Eurobdoalla's Unsold And Empty Properties Shows Need To Stop New Urban Sprawl And Over-Developments

Tuesday, 07 September 2004 10:00

Following a recent visit to the Eurobodalla Shire, TEC's coastal campaigner Fran Kelly said she was astounded at the level of empty properties, which were either uninhabited investment or holiday homes or which were failing to sell.

"It appears the demand for coastal properties that was occurring only a year ago has started to turn in on itself. The supply of buyers that can afford the prices now asked seems to be drying up. So why would the local Council and State Government allow thousands of new carbon copy estates to go ahead under such circumstances," said Ms Kelly.

"A surge in demand from those leaving the cities for the coast or investing with a view to moving there in the future resulted in a spiralling of property prices and numerous applications from speculators for rural property rezoning, and for existing residential zoned land to be developed over the past few years. It all happened at once and now it appears that there is an oversupply. There are only so many people that can afford to spend so much on coastal property this far away from the cities," said Ms Kelly .

"The Long Beach Estate is an example of the kind of development that has gone on in recent years that ignores the natural environment and is counter to good planning practices. The destruction of old growth forest, around wetlands, creeks and by the ocean and Reserves that occurred as the land was cleared for this estate is sadder still when you see how many huge mansions and cleared lots remain unsold or empty. It is a lesson in what not to allow for all those responsible for making planning and development decisions on the coast" said Ms Kelly. 

"Now is the greatest opportunity to ensure good, strong, detailed environmental planning occurs on a regional to a local level that looks at what areas are okay to be developed in the future, what areas should be left well alone and that places the natural environment, limited water supplies, adequate infrastructure and residential amenity well ahead of developers' demands."

"This should rule out endless urban sprawl joining one village to the next, development right around fragile lakes, wetlands and creeks or rivers, foreshore development and the type of subdivisions that destroy every bit of natural vegetation. It should make planners consider what resources are available and the limits to those resources. There is a chance for what is so beautiful and attractive about the coast to be retained rather than allowing for the lot to be replaced by concrete. Now is a great opportunity for such planning to occur," said Ms Kelly.
 

For further information

Contact
:
Fran Kelly
Phone
:
61 2 9299 5599
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WWW
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http://www.tec.org.au/