A CONCEPT plan for the redevelopment of the Heritage Park site has received heavy criticism from nearby residents during Bathurst Regional Council’s policy committee meeting.
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The 172 hectare site at 624 Limekilns Road was renamed Heritage Park Bathurst Cultural Precinct (HPBCP) earlier this year and it is now managed by the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation.
The concept plans lodged with council are for a mixed use development which would include: an education establishment, information and educational facility, tourist and visitor accommodation, recreational facility (outdoor) and caravan park.
- VIDEO: Bird’s-eye view of the Heritage Park Bathurst Cultural Precinct
Eleven people addressed councillors during Wednesday’s meeting with objections including: visual, noise, light, dust and sewerage pollution; along with increased traffic, water usage and rubbish.
Many were also concerned the development would devalue surrounding properties, and that Limekilns Road was not of adequate standard for an increase in traffic.
Among the objectors was Max Culham who said that the caravan park would diminish rural views.
Cattle farmer Rosemary Carroll told councillors that the development was “virtually a new suburb or mini city of Bathurst”.
Increased traffic, water usage and rubbish were among her concerns, as was the possibility that the site’s caravan park could turn into a “low cost housing” option for some people.
“The golf course [included in the concept plan] would require a significant amount of water,” Ms Carroll said.
“There’s already rubbish being dumped, buried and burnt at the rear of the property.”
This is virtually a new suburb or mini city of Bathurst.
- Cattle farmer Rosemary Carroll
Limekilns Road resident Stephanie Williams said there was a lack of specific detail in the concept plans.
Yarras Lane resident David Pratley had biosecurity and animal welfare concerns for surrounding primary producers due to dogs that could be brought onto the site by tourists in the villas and caravan park.
In support of the development was Professor David McKinnon who spoke on behalf of the Wiradjuri people and said the education lessons that would be available through the HPBCP would meet Australian school curriculum standards.
“The environment we’ll have will be a major drawcard not only for teachers, schools and students, but also tourists that pass through the region,” he said.