In a decision that has sparked debate among residents, Snowy Monaro Regional Council has approved a proposal for a staged eco-tourist facility at 92 Chongs Road in Jindabyne at its meeting last week.

The development, which includes six cabins, an on-site manager’s residence, and additional structures, garnered six formal objections from neighbouring properties, yet was ultimately endorsed by a majority of councillors.

The proposal, aimed at creating an eco-friendly tourist destination, consists of three phases. The first stage will feature a manager’s residence, laundry, and two cabins, while the following stages will add more cabins and workshops. However, the project has raised concerns from neighbours regarding its impact on the local environment, traffic, and the proximity of the structures to neighbouring homes.

Kane White, a neighbouring property owner spoke in the public forum against the DA.

“Cabin number one is directly looking into our home at approximately 170 to 190 metres away. There’s a lack of consideration for the surrounding neighbours in this development as it places the houses close to boundaries on prominent ridge lines,” Mr White said.

“There are many locations readily available on 100 plus acres of land that could be utilised to take into consideration noise, light pollution, and visible impact to the landscape from the proposed tourism development.”

Mr White said he’s concerned also with the Chongs Road traffic, saying this development could bring up to 60 to 70 additional car movements per day.

Environmental concerns were echoed by Jenny Moon, a neighbouring resident, who expressed apprehension about the potential contamination of Sugar Loaf Creek, a critical water source for both drinking and agricultural purposes that backs onto the property boundary.

“The numerous laundry facilities proposed, alongside the risk of contamination from increased traffic and earthworks, could jeopardise our water quality,” Ms Moon said.

She called for more thorough assessments regarding the impact of the development on local waterways and infrastructure.

While the objections were significant, according to the DA application process the developers did meet all the requirements for approval.

Councillor John Rooney argued that the proposal meets regulatory requirements and will enhance the local economy through increased tourism.

“This development is attractively set out in a rural location and should be viewed as an opportunity to boost our local economy while maintaining ecological standards,” he said.

In reviewing the proposal, council staff indicated that the facility would generally comply with existing environmental regulations and planning frameworks.

They noted the landowner’s previous efforts in flora regeneration, fauna investigation, and weed eradication, indicating a commitment to environmental stewardship.

This assurance did little to quell the concerns raised by residents about the potential for increased traffic and its consequences on local wildlife and natural resources.

The motion to approve the development ultimately passed though Councillors Higgins, Elliott, Rose, and Williamson voted against, voicing concerns over its size and environmental implications.

Meanwhile, a majority of the council members, including Cr Hopkins, Hanna, Rooney, Davis, Summers, and Stewart, supported the development, stating its economic benefits.

With the council’s approval secured, the future of the eco-tourist facility now hinges on the execution of environmental safeguards and the ongoing concerns of local residents.

As development moves forward, the balance between promoting tourism and protecting the region’s natural resources remains a pressing issue.