Kiama Municipal Council will undertake a full refurbishment of the Werri Beach Holiday Park.
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The decision was made in a confidential session of the June 26 council meeting.
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The design features outlined in the Draft Master Plan will be implemented across both the northern and southern precinct of the park and includes the removal of approximately 120 holiday vans.
The plan identifies the design of the pool and accommodation precinct at the park entrance is “a key element in the development and success of the park as a high quality tourist park”.
The report went on to suggest “the surrounding cabin accommodation will overlook the precinct and will be the premium accommodation offered within the park”.
The plan provides for the refurbishment of all 17 existing cabins, the installation of six new cabins, and six new safari tents.
The northern precinct will get a new main entrance, landscaping overhaul, reconfigured internal road network, new short-term sites connected to water, sewer and power, new waterplay area and upgraded pool area, renovated existing cabins, five new cabins, eight new ensuite sites, six new safari tents around the large fig tree, upgraded camp kitchen with outdoor performance space, new children’s playground and relocated jumping pillow adjacent to the camp kitchen.
While the southern precinct will get one additional three-bedroom tourist cabin, the seven existing cabins will be renovated and improved landscaping.
Holiday van owners at Werri Beach Holiday Park believe they have been left in the dark over the proposed redevelopment ever since it was mooted.
Graeme Smith purchased his van in 2015.
“There are a number of families who purchased their vans just prior to 2015. Before we purchased, we asked the park management if there was any planned development and were told “not in our lifetime”,” Mr Smith said.
“They might not have been privy to it, however when we purchased the van the plans were on the council website unbeknown to us, within four months of our purchase, we received a letter to inform us of the development and the subsequent ban on selling or improving any of the vans”
Mr Smith said he had spent $27,000 to purchase his van.
“Other van owners have spent similar amounts, near us people were given approval to pour a concrete slab only weeks before a letter arrived to say we couldn’t improve the vans,” he said.
“People are affected differently, some people have been there a long time and others have purchased their vans in recent years and done their money.
“People have purchased vans for a considerable amount of money, vans on the southern end have been selling for up to $50,000, now they’re included for removal in future development of the park.
“People who purchased vans in the so called “safe zones” based on the original plan are now in the same situation as us.”
Councillor Neil Reilly said he would continue to listen to the concerns of van owners.
“I’m concerned for the van owners, and I will do everything to make sure they get a fair deal,” he said.
Kiama Council has scheduled a community meeting at Gerringong Town Hall on Sunday, July 8 to discuss the proposal.