PLACEnews June 2010 Issue 7
Shellharbour looks forward to multi-million-dollar development boost
The NSW Department of Planning is now assessing submissions on a concept plan for land around a major boatharbour as part of the $1.3 billion Shell Cove residential/tourism project, south of Sydney.
The concept plan was lodged with the Department earlier this year, and provides a framework for development and land uses around the harbour.
Meanwhile Shellharbour City Council, which is developing the Shell Cove project jointly with its Project Manager, Australand, recently provided an update presentation to members of Regional Development Australia - Illawarra region.
The presentation highlighted the significance of Shell Cove to the Illawarra, including large-scale job creation and a major boost to the regional tourist industry.
Shell Cove already houses 3,000 residents and includes a championship-standard golf course and clubhouse, community parks and wetlands, and facilities including a public school and community centre.
When constructed, the boatharbour will cover an area of approximately 100 hectares and form a nucleus for a vibrant town centre featuring housing, retail stores, cafes and a hotel, along with a business park precinct and public open space.
"We're looking forward to completion of the assessment of the concept plan as the next step in progressing the boatharbour precinct, and all the benefits that would bring to our region," said Shellharbour City Council's General Manager, Brian Weir.
"All necessary approvals are already in place for the harbour itself. As a 'major project' under NSW government legislation, development around the boatharbour must be approved by the Minister for Planning."
Mr Weir said Council remained committed to getting the boatharbour component of Shell Cove constructed as soon as possible.
"We continue to be encouraged by the local support for this vital piece of infrastructure," he said. "Job creation has always been a key driver of Shell Cove, and there's recognition that it forms an important part of economic development strategy for the Illawarra region."
The boatharbour precinct development alone has been valued at $463 million. An economic impact assessment by MacroPlan Australia estimates the Shell Cove project will create more than 7000 jobs, including more than 2600 directly and more than 3000 indirectly. Construction of the boatharbour and its surrounding land will create more than 500 direct jobs and more than 700 indirect jobs, and the boatharbour and adjacent business park are expected to generate more than 1200 ongoing positions.
The thriving harbour precinct planned for Shell Cove
