Mixed use development with in-fill affordable housing, St Georges Basin

My submission is attached.

I object to the proposal in its present form and will attach my submission

I support the proposed mixed use development comprising residential flat building, attached dwellings, boarding house, commercial development, recreation area and subdivision.

I believe this will improve housing availability in the region.

The position re this project developed by our organization is represented in the Introduction of the submission and indicates that
BVF has concluded that the SCCH Project in its current form identified in the Environmental Impact Statement [EIS] cannot satisfy the demand for reasonable standards of urban village development compatible with acceptable urban village development, the character and appropriate future of St Georges Basin.

Whilst I am supportive of affordable housing for people to purchase and/or rent, I do have some concerns, questions and objections.
1. I think a boarding house is unrealistic in this area. The boarders would be isolated from any services or employment and the public transport available is inadequate if they have to travel for work or services.
2. We have a shortage of G.P's at the moment, with at least 3 weeks wait in some cases, without increasing the population significantly. This area has a high percentage of elderly/retired residents, so the doctors here are regularly booked out.
3. I am concerned that if the housing for purchase does not sell, will that housing then be allocated to Social Housing and therefore increasing the percentage of Social Housing in the development? It has been shown in the past that a large grouping of Social Housing leads to crime and an unpleasant environment for the area and surrounding suburbs.
4. With an ageing population in this area, people need to be able to access the shopping centre and medical centre carpark and I have concerns with the lack of proposed parking in the development planning. If the development residents have inadequate parking allocated, they or their visitors, will park in the IGA and Medical Centre carpark, therefore making it difficult for people to access the shops and Drs. I believe developments should allow a minimum of 2 allocated parking bays for each residence and adequate visitor parking.
5. I am opposed to the planning of a 3 storey unit block. I think 2 stories is more suitable, as there are double storey houses in the area, therefore keeping in line with the 'village atmosphere'.
6. Lastly, the area zoned for a 'park' is laughable and a token gesture. I doubt there will be enough room for play equipment or for children to play. If there is to be a park, please allocate more space and provide a decent area for families.

No thanks we don't need these types of homeless people, jail people, drugs and crime in our area, it's already bad enough and it brings more to the area that makes us feel unsafe to reside here

Due to the St George’s basin being an elderly community, a single pub which would be almost directly in front of the proposed project and the people who would live there within the housing project. I feel it would a monumental disaster in terms of crime, over crowding and make the general residents in the area have a great sense of safety concerns. St George’s basin is an amazing and quiet town with almost no crime due to the residents within it being respectful and responsible. This type of proposal is unanimous with bringing crime to the area that it is built within, sanctuary point is a great example of this as the crime is so bad there there had to be a police station built within in it just to mange the small town. Overall a absolutely terrible idea to even propose to a small town such as St George’s basin as there isn’t even public transport for these people who would live to travel to places of work that would typically be atleast a 30 minute drive to Nowra.

I object based on the following
- the project is not in line with current community expectations for the area
- the project will create additional traffic problems and extra burden on an already stretched medical and allied health System in the area
- there is a lack of services available in the area for people living in this style of accomodation
- there are already jobs problems we do not need more
- this style of housing next to a licensed pub is inappropriate
- medium density social and affordable housing isn’t ideal. Spread these out so socially the people don’t all clump together

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development on Crowea Road, St Georges Basin, which includes the construction of 73 dwellings (31 marked as affordable housing) and 17 boarding house rooms.

As a local resident, I am extremely concerned about the impact this type of high-density development will have on our community. St Georges Basin is a town that already experiences stretched resources, particularly during the busy holiday seasons. Our infrastructure and essential services, including roads, healthcare, and law enforcement, are already under pressure during these peak periods. Introducing a development of this scale will only worsen the strain.

Furthermore, this type of housing model particularly boarding houses has unfortunately shown a tendency to attract anti-social behaviour in other communities. In areas such as parts of Sydney’s western suburbs, Gosford, and parts of the Illawarra region, similar developments have led to noticeable rises in crime rates, public nuisance complaints, and reduced community cohesion. The Bay and Basin area currently does not have a full-time police station a critical gap that would leave our town ill-equipped to respond to any potential increase in incidents.

I am also deeply concerned for the safety and wellbeing of my children. They are fortunate to grow up in a safe and connected community where they can walk to work, school, or visit friends. I do not want this way of life jeopardised by a development that may increase local crime or compromise the peaceful character of our neighbourhood.

