An additional 2350 dwellings will be built in the Bega Valley as outlined in the NSW Government’s South East and Tablelands Regional Plan 2036.
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The plan was launched by Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance and Planning and Housing Minister Anthony Roberts at Eden Wharf on Friday, July 7.
The plan, which encompasses nine local government areas extending from Young across to Moss Vale and south to Eden, is a blueprint to guide planning and land use decisions in the region.
Mr Roberts said access to global gateways at the Port of Eden and Canberra Airport would provide greater exposure to national and international tourism and export markets.
“As the population is expected to grow by 45,450 people by 2036, mostly occurring in places within commuting distance of Sydney and Canberra, an additional 28,500 new homes will be needed,” he said.
“Providing land and infrastructure to meet this demand is central to the plan. New housing will be more diverse, better suited to the changing population and will be delivered in places that make the best use of existing infrastructure and protect the unique character and environment.”
Bega Valley Shire Council mayor Kristy McBain, who was also representing the Canberra Region Joint Organisation, said the economic potentials for the region were great.
“Developments are happening in this area thanks to our cashed-up state government friends,” she said.
“Those developments and this plan see this region reaching its full potential.”
The plan does not state where the 2350 dwellings would be built in the Bega Valley.
The mayor and ministers were also joined by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional administrator Tim Overall and the NSW DP&E chief planner Gary White.
The plan sets out the following priorities for the Bega Valley:
- Continue to expand local health and education facilities, with targeted attraction and recognition of research and innovation opportunities along with excellence in agritech and other sectors.
- Improve transport links between the port of Eden and the Monaro, ACT and hume rail and road corridor.
- Protect and enhance Bega Valley’s environmental values, underpinning the smart growth of towns and the tourism industry.
Economy and employment
- Leverage economic growth from infrastructure improvements at the Port of Eden through new and improved transport links.
- Promote and support the Shire as a base for innovation and entrepreneurs.
- Grow a unique, flexible and innovative agricultural industry, including a regional food brand.
Housing
- Ensure residential growth in the coastal zone does not impact Bega’s natural advantage.
- Consolidate rural residential growth in high demand catchments near existing developments and infrastructure.
- Implement long-term development plans for the Shire’s villages.
Eden Wharf upgrade
A keystone to the government’s plan is the $44 million upgrade to Eden Wharf, which the Department of Planning and Environment finally approved.
Mr Roberts thanked Mr Constance for “kicking his door in” over the wharf extension and safe harbour project.
“He hasn’t be painful, but he has been relentless,” Mr Roberts said.
It was announced that the Eden Port Development project would create 141 jobs, comprising 55 construction jobs and 86 permanent positions once completed.
Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council will also provide more than $500,000 for cultural awareness training and experience.
With the approval of the wharf and launch of the plan, Mr Constance said it had been an incredibly important week for Eden as the government continued to invest at an unprecedented level.
“For 16 years the the South East didn’t see a cent out of the State Government,” he said.
“We’re so cashed up we’re trying to get (money) out the door as soon as we can and drive that connectivity.”
Dredging of more than 230,000 cubic meters of sand from the bottom of Snug Cove will start next month to improve access to cruise ships as part of the Breakwater Wharf Extension project.
The upgrade is jointly funded by the State Government ($32 million), Commonwealth Government ($10 million) and BVSC ($2 million).
