UPDATE: The Bega Valley has experienced a significant drop in development applications, with only 77 applications determined in the last financial quarter, raising urgent concerns among local councillors. During a meeting on September 17, 2023, Bega Valley councillors reviewed the latest data on development applications (DAs) and processing times, highlighting a troubling trend in submissions that could impact the region’s growth.
The latest report reveals a stark comparison with last year’s figures. From April 1 to June 30, 2022, a total of 103 DAs were determined, alongside 110 new applications. In contrast, this year saw only 77 determinations and 84 new submissions. Councillor Helen O’Neil questioned whether the decline signals a broader issue in the local development landscape, though council staff cautioned that it is “too early to tell.”
Council Chief Executive Anthony McMahon emphasized that the processing times for applications can vary significantly depending on their complexity. Encouragingly, the overall average processing times for DAs remain consistent with the figures from 2024, suggesting that while fewer applications are being submitted, the efficiency of processing may not be adversely affected.
In a lighter note, there was a moment of levity when the council discussed the approval of legal secondary dwellings since July 1, 2023. Only 11 secondary dwellings have received approval over the past two years, prompting Director of Community, Environment and Planning Emily Harrison to express disappointment at the low numbers.
Meanwhile, the council also revealed updated statistics on short-term rental properties. Currently, 857 properties are registered on the New South Wales government’s short-term rental accommodation (STRA) register, showcasing a fluctuating but notable market. Merimbula leads with 308 STRA properties, followed by Bermagui with 169, Pambula with 96, Tathra/Kalaru with 89, and the Eden coast with 83.
As the Bega Valley grapples with these developments, all eyes will remain on both the council’s response and the local community’s reaction. The implications of a declining trend in development applications could significantly shape the future of the region, making this a critical issue for residents and stakeholders alike.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the situation develops.
