Plan for new homes and parklands on display

More than 500 hectares of land could be added to Jervis Bay National Park and hundreds of new homes delivered for the Shoalhaven, under plans on exhibition from today.

The Department’s Executive Director of Local and Regional Planning Malcolm McDonald, said the Government is seeking feedback on a proposal to change planning rules in Callala Bay, Wollumboola and Kinghorne.

“This plan paves the way for up to 380 new homes close to existing services and shops with more open space,” Mr McDonald said.

“If approved, it would also see 517 hectares of land included in Jervis Bay National Park to protect more of the Lake Woollumboola catchment.

“The dedication of that land honours the wishes of the late Warren Halloran, a landowner and philanthropist.”

The Department of Planning and Environment will run the exhibition after it took carriage of the proposal late last year to speed up its determination, due to its potential to deliver new homes and boost environmental protection.

Mr McDonald said this is part of the Government’s efforts to clear the backlog of long-standing proposals that have sat in the system for too long.

“While Shoalhaven City Council had done a lot of work leading several studies since 2018, it has taken longer than the 24-month benchmark to finalise,” he said.

“It’s a win-win for the community – potentially accelerating much-needed housing while protecting our pristine natural environment.”

After the exhibition closes, the Department will review all submissions and make an informed decision later this year, around six months earlier than expected.

To view the proposal and to have your say by 17 June 2022 visit the Callala Bay and Kinghorne Point Halloran Trust Lands Rezoning web page.