It’s been a regular holiday destination and a home for Great Lakes residents and visitors for many years, but now, Palms Oasis Caravan Park at Blueys Beach is closing.
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Park residents have been supplied with a notice of termination of their occupancy agreements by owner, Ingenia Communities Group, and requested to vacate the site by January 31, 2019.
Ingenia advised residents of its intent to submit a development application to MidCoast Council, seeking to undertake a redevelopment of the holiday park.
For residents like Thomas and Corinna Michilis, the significance of this development can’t be understated.
“We as a family are devastated,” Tom explained.
“All three of my children have learnt to ride bikes here. We’ve swam and surfed at the local beaches.”
The notice of termination of the occupancy agreement offered residents their last month of occupancy at no cost, but for long time visitor Kendall Long, it is little consolation.
“Three generations of my family have been enjoying this pristine village for over 40 years,” Kendall explained.
“There are a few factors to this, Ingenia has the capability of making this a great park, and the area is crying out for more cabins and family affordable tourist accommodation.
“Pacific Palms relies on tourists, if it loses this income it will hurt the local businesses.”
Kendall added Pacific Palms is an isolated village, and voiced concern, saying the infrastructure wouldn’t be able to handle 300 new over 55s.
“Half the time there has been little or no general practitioner support. The closest ambulance is at Bulahdelah or Tuncurry,” she said.
“All we are asking is to stay there until the development application is approved.”
Ingenia Communities Group senior development manager, Daniel Collings said the plan was to create a new lifestyle community.
“Subject to council approval, our plans will see a substantial investment in the local community.
“Ingenia’s planned community of long-term sites will create local jobs through the construction period and beyond and contribute positively to the community all year round.”
Ingenia submitted its DA to the MidCoast Council last week.
“The DA has now been lodged and proposes the creation of 94 long-term sites, which represents a decrease in the density of the Park.
Ingenia is proposing to increase the number of long-term sites, upgrade infrastructure and services and establish new facilities.
“There are already a number of permanent residents in the park occupying long-term sites and a DA by the prior owner has previously been approved in 2013 for a further 26 long-term sites to the park.
“With our plans now final, Ingenia will continue to consult with the occupiers of both long-term and short-term sites as well as others in the local community,” Mr Collings said.
“We understand that some casual occupants are disappointed that our plan is to refocus the community on long-term sites and we remain committed to assisting them through this process.”