Seeking East Coast harmony
The aim of Cambria is to fit in with and benefit the community, says Ronald Hu
The Cambria Estate is a very large parcel of land — almost 3100ha. It was purchased some years ago and the farm is currently being managed locally. Because the area of land is large, a masterplan vision has been developed for the entire site.
We believe Cambria Estate could become a tourism and event icon for the East Coast, for Tasmanians and for visitors from interstate and overseas.
The masterplan takes into account detailed expert research into Cambria’s heritage values, including Aboriginal and European built and landscape heritage, its natural values, including ecology, coastal vulnerability, agricultural capabilities and landscape values.
Cambria Green’s vision is based on the fact that despite booming tourism numbers across Tasmania, the East Coast and Swansea in particular could do with sustainable, sensible development to attract more visitors to stay and contribute to the regional economy.
The Federal Government has identified the East Coast of Tasmania as a target tourism destination, with strategies focused on growing demand for distinctive and authentic experiences.
Cambria Estate offers the opportunity to capture increased tourism numbers on the East Coast with a destination that embodies local quality agriculture, natural and heritage values, and lessens the area’s reliance on day trips from Hobart.
Cambria Green is seeking the planning scheme amendment under the state’s Resource Management and Planning system, with an extended public notification period to allow submissions in accordance with the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993. The process does not discriminate on the basis of land ownership.
Cambria Green’s Specific Area Plan’s purpose includes: PROVIDE for use and development of the site that uses the agricultural, natural and historic heritage assets as the basis for regionally significant economic tourism development. IDENTIFY precincts that recognise the land characteristics, and manage use and development that is appropriate to the features of the landscape. REINSTATE and protect the importance of the Cambria Homestead as a historic focal point for the community and visitors. PROTECT the most productive agricultural land and ensure that adjoining land use conflicts are minimised or integrated with agricultural activities.
The Planning Scheme amendments, therefore, propose a Specific Area Plan (SAP) to provide a set of detailed provisions, within the Planning Scheme, to control and guide future development.
The potential building footprint the SAP precincts would establish is envisaged to be less than 0.2 per cent of the whole property.
While the amendment does not propose to rezone most of Cambria, it does propose rezoning of two titles to Environmental Management to reinforce existing protection of high-value conservation areas. The SAP also results in increased protection for the nesting sites of white-bellied sea eagles.
To date, we have proposed no specific development. Any development proposals will go through a regular Development Application process in accordance with the Planning Scheme, once the outcome of the amendment process is known and, subsequently, detailed designs are done. We are seeking no special processes or legislation. All use and development
ThThe masterplan t l takes into account heritage values, including Aboriginal and European built and landscape heritage, natural values, including ecology, coastal vulnerability, agricultural capabilities
would be subject to approvals in relation to Aboriginal Heritage and Historic Cultural Heritage legislation.
Our first stage will include: RESTORATION of the historic Cambria Homestead and its English-style gardens as the centrepiece to wedding and conference events. ACCOMMODATION of about 120 rooms in units and villas. CONTINUATION of agricultural activities in identified areas. LINKS-STYLE 18 and 9-hole golf courses. REHABILITATION and revegetation of land areas of limited agricultural potential.
Following community engagements and discussions, including the Cambria Open Day, a number of aspects have been clarified and some changes and further controls suggested to council for inclusions in the SAP.
The amendment and any changes will be subject to review by the Tasmanian Planning Commission when it reaches that stage.
Some of the outcomes from communication with the local
community are as follows.
We have committed not to compete with the local township with respect to commercial activities, but rather to provide employment that would support a more permanent population, and potentially improved services.
Construction and future staffing at Cambria will be reliant on staff being located in Swansea and surrounds to assist improved employment prospects and greater spending in the township.
Availability of water is going through investigation separate to the Land Use Planning process. We have found there is a high level of water security for anticipated activities on the Cambria land.
Any use or development of the airstrip would be subject to a discretionary application at the time of making a development application. The application would need to demonstrate it did not result in unreasonable impact on adjoining residential areas.
Any development would be more than 50m from boundaries of properties that have been used for residences.
Our desire is to work with the community over the next decade and beyond to enhance the values of the place and the local community and improve the visitor capacity through sustainable development of Cambria Green.