PROJECT UPDATES

12 April 2022: Rise Projects have lodged plans with Kempsey Shire Council for the first stage of a master planned, mixed-use residential project on Phillip Drive, South West Rocks.

The 4.82 hectare land is zoned for medium density housing. The land was approved for a 180 unit tourist resort in1993. In 2012 Kempsey Shire Council further increased the permitted additional uses to include food and drink premises, residential accommodation, shops and visitor accommodation under schedule 1 of the Kempsey Local Environmental Plan (KLEP) 2013.

The largely cleared site has sat unoccupied for close to forty years. The fully compliant proposal seeks consent for development of a new coastal community which will include community open spaces for local ecological flora and fauna and introduce new native planting areas.

Rise Projects’ proposal for stage one of the mixed use residential coastal community, known as The Rocks South West Rocks, outlines the plans for 30 residential townhouses, 26 residential apartments and communal amenities:- including a pool, 450 square metres of commercial space suitable for neighbourhood shops and cafés, open public spaces with parklands, walkways and green space for the whole community to enjoy.

The proposal comes following 12 months of multiple consultations with Kempsey Shire Council, a 5 month long community feedback campaign and community stakeholder engagement on project concepts and designs.

Rise Projects Director, Mr Pszczonka said The Rocks South West Rocks will be creating a coastal village that complements the ecological surrounds of South West Rocks.

“We aim to deliver a high quality, architecturally designed residential coastal village with functional, stylish housing options and local neighbourhood amenity. We’re also proud to have designed all walkways and public areas to be fully wheelchair accessible as well as offering adaptive-use residential options.

The NSW State Government has identified South West Rocks as a key growth area in the Mid North Coast and the recent Kempsey Shire Council’s Local Growth Strategy report states that South West Rocks will cater for 50% of the total number of new dwellings in the shire.

Mr Pszczonka said the Covid pandemic has seen unprecedented pressure on property and infrastructure in regional communities like South West Rocks. It was evident from our consultation process that there is a fast growing gap in housing option in South West Rocks.

“There are currently a number of house and land packages being developed in South West Rocks. This has created a high demand for alternative housing options as people are also in need of more low maintenance housing options with amenities and easy access to the beaches. Along with this knowledge and having a long history and ties with South West Rocks, we feel privileged to be able to deliver such a unique community offering”.

7 February 2022: We thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback on our website and for the support that the project will bring in the way of alternate housing and long term economic growth and jobs to the area. Including the feedback for amenities and alternate holiday accommodation.

Due to extensive market demand for low maintenance, accessible, and easy living accommodation from the hundreds of enquiries received through our expressions of interest campaign, Rise Projects is adding low rise apartments to their development application.

The enquiries received have varied between locals wanting to downsize, families returning to the area, and out-of-towners looking for a sea-change.

7 February 2022: The Rocks at South West Rocks mixed-use precinct on Phillip Drive, South West Rocks is in the pre-planning phase. A range of local and regional consultants have been engaged for their expertise in bushfires, biodiversity and ecology, heritage and culture and to assist in the areas of town planning, surveying, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, master planning and landscaping.

The pre-planning phase does not involve any onsite construction. No site construction works will take place prior to development approval and subsequent construction approval.

Site slashing occurs on the site annually, with some areas requiring more frequent maintenance, as per bushfire requirements and the safety of the neighbouring properties and bushlands. This is a continuing practice spanning over many years.

The draft proposal for the future of The Rocks mixed-use precinct includes: residential townhouses and low-rise apartments, holiday accommodation and a small commercial precinct that may include a café, fitness or yoga studio.

Rise Projects will lodge a development application (DA) for the project in the first half of 2022 at which time the community will be provided the chance to provide feedback during the notification period.

7 February 2022: Did you know that Horseshoe Bay in South West Rocks was voted by Tourism Australia as the second-best beach in Australia for 2022?

Horseshoe Bay is a unique horse-shoe shaped beach and is listed a quintessential Aussie beach experience in Australia’s 2022 Top 20 and a favourite beach on the NSW mid-north coast.

With close to 12,000 beaches in Australia to choose from, Tourism Australia said Australia has some of the best beaches in the world right in our own backyard.

7 February 2022: The safety of The Rocks project team, visiting consultants and the community is of high importance.

In late 2021, a fence was erected around the site with 24-hour surveillance cameras. This was undertaken to ensure the onsite safety of visiting project team members and consultants during the pre-planning phase of the project; and to minimalise site vandalism, illegal dumping and trespassing.

Recently an incident took place on-site between an owner of a neighbouring property and a trespasser. No one from the Rise Projects team or contractors employed by Rise Projects were involved. Police were called to the site during the incident and a person was subsequently fined by the police for trespassing. Local police have asked that any further trespassing or damage to local property is reported to them by the community.

Please help us keep everyone safe and report site vandalism, illegal dumping and trespassing by calling the South West Rocks Local Area Command on Ph: 02 6690 1220.