In addition to safety concerns, there is also the matter of property values. The proximity of high-density, transient-style housing is not seen as a positive selling point and could impact the desirability and value of nearby properties. Residents have worked hard to build a safe and stable environment, and it is simply not fair to risk that with a development that is out of character for the area.

There are many examples both regionally and nationally where similar housing initiatives have not yielded positive results for local communities. We must learn from those experiences and protect the unique lifestyle we enjoy here in St Georges Basin.

I respectfully urge the Council and planning authorities to reconsider this proposal in light of the significant concerns raised by myself and many others in the community.

Thank you for taking the time to read my objection.

I am concerned that the proposed affordable housing development will have a negative impact on the area. I own a property in Durnford Place (near Crowea Road) and believe this project could adversely affect both property values and community safety.

I am not alone in holding these concerns — many residents in the surrounding area share the same view. I am therefore reaching out to the state government to request that this development be halted.

From my own experience, I have seen the negative effects that similar developments have had in parts of Sydney, and I would be deeply disappointed to see St Georges Basin — a wonderful place for families — diminished by such impacts.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

There is a dearth of social and affordable housing within the Shoalhaven, especially in the Bay and Basin area. Having experienced homelessness at the age of 18, I know this all too well.

This development is a crucial measure to address housing affordability issues and prevent growing homelessness. According to data from the NSW government, current wait times for public housing within the area are in excess of 5 to 10 years.

If this development does not proceed in its current form I fear the negative impact and long term ramifications on the community.

Time and again developments primarily devoted to short stay tourist accommodation are approved within the area without an increase in long term residential housing supply. Developments catering to tourism have had a severely negative impact on housing affordability within the area, this proposed development is a step in the right direction toward addressing the issue of housing affordability.

Dear General Manager,

I am writing as a long-term resident and homeowner of St Georges Basin to formally object to the proposed mixed-use development that includes public housing in our area. While I understand the need for affordable housing and urban development, I believe this particular proposal raises serious concerns that warrant thorough reconsideration.

1. Traffic and Infrastructure Strain
St Georges Basin is already experiencing increased traffic volumes, particularly along major roads servicing the township. A development of this scale would significantly add to road congestion, particularly during peak hours. Our existing infrastructure — including roads, public transport access, and emergency services — is not equipped to handle such an increase in density.
2. Zoning Incompatibility
The proposal appears to conflict with the current low-density residential zoning and the established character of the neighbourhood. Introducing a high-density, mixed-use facility in a predominantly single-dwelling residential area would set a precedent that is inconsistent with community expectations and long-term urban planning strategies for this region.
3. Crime, Drug Use and Public Safety
Public housing developments, particularly those without proper integration strategies and support services, have historically been linked to increased incidents of anti-social behaviour, drug use, and crime. As a local homeowner, I am deeply concerned about the potential deterioration of community safety, especially in a quiet, family-oriented suburb such as St Georges Basin.
4. Loss of Privacy and Amenity
Higher-density housing will likely result in significant loss of privacy for neighbouring residents. Overshadowing, noise, and visual intrusion are inevitable with multi-storey buildings, which would degrade the peaceful residential amenity currently enjoyed by homeowners in the vicinity.
5. Heritage and Community Character
St Georges Basin has a unique cultural and environmental heritage, with a strong sense of local identity. Rapid urbanisation through poorly placed developments threatens to erode the town’s character and disconnect future residents from the existing community fabric.
6. Impact on Property Values
Numerous studies and local trends suggest that the proximity of large-scale public housing projects can negatively impact surrounding property values. This is an unfair burden for existing homeowners who have invested significantly in their properties, both financially and emotionally.
In Conclusion
I respectfully request that Council rejects or significantly revises the current proposal to better align with the character, needs, and concerns of the existing community. I urge you to consider smaller-scale, community-integrated housing options, with proper consultation and long-term social planning in place.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and am happy to discuss my concerns further or attend a public hearing should one be scheduled.

Yours faithfully,
L. Gavric
Homeowner, St Georges Basin

I have environmental concerns, and think it will increased traffic, noise as well as community impact, loss of green space, heritage issues, and wildlife being impacted

I am objecting to this development as I have seen in the past of how a cluster of community housing all together causes a lot of anti-social behaviour along with a lot of crime. The local IGA in St Georges Basin is used regularly by the elderly residents and they will become a target and feel unsafe.

