure planning for the following reasons:

Finally, a library should not be viewed as just a book repository but a community facility that serves  as a civic gathering place and a space that provides opportunities for sociability, education and  positive enriching experiences for all ages. The demographics of the Bay and Basin community supports this notion as the area has a higher than average  proportion of over 65 year olds that need increased adult services and programming and a lower proportion of households without an internet connection indicating a need for increased public access to internet terminals for research and learning.

A comprehensive Central District Library will cater for the needs of all of the Bay and Basin community and deliver the Strategic Plan objectives:

We look forward to receiving a schedule of the planning process including positive community consultation on this very worthy community service project.

Yours sincerely

 

Vincentia Residents and Ratepayers Association CCB

 

St Georges Basin Forum CCB

 

Huskisson Woollamia Community Voice CCB

 

Hyams Beach Villagers’ Association CCB

 

Dated:

 

Copy:   Councillors

             Member for the South Coast Shelly Hancock MLA

             Member for Gilmore Joanna Gash MP

 

 

Plantation Point Reserve

Shoalhaven City Council is currently revising the Draft Plan of Management for the Plantation Point Reserve, Vincentia, following submissions received during the public exhibition. The Plan of Management will seek to protect the Reserve's values and will provide a framework for ways that the Reserve can be best used, conserved, enhanced and managed for the community into the future.

A detailed list of suggestions has been submitted by the Association a copy of which is available from the Secretary.

Of immediate concern is the lack of secure barriers to prevent hoons ripping up the turf and illegal camping.

Council's lack of urgency in dealing with this matter is most regretted.

 

 

 

Footpaths/Cycleways

 

Our pressure for more footpaths in Vincentia has borne fruit and following with initially the creation of a path along Elizabeth Drive from Burton Street to Holden Street and now the extension from Holden Street to Minerva Avenue. Funds have now been received from the RTA to extend the path to the corner of Plantation Point Parade.

 

With Commonwealth money a small extension of the shared path along the foreshore towards Holden Street was completed in September 2009. Following further representation by the Association, additional funding was obtained from the Commonwealth and the next stage including a bridge over the creek is now complete to Holden Sreet. Some further work has been done to connect to Twyford Street. We believe further extensions along the cliff top to Plantation Point and then to Greenfields Beach would create a wonderful facility for residents and tourists.

 

 

Alcohol Free Zones for Vincentia

 

At its meeting on 22nd April 2008 following a close vote of 7 to 6, Council declared the following reserves to be alcohol free from 10 pm at night to 8 am in the next morning:

and at Huskisson the White Sands Park and Moona Moona Creek Reserve.

 

Lack of Police Resources

There is a view that there is a lack of police resources in the Bay and Basin area. However if we are to convince the authorities that we need more police and a 24/7 police station we must get evidence. So, if you witness any criminal or anti social behavior you should report such incidents to the Police by ringing 4441 5779..

 

 

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