Developers have scrapped plans for a 192-bed hotel development at Coronet Bay. Illustration: Bruce Henderson Architects By Angela Christa
THE BIG bright news is that the developers of the enormous hotel complex on Norsemens Road, Coronet Bay, have withdrawn their planning application.
What a wonderful way to see out the last few days of winter in the gloomy pandemic lockdown and finally have something to brighten up the future as we move towards a safer warmer spring.
We have no details on why they have withdrawn but can only speculate that global circumstances plus the weight of local objection were enough to make them decide not to proceed.
THE BIG bright news is that the developers of the enormous hotel complex on Norsemens Road, Coronet Bay, have withdrawn their planning application.
What a wonderful way to see out the last few days of winter in the gloomy pandemic lockdown and finally have something to brighten up the future as we move towards a safer warmer spring.
We have no details on why they have withdrawn but can only speculate that global circumstances plus the weight of local objection were enough to make them decide not to proceed.
It's been over a year since the planning application was first advertised. A year of anxious uncertainty and many sleepless nights. A year of fretting about what a development of this size would mean and how to mobilise our community into action.
Nearly 400 people submitted objections which reinforced how clearly the majority of the local community felt towards this monstrosity.
Nearly 400 people submitted objections which reinforced how clearly the majority of the local community felt towards this monstrosity.
So for now we can get back to leading the quiet life we enjoyed before news of the proposed development rocked us all. Strolling the streets, chatting to neighbours without the roar of tour buses. Kids can keep kicking a footy and riding their bikes around without the worry of increased traffic.
Birds can continue to feed and breed untroubled by the sounds of more bulldozers. They can wade in the shallows without the threat of toxic runoff or sediment polluting the shoreline. The wombats and echidnas can keep snuffling in the undergrowth without having to dodge hordes of international tourists trampling the sensitive coastal vegetation.
The original custodians of these lands can rest undisturbed by earthworks ripping up the last of their heritage and destroying the guardian spirts that watch over it.
We can heave a collective sigh of relief and hope that any future plans are in keeping with the actual planning scheme. And that they adhere to the intention of the Rural Activity Zone.
Distinctive Areas and Landscapes regulations may also be in place to help maintain the few pockets of remnant vegetation and habitat we have left. DAL will also help reinforce and ensure that we retain the charm and character of our local Waterline communities – with our toes in the bay but encircled by farmland and the Bass hills hugging our backs – for generations to come.
So let's look forward to the weather warming up and COVID subsiding. Then we can return to frolicking on the beach, splashing around with dogs and children and even visitors! Let's look forward to celebrating together the very wonderful environment we get to call home.
Angela Christa is a member of Our Line In The Sand community group, which was formed to oppose the hotel development.
The great divide, November 11, 2019
Birds can continue to feed and breed untroubled by the sounds of more bulldozers. They can wade in the shallows without the threat of toxic runoff or sediment polluting the shoreline. The wombats and echidnas can keep snuffling in the undergrowth without having to dodge hordes of international tourists trampling the sensitive coastal vegetation.
The original custodians of these lands can rest undisturbed by earthworks ripping up the last of their heritage and destroying the guardian spirts that watch over it.
We can heave a collective sigh of relief and hope that any future plans are in keeping with the actual planning scheme. And that they adhere to the intention of the Rural Activity Zone.
Distinctive Areas and Landscapes regulations may also be in place to help maintain the few pockets of remnant vegetation and habitat we have left. DAL will also help reinforce and ensure that we retain the charm and character of our local Waterline communities – with our toes in the bay but encircled by farmland and the Bass hills hugging our backs – for generations to come.
So let's look forward to the weather warming up and COVID subsiding. Then we can return to frolicking on the beach, splashing around with dogs and children and even visitors! Let's look forward to celebrating together the very wonderful environment we get to call home.
Angela Christa is a member of Our Line In The Sand community group, which was formed to oppose the hotel development.
The great divide, November 11, 2019
Peace descends on Coronet Bay. Photo: Angela Christa