When desktop decisions aren’t based on the granular data then it is inevitable there will be conflict. Such has been the case with Reflections Holiday Parks’ intention to bring in tiny houses onto the foreshore in the Terrace Holiday Park.
To their credit, Reflections has responded to the community’s opposition, and the area designated for short-term sites will revert to its intended purpose for caravans and camping.
However, what has been revealed is that unlike the Plans of Management (POM) for both Massy Greene and Ferry Reserve holiday parks, the 2014 POM for the Terrace was not amended in response to the tumultuous and sustained opposition to the 2014 POMs. That opposition brought about extensive and intensive community engagement across stakeholders from 2014 through to 2017/18.
To move forward with the community, Reflections needs to honour the agreement for the Terrace in relation to what is called the 3 + 4 setbacks from the top of the riverbank to their operational boundary in the central and southern precincts. That agreement was for a 3m buffer zone as required by legislation and an additional 4m to the operational boundary. This would have been violated with the siting of the tiny houses on the foreshore. Reflections needs to take responsibility to immediately progress the agreed amendments to the 2014 POM and give priority to their implementation. Only through these amendments and action can the community be reassured that the long-awaited unfettered public walkway along the foreshore of Simpsons Creek will be realised.
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