HUGE numbers of supporters have gathered to enter submissions against a Cobbon Crescent development DA in Jindabyne, and an online petition has reached more than 370 signatures following a Facebook plea from residents.

An outstanding number of submissions in objection to the 35 dwelling development marketed as ‘Jindabyne Lakeside’ has Snowy Monaro Regional Council having to hold off on bringing the matter to Councillors until all submissions have been considered.

Two Cobbon Crescent residents shared their objections on many aspects of the DA with the Monaro Media Group, voicing how the removal of hundreds of pine trees and the overall development will impact them if the DA is approved.

One of the residents said they had grown up in the family home located on Cobbon Crescent where the pine trees have provided the family and Jindabyne community with hours of fun and peace, one of the main reasons they have chosen to live in this location for generations.

“Every day for the past 50 years this open space has been enjoyed by many locals and visitors to the area to breathe in the beauty of this magnificent pine forest,” the resident said.

“These iconic pines are one of the first views a tourist sees when entering this snowy mountain gateway to the ski fields.

“In Winter these pines create that ‘Alpine’ feel, associated with skiing in the high country, nothing is more beautiful than seeing the snow topped pines.”

Amongst the vast clearing of the iconic pine trees, Cobbon Crescent residents have concerns on the already congested streets and traffic impact a 35 dwelling development may have on the residents.

“The effects of this extra traffic flow would have a dire impact on immediate neighbours who will be impacted by a constant flow of traffic both day and night, the noise and associated light and air pollution, as well as pedestrian safety issues,” the resident said.

“What makes this street so appealing is the quietness and safety of its surrounds, the public amenity will be severely impacted.”

The resident states in the objection submission to Council that the potential impact the development will have on the stability of their home, considering earth works would take place only meters from their back fence, could be severe.

“The potential these works will have on destabilising the 26-degree slope in my backyard and subsequently the actual stability of my home is something I am not willing to take a risk on,” the resident said.

“The geotechnical report refers to the site as being a problem site due to the site slope and abnormal moisture content because of the trees.

“I have researched the impact trees have on soil and they actually remove water and does not contribute to it, so for this statement to be made I feel this is an admission that there is already an abnormal moisture content at this site, obviously a significant and important issue to adjoining land holders.”

Another Cobbon Crescent resident mirrors these complaints and said the pine trees have a strong symbolic historical significance and heritage value that must be respected, protected, and preserved.

“As such it is submitted that it must remain and be maintained as one of the few living symbols that pays homage to and reminds us of the history of Jindabyne, and to the Snowy Hydro Scheme including the construction of the dam that created Lake Jindabyne,” the resident said.

“The Pines connect and keep alive our shared memories of the original township of Jindabyne, with its own established pine trees, to the story of the relocated town Jindabyne.

“That symbolic thread holds great significance for both those who lived in the old town and their children and grandchildren who have been raised in (relocated) Jindabyne.”

A petition was created to gauge the community support, both local and otherwise, for the retention of the Pines and has since received significant community pride in the beauty and serenity of the Pine.

The passionate connection to the area by both local and nonlocal alike is evidenced in the signatories to the petition.

The resident outlines how the development will impact their family from the loss of amenity, loss of privacy, noise pollution, emissions, density of development, traffic and infrastructure impact and more.

“I hold grave concerns for the structural integrity of our home, noting that extensive excavation is proposed requiring explosives and drilling deep into the ground directly adjacent to our property,” the resident said.

“Further, the proposed excavation requires the construction of a large retaining wall directly behind our property.

“To retain that large volume of earth, the DA recommends structural anchoring into our land - which is not something we are prepared to consent to.

“The considerable and complex of earthworks proposed, comes with a much higher risk and elevates the engineering accuracy to a much higher standard and if not carried out with the required level of expertise and professionalism, our home will develop structural defects.”

Both residents said if all stages of this development is permitted, they ask Council to provide written assurances that it is 100 percent satisfied that their property will not be structurally damaged.

Council has confirmed that there is no allocated time frame for the DA to go to Council yet, as it is a complicated DA with a lot of submissions to work through and no decision as yet when it would be determined.

The Monaro Media Group attempted to contact the development applicants with no success in receiving a response before print deadline.