UPDATED: Eurobodalla mayoral candidates deeply divided over high-rise development

Eurobodalla shire’s mayoral candidates have quite different views on how tall new developments in the shire should be. About Regional asked the eight candidates about their stance on the potential for a 70-metre-high development in Batemans Bay that has been bubbling along in the background for more than a year.

One is vehemently opposed whereas one is supportive of buildings of up to 15 storeys and another thinks it is necessary.

About Regional reported in February 2023 that Eurobodalla Shire Council bought the site of the former Batemans Bay bowling club in Vesper Street in 2016. It is adjacent to the Bay Pavilions Arts and Aquatic Centre and a gateway site to the town.

In 2021 the council engaged a real estate agent to seek expressions of interest on its behalf. Four parties made 10 offers.

The council approved the sale of the land and tasked general manager Warwick Winn to engage in talks with two different developers. However it can’t progress until Batemans Bays’ building height limits are reviewed.

Proposals for the site require heights ranging from 30 to 70 metres. The current local environment plan limit is 18 metres.

In the background the council is working on its Batemans Bay Living Place Masterplan. The $300,000 project runs from August 2022 to December 2024.

It is an important plan because it will “confirm a vision and guiding principles for future private and public development”. The plan will recommend “height, density, infrastructure and movement solutions”, describe how design excellence for higher-density development can be achieved, and provide housing options to address projected growth and demography.

Six of the eight mayoral candidates provided written statements on whether they support high-rise development and their reasoning.

Incumbent councillor Anthony Mayne said he opposed such development.

“With no community consultation, the council voted eight to one to begin negotiating with developers for the sale of the Bay Bowling Club site to a height of 70 metres, a 400 per cent increase above the present limit of 18 metres. A change to 70 metres for a single development sets a dangerous precedent,” Cr Mayne said.

“At the same time a Batemans Bay Masterplan is being devised behind closed doors. This has huge consequences for the character of our shire,” he said.

Labor’s candidate for mayor Sharon Winslade said she did not support high-rise property development in tight corridors adjacent to the Princes Highway in Batemans Bay such as the old bowling club site.

“I support a modest level of medium-density housing once masterplans for each town centre have been drafted, put to public consultation, and accepted by the community as the best way forward for each town centre,” Ms Winslade said.

Eurobodalla Greens’ candidate for mayor Colleen Turner said they supported medium-density living done well.

“To retain and enhance relaxed coastal living means new residential developments should be no higher than five storeys, be constructed in accordance with ecologically sustainable development principles and be climate-ready. New developments should include green spaces and tree cover,” she said.

“Eurobodalla Greens will prioritise affordable housing and addressing homelessness through urban infill that utilises existing infrastructure and services to revitalise our coastal towns.”

Claire McAsh said she supported high-rise development in the shire, with a focus on sustainable growth.

“I believe that allowing buildings up to 10 to 15 storeys can help accommodate population growth, provide more affordable housing options, and invigorate local businesses,” Ms McAsh said. “However, it must be done thoughtfully, ensuring that these developments enhance our community’s character and respect the environment.”

Incumbent mayor Mat Hatcher said he believed height was necessary in Batemans Bay and had been pushing for infill in the last term of council.

“The Bay masterplan has been worked through with the business chamber, architects, landowners and the business community,” Mayor Hatcher said. “It will go on exhibition with the community for an extensive period this year.

“It is essential to provide affordable housing and key worker housing in the CBD to support small business and give our ageing residents an option to downsize near essential services,” he said.

About Regional’s February 2023 article sparked considerable comment among readers. Some said it would set a precedent and some said a 70-metre development would turn Batemans Bay into the Gold Coast.

Ms McAsh said high-rise residential and commercial buildings in the Gold Coast ranged from 30 to 60 storeys. “At the very most 20 storeys at the Bay does not suddenly make us the Gold Coast.”

Incumbent councillor Rob Pollock did not provide a statement on where he stands on the issue of high-rise development, nor did Mick Johnson.

UPDATE: Phil Constable said raising the building height envelopes to between 30 and 70 metres in Batemans Bay on suitable sites could influence the economic and social dimensions of our regional centre positively and negatively.

”It’s crucial to weigh the potential advantages against the challenges of increased density development to ensure it aligns with the local context, needs, and community preferences,” Mr Constable said. “The current council has initiated a comprehensive and consultative planning process, engaging relevant stakeholders and experts, to accomplish this aim and foster a more prosperous, sustainable, and liveable Batemans Bay.”