The area would be best utilised by having a mixture of private and community housing

Overdevelopment & Character
Bulk, scale, and height inconsistent with the existing low-scale, coastal village character of St Georges Basin. Reduced privacy and overshadowing of neighbouring homes.
Infrastructure Capacity issues with existing sewer, water, and drainage systems insufficient to handle additional load. Local health, education, and community facilities already under pressure. Stormwater runoff issues, especially with local flood-prone or low-lying areas as well as potential negative impacts on the Basin’s waterways from sediment or pollutants.
Affordable Housing Location & Suitability
While affordable housing is important, placement should align with public transport access, employment hubs, and services — which are limited in parts of St Georges Basin. Research and police data indicate that sudden, concentrated increases in high-density, low-cost housing — without adequate social services, employment opportunities, and community integration — can be associated with elevated risks of anti-social behaviour, including drug-related activity and petty crime. St Georges Basin already faces challenges with limited police presence and youth engagement programs. Introducing a higher-risk population without sufficient support systems may undermine community safety and wellbeing.
Traffic & Parking Impacts
Increased vehicle movements on local roads not designed for higher volumes.
Insufficient on-site parking leading to overflow onto already narrow or busy streets.
Potential safety risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and school routes

Overdevelopment & Character
Bulk, scale, and height inconsistent with the existing low-scale, coastal village character of St Georges Basin. Reduced privacy and overshadowing of neighbouring homes.
Infrastructure Capacity issues with existing sewer, water, and drainage systems insufficient to handle additional load. Local health, education, and community facilities already under pressure. Stormwater runoff issues, especially with local flood-prone or low-lying areas as well as potential negative impacts on the Basin’s waterways from sediment or pollutants.
Affordable Housing Location & Suitability
While affordable housing is important, placement should align with public transport access, employment hubs, and services — which are limited in parts of St Georges Basin. Research and police data indicate that sudden, concentrated increases in high-density, low-cost housing — without adequate social services, employment opportunities, and community integration — can be associated with elevated risks of anti-social behaviour, including drug-related activity and petty crime. St Georges Basin already faces challenges with limited police presence and youth engagement programs. Introducing a higher-risk population without sufficient support systems may undermine community safety and wellbeing.
Traffic & Parking Impacts
Increased vehicle movements on local roads not designed for higher volumes.
Insufficient on-site parking leading to overflow onto already narrow or busy streets.
Potential safety risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and school routes.

We do not want this type of housing in our area. With lack of police presence we can not have more unsafe living areas. I work at the IGA next door and we have numerous times we need police assistance and can never get help when needed so bringing in more crime rate type living will impact the neighbourhood that consists of many elderly who will also be at risk of harm.

This project of affordable housing is not
Suitable for the small coastal community that cannot sustain the current residents.
There is limited public transport, limited job opportunities and minimal infrastructure.
Currently there is no doctor available locally who is taking new patients. The local hospital is 30 minutes drive away, and the local schools are limited and at capacity.
The influx of new residents and those requiring additional support services will not be available. The area does not have the infrastructure to support such a development.
There are currently no multilevel buildings in the area and this development in the middle of a residential area single
Dwelling housing estate, is not in keeping with the local environment.

This development would be better suited in Nowra where there is infrastructure to support residents of such a development.

This development is situated behind a licensed premises, which will not enhance the socio economic problems faced by those persons seeking affordable
Housing.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to lodge my strong objection to the proposed State Significant Development SSD-69683218

This development, as proposed, is entirely unsuitable for our area and should not proceed in any form. My concerns are as follows:

Safety Risks

Boarding rooms and high concentrations of government housing are well-documented to attract antisocial behaviour, including drug use and crime, particularly when placed without sufficient local support services and police presence.

St Georges Basin is a family-focused, low-crime community, and introducing a development of this nature poses a direct threat to public safety.

Impact on Community Character

The large-scale, high-density design is completely out of character with the surrounding low-rise, residential area.

Such a drastic change to the local environment will permanently alter the feel and identity of St Georges Basin.

Strain on Local Infrastructure

Our local infrastructure, including police, medical services, and public transport, is already stretched.

Introducing a high-density, high-need population will overwhelm these services, reducing amenity for current residents.

No Local Benefit

This proposal offers no meaningful benefit to the existing community. Instead, it brings a significant risk of increased crime, reduced property values, and loss of the peaceful lifestyle that residents have built here.

Conclusion
I do not support this development in any form and strongly urge the Department to reject SSD-69683218 outright. The risks to safety, community cohesion, and infrastructure far outweigh any potential benefits.

This is a family filled neighbourhood it shouldn’t be ruined with low income drug addicted people around this neighbourhood.