Red Rock
COFFS HARBOUR CITY COUNCIL - GUMBAYNGGIRR COUNTRY
DEVELOPMENT PROFILE
Red Rock is a tiny hamlet north of Coffs Harbour, surrounded by large areas of bushland and bordered by Solitary Marine Park to the east and 60 km of Yuraygir National Park to the north. Residents have maintained low levels of development, opposing the installation of town water and sewerage, and aim to be a sustainable community.
The proposed site, 400m from the village, was once a wetland but has been drained. For three decades the landowner has sought and been refused consent for large-scale tourist developments, including a golf course and marina. They have now proposed a development (1166/21DA) for a “primitive camping” ground, which they have amended and reduced several times in order to secure a consent.
WHERE IS IT UP TO?
The DA was approved by Coffs Harbour City Council despite not meeting the requirements of the zoning. The supporting councillors based their vote on a verbal agreement by the property owners that they would meet the conditions for the development that council previously set. Council is currently working towards establishing guidelines for “primitive camping” within the LGA, but these have not yet been approved.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
- Plans for the development include retaining walls, fountains, bridges and drainage that would significantly impact on local vegetation.
- The proposed campgrounds will be unsupervised, posing threats to the local ecology through the introduction of open fires and domestic pets.
- Fire: The site has high bushfire vulnerability, with only one access road and close proximity to fire-prone vegetation in Yuraygir National Park.
WHO’S FIGHTING IT?
- Red Rock Preservation Society