Extending the tourism precinct at Diamond Beach
Published on 21 November 2017
MidCoast Council is proposing to rezone land at 391 Diamond Beach Road to contribute to the tourism precinct, protect important coastal vegetation and extend the public access path along the beach frontage of the site.
Covering an area of 4.35 hectares, Council proposes to rezone the current site of Diamond Beach Holiday Villas to tourist and environmental zones. Located between Diamond Beach Road and Seashells Beachfront Resort, the site is part of a recognised tourist precinct north of Diamond Beach village. Locals and interested community members are encouraged to talk with key staff at a site visit on 28 November, review the planning proposal and a draft planning agreement and provide feedback before the exhibition period closes on 22 December.
“The planning proposal aims to reflect the existing use of the site and protect important coastal vegetation. The land currently has holiday villas on-site and approval for a future caravan park with 90 short term site, 15 camp sites, recreational facilities and amenities” says MidCoast Council's Strategic Planning Manager, Roger Busby.
Changes to planning rules in 2010 mean that tourist development is prohibited in the current rural zone. This proposal to change the zone acknowledges its current tourist use and protects important vegetation, while making it possible for Diamond Beach Holiday Villas to upgrade and extend in the future.
A draft planning agreement has also been prepared for the site. Roger Busby explains “it is a legal agreement between Council and the landowner which aims to achieve two initiatives - firstly, to provide a public access path along the beach frontage of the site and secondly, to restore and manage important coastal vegetation in the western part of the site.”
"We are now seeking community feedback, and over the coming weeks we’re inviting those who live locally to review the proposal, ask questions, and provide comments or support by completing a submission” says Roger.
Key members of Council’s planning team will be on hand to discuss the proposal and answer questions when they visit Diamond Beach on Tuesday 28 November. “Those wanting a more in-depth understanding of what the rezoning entails and how it may impact the Diamond Beach area are encouraged to drop in at the entrance to the Diamond Beach Holiday Villas site anytime between 4pm and 6pm” adds Roger.
You can review the planning proposal and draft planning agreement on Council's website 'Have your Say' page and provide feedback via online submission before the exhibition period closes on 22 December.