On Saturday, August 3, the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc. (JVRRA) organised a public meeting at the Jamberoo Youth Hall. The event aimed to inform residents about the Council’s Draft Growth and Housing Strategy and its potential impact on the community.

The meeting, attended by approximately 50 people, primarily focused on a submission by the developers, Fountaindale Group for Golden Valley Stage 2 (GV2). An early concept plan for GV2 was submitted to the Council as an Expression of Interest and has been included in the Draft Housing Strategy document published by Council. This meeting provided residents with a unique opportunity to engage directly with the developers and address their concerns.

JVRRA President Stuart Richards emphasised the importance of respectful conduct during the meeting, which was observed by all attendees. He provided background information on the Council document, noting that submissions are due by August 16.

Secretary Ros Neilson then delivered a 20-minute presentation highlighting the elements of the Housing Strategy that affect Jamberoo residents. She stressed the community’s desire to control growth in a way that suits the village. Neilson mentioned that the State Government is pressuring the Local Government Area (LGA) to release land for 900 new homes by 2029, equating to 180 new homes per year over the next five years, and pointed out that this target is double the projected growth rate over the next five years.

Neilson said that compared to NSW state averages, the LGA has an older population (median age 50, with 27% over 65), higher affluence, more households without children, less cultural diversity, and a significant portion of the workforce employed outside the LGA. The need for more diverse housing to cater to both older and younger demographics was acknowledged by all.

A key emphasis was that growth should respect and enhance the natural environment and be accompanied by improved infrastructure. The JVRRA highlighted the shortage of long-term rental accommodation, which impacts the socioeconomic diversity of the area.

They also stressed the importance of protecting agricultural land and biodiversity, limiting population growth outside the town centres, and ensuring infrastructure delivery aligns with housing targets. There was frustration over ongoing negotiations with Sydney Water regarding future upgrades and servicing.

Roads, particularly the restricted Jamberoo Mountain Road, continue to be a concern as it constrains growth.

The developers are expected to enhance existing public land through both infill and greenfield projects, meeting the needs of the growing population. Mentioned was the current need for a dog park, a kids' bike space, and more public land not designated for housing. Fountaindale Group’s Stage 2 concept includes walking tracks, enhanced green spaces, and community gardens.

Ros Neilson concluded by encouraging residents to submit their thoughts to the Council using a SWOT analysis and should consider whether the strategy protects valued aspects of the community, missed opportunities, and potential threats.

Fountaindale Group’s proposal

Lawson Fredericks, his sister Jennifer Macquarie, and their father Neville Fredericks, who comprise the Fountaindale Group, presented their Stage 2 concept. Having a long history with Jamberoo, the Fredericks family has strong ties to the area, with Neville having served as mayor of Kiama for 12 years.

Their first project, Golden Valley Road development (GV1), a 50-lot subdivision, has been accepted by the Council.

In response to the Council’s call for Expressions of Interest for the Housing Strategy, Fountaindale Group’s Stage 2 concept offers a variety of smaller blocks (350-600m²) to meet the need for diverse housing options. The proposal includes:

·        44 terrace lots with rear lane garage access for downsizers, singles, investors/rentals, and first-time home buyers.

·        34 standard lots.

·        20 'resilience' lots of 2000m² each, designed to be off-grid with individual effluent treatment, PV electricity generation, and an 8-star passive energy rating.

Lawson Fredericks addressed the technical aspects, focusing on sewerage needs, with the developers covering 90% of the cost. The development would add 78 dwellings to the sewer system, leaving 82 new connections for the existing township.

The proposed development, visually contained within a small valley, would logically define the town’s eastern boundary. Drainage would flow into Colyers Creek, with a new system to manage runoff.

Jennifer Macquarie emphasised the economic boost GV2 would provide, with approximately 350 new residents contributing an estimated $4 million annually to the local economy, supporting retail and service viability.

A pre-school and early childhood education site is proposed within GV2, on a 1,500m² parcel valued at $1.2 million, to be donated to a local community trust. This site would allow for future grant applications to construct a new preschool. The current preschool has flooding issues.

Local residents expressed the need for additional access roads around GV2 to reduce traffic on Golden Valley Road and improve access to the proposed preschool. The developers have included provisions for various access points.

The proposal also includes a community garden near the preschool, with potential management by a local gardener’s club or the community trust. Colyers Creek would receive additional plantings, and a public footpath would be constructed along its length.

A Voluntary Planning Agreement would ensure these commitments are delivered as part of the land rezoning process.

To conclude the presentation, Neville Fredericks mentioned a commissioned report on social and public infrastructure by an expert in traditional main street retail, which would be made public once received.

Some concerns were raised about the timeline for the new preschool, but the preschool director, Belinda, assured that the long-term plan allows ample time for funding applications, and approvals and planning to take place. Some local residents expressed their excitement about the preschool plans.

The JVRRA is doing an excellent job representing its membership, quickly organising this public meeting to provide ample time for responses to the Council. It is hoped that the other development sites under consideration will receive as much input from active community groups.