I believe that this scale and form of development is too large and dense for this area. I do not believe that there is demand for such scale and density in Hawkes Nest or Tea Gardens. I would like to see the proven demand and feasibility of this proposal. I also believe that a more modest scaled development would be better located in the adjacent Tea Gardens, where there is already more development, facilities and services.

I object to this development for the following reasons:
- The main reason we moved to Hawks Nest was that we appreciated the atmosphere and vibe of the township, I feel the town will lose this if this large scale development proceeds
- The buildings height is too high
- Clearing of 1.3 hectares
- How will this help long term housing in the area? Will the purchasers be permanent residents, rather than buying investment properties for use as personal holiday houses or holiday rentals. Will they be a part of our community and contribute to our township?
- Stormwater and water quality as we are already seeing and experiencing the issues with the development in Eagle Avenue
- The social infrastructural is already poor, how is this being addressed?
Thank you

SSD-82066472 Sanderling Ave Residential Flat Buildings
I object to above proposal for the following reasons:
• The development is too close to the beach and just behind the sand dunes. Sand dunes are not stationary landforms and will move if sea levels rise. A development of this scale in such a sensitive coastal position is just a recipe for future problems.
• The scale of the development with 104 units is out of proportion to the built environment of the local area. It is a high-density development in a sleepy low density area. We could be looking at an extra 500 people during holiday periods.
• The development is too tall and bulky and will dominate the local natural environment. The maximum height of the proposed roof is15.25m. The level in the LEP is 12m with 13.2m allowed if there is a lift. The HDA advise they will accept 14.5m and then the developer wants an even a higher roof. All this sounds like a developer pushing the boundaries to make more profit, not good design in a sensitive area.
• I am not convinced that the buildings will be hidden from view from the beach, especially from the northeast. The beach is a wonderful untouched landscape with no visible infrastructure for many kilometres north of the surf lifesaving club.
• Buildings on the Gold Coast in a similar proximity to the beach have problems with basement drainage. The basement is RL2.5 AHD. Even without a sea level rise, the basement will be at risk of flooding.
• This development will not help with the housing crisis. There is a large, approved development in Tea Gardens (Parry’s Cove) and a manufactured home development on public exhibition, both of which could cope with any increased housing needs. It is most likely that this development will be mostly used as holiday homes and rentals.
• The fact that the developer wants to build the development in stages indicates that there is not an existing market for such a large development.
• I am also concerned about staging the development but building all the basements in advance. If there is not a market for the later buildings then the basements will be unnecessary and a white elephant.
• If approved, there should be a time limit on completing the whole development.

I'm writing in support of the proposed residential flat buildings at Sanderling Avenue, Hawks Nest.
I live in the Hunter region and run Auswide Building & Masonry, a specialist bricklaying and masonry subcontractor based in Newcastle. We operate six crews across the Hunter and Mid North Coast and employ a significant number of local tradespeople, apprentices, and support staff. I've been aware of the Sanderling project for a number of years and saw further coverage of it in the Newcastle Herald last week.
From the perspective of someone who actually builds in this region, I support this application for the following reasons:

Local jobs and a pipeline of work for trades. A $100m project of this scale delivers years of consistent work for local subcontractors, suppliers, and the broader trade supply chain. That stability is what allows businesses like ours to keep crews employed and continue investing in the region.
Apprenticeships and bringing young people through. One of the biggest challenges facing construction on the coast is the lack of large, well-run projects to train the next generation of tradespeople on. Projects like Sanderling are exactly what we need to keep young people in the trade and in the region, rather than losing them to Sydney or out of the industry altogether.
Addressing the housing shortage. 104 apartments is a meaningful contribution to a market that is badly undersupplied. The shortage is one of the main reasons local workers and young families are being pushed out of coastal towns they grew up in.
A quality, professionally delivered project. From what I've seen, this is a serious, well-considered development being delivered by an experienced team. That standard of work is what Hawks Nest should be aiming for as it grows.
Year-round economic activity for the village. Hawks Nest has always suffered from heavy seasonal swings. A permanent resident base at this scale brings consistent foot traffic and revenue to local cafes, retailers, and trades businesses through the off-season, not just over summer.

Managed, well-designed growth is essential if the Myall Coast is going to support its existing businesses, retain skilled workers, and provide opportunities for the next generation. The Sanderling delivers on that.
I urge the Department to approve this application.
Marty Ardagh

I first heard about this development at the Hawks Nest Pro-Am and immediately saw the appeal of what is being proposed for the area.
As someone looking to invest outside of rural NSW, Hawks Nest stands out as a unique opportunity. Many people in regional centres like Dubbo are reaching a stage in life where their kids are leaving home, and they are starting to think about downsizing and retirement. There is strong demand for modern, low-maintenance living in a relaxed coastal country environment.
A lot of people no longer want or need a large four-bedroom family home. Instead, they are looking for modern units with quality amenities, lifestyle convenience, and a strong sense of community. Developments like this provide exactly that option.
Importantly, many people do not want to retire in heavily populated areas such as Newcastle or the Central Coast. Hawks Nest offers a quieter lifestyle while still being accessible. With the improved road network and bypasses around Newcastle, it is now far easier to travel from Dubbo and inland NSW directly to Hawks Nest, making it practical to stay connected with family and friends.
We are currently facing a housing crisis across NSW, and there is a clear need for more thoughtfully planned developments like this one that provide diverse housing options for downsizers, retirees, and investors.
The lifestyle aspect is also a major attraction. For people who love golf, it would be a dream to be able to afford to live right next to the golf course and be part of the Hawks Nest community. Opportunities like this are rare and would make the area even more attractive for long-term residents and visitors alike.
Overall, I strongly support this development and believe it will bring positive economic, housing, and lifestyle benefits to Hawks Nest and the wider region.

Refer attached letter

As a long term frequent visitor and planning to live here in retirement, the development does not meet any of the criteria of a state development, no affordable housing component and potential damage to wild life and flora. I object.

I object to the development due to its excessive size and height, the "visual pollution"effect of it on Bennetts Beach and the inappropriateness of it relative to the surrounding environment.

I object to the Sanderling Avenue Development. I have in the attached file detailed the reasons for my objection.