Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher says he's thrilled to see community interest focusing on Council's soon-to-be-released draft Batemans Bay Masterplan.
"Of course, media are running with '100-metre skyscraper' headlines, but there's so much more to this plan," says the Mayor.
Providing a vision of what Batemans Bay might look like in 2100, the draft Masterplan divides the town into four activity-based quarters – tourism, commercial, residential and industrial – investing in key sites at each to grow amenity and development.
"Not much has changed in the Bay during the 22 years I've lived here – it's at a standstill," says Mayor Hatcher.
"This plan is about growing opportunities for housing – in type and number – without expanding recklessly into the bush. It reinforces existing greenbelts, links services, and encourages employment sectors with jobs for young people. All in a functioning economy that extends beyond nine-to-five."
The Mayor says he understands the fuss around building heights but cautions people to remain realistic.
"More housing, done right, requires higher-density buildings. We can fill in or build up, depending on location. This plan suggests doing both at a handful of locations across the Bay."
The draft Masterplan proposes height limits at 20 metre increments, allowing buildings up to 80 metres at prescribed locations. Developers can gain additional height using five-metre height 'incentives' if their buildings include affordable housing, green space and/or design excellence. Mayor Hatcher says any changes to housing density require formal amendments to Eurobodalla's Local Environment Plan.
"Whether you love these ideas or not, we need to get this right," says the Mayor.
"For six weeks from Monday 14 April, we'll have a walk-in CBD shopfront – in the old 'Rivers' store, on the Beach Road roundabout – with copies of the draft Masterplan and staff to answer your questions. I hope anyone and everyone gets along for factual answers straight from the horse's mouth. The proposal will also be available on Council's website and in hardcopy at the libraries."
The draft Batemans Bay Masterplan will be on public exhibition for 42 days from Monday 14 April.
