Princetown Eco Stay build delayed after crucial window missed

Despite the $9m Princetown Eco Stay project being approved by Corangamite Shire and 70 permit conditions being mediated between the developers and objectors, opponents are hoping the state government will step in and reverse the approval.

The project, which has been in the planning for more than three years, also has its supporters in the town.

Montarosa Pty Ltd director Gavin Ronan said sensitive fish breeding in the wetlands had delayed first-stage works, which included a replacement bridge over the Gellibrand River.

"We are working to finalise the details of the construction program with some works to be undertaken at specific times of the year that avoid certain species' impacts and minimise disruption to residents and visitors to Princetown," he said.

Princetown Wetlands and Estuary Preservation Group (PWEP) spokeswoman Kim Morton said it was not opposed to development in the town.

But members believed the wetlands were not the right place for the project.

The group has a 5000-signature petition calling on the state government to review the planning approvals and reverse it, even though it was party to the mediated permit conditions at VCAT.

"We're not against development, but there's so much high, dry land out here that would be much better suited for a development like this," she said.

"We know the tourists are coming, but why impact a natural asset for someone who's going to spend one night here?"

A report, commissioned by opponents, raised new flood concerns but the developer has refuted those. Mr Ronan said studies submitted on his behalf had been approved by Corangamite Shire and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

But Matt Hayes, an independent flood plain expert, said those reports did not include all the available data.

"If that report had come across my desk I wouldn't have approved it," Mr Hayes said.

Mr Ronan said the planning permit for the project and its conditions were formally agreed to by all parties - including those who now oppose it - in June 2017.

"Montarosa stands by the detailed, peer-reviewed reports that were comprehensively reviewed by the relevant expert authorities," he said.

"The result of this process is a planning permit with conditions that were agreed to by all parties in a settlement at VCAT - including opponents of the project who now appear to be re-prosecuting matters they previously agreed to."

He said the development was consistent with the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, which outlined Princetown as eligible for 'low-key eco-tourism, adventure and recreation opportunities, including wetland boardwalks, viewing hides, a kayak/canoe, fishing and bicycle hub'.

Lloyd Honeycombe, a Princetown landowner since 1995, lives next door to the proposed development.

Mr Honeycombe put an offer on the 49 hectares of wetlands in 2013 with the vision to create a public park area, but was out-bid by Montarosa by more than $150,000.

He wants to see the development go ahead anyway.

"I've looked at his proposal and of all the things that could happen to that area I think it's the most beneficial to the community," he said.

"I endorse the project and wish to goodness he could start and get on with the job."

He said he'd rather no development at all, but this was the best option for the site, which has been privately owned since 1858.

"Selfishly I'd rather not have it there because it's the view from our house," he said.

"But if you've got to have some construction there, what he's proposed there is an optimum solution to that particular area.

"We're getting nothing out of this development and have no financial interest, in fact if anyone's got a gripe against Gavin Ronan it should be me because I wanted to do something there for the community.

"Progress has to progress, this coastline is in desperate need of employment and money coming in. This town is dead, everything's shut most of the time and it's run down. If you have visitors you have to send them out of town for an evening meal."

The proposal looks to build an eco-lodge with 20 rooms catering for up to 60 guests, 14 two-bed and six three-bed eco-cabins for up to 120 guests; a 300-seat restaurant, 283 car parks, an office, reception selling souvenirs, function rooms, pool and day spa.

Two dining styles are proposed for the restaurant: an a la carte restaurant, offering a high-quality sit-down menu and a casual restaurant, offering pre-prepared and quickly cooked meals, each offering up to 150 seats each.

There will also be a panoramic lookout tower, playground and activities including walking, cycling and small eco boat tours. A number of buildings will exceed seven metres in height.

It will employ 78 staff in the busy season, with the eco-lodge and accommodation component operating 24 hours a day, seven days week.

There will be language-specific services for the Chinese market, which plans said are 'directly in line with the federal China 2020 strategy for developing market-ready Chinese product specific for Chinese target markets'.

It's predicted that once operating, the development would bring in $25 million to the Australian economy and generate 696 vehicle trips a day.

At peak demand, 90 kilolitres of wastewater will need to be trucked out of the resort each day.

The development also includes a jetty and boat ramp on the Gellibrand River, two new two-way access roads off Old Coach Road, vehicle circulation areas, unsealed car parks and a network of boardwalks and trails.

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