A new climbing adventure course at Darawank would have economic and social benefits for the broader community, according to a report tabled at the MidCoast Council September ordinary meeting.
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The course is set to be built at Adventureland Forster (formerly Ton O Fun) at Darawank after the application from the Coastplan Group Pty Ltd was approved unanimously, subject to conditions, by council.
The structure itself consists of 12 masts arranged in three diamond structures, being interconnected with walkways, platforms and zip lines.
The total height is 22.10m to the top of the masts, and 12.20m to the highest platform, with a length of 55.68m (77.73m including support cables and anchors) and a width of 28.59m.
Adventureland Forster operates as an approved outdoor recreation facility on the site that was formerly the Ton O Fun amusement park, which included lodge style accommodation and a series of rides and attractions for public use.
Most recently the development has been utilised for school camps, which use the on-site accommodation and facilities.
The site is located within the former Great Lakes Local Government Area and as such the provisions of the Great Lakes Local Environmental Plan 2014 (LEP) were applicable to the proposal.
This will contribute to facilitating a positive economic outcome for the site and broader region.
- MidCoast Council report
The observation tower height of 22.10m is 13.60m higher than the permitted 8.50m, constituting a variation of 160 per cent.
It was noted in the council report that the highest part of the structure was formed by the upright masts, with the highest walkway platform being 12.20m, which is 3.70m higher than the permitted development standard (44 per cent variation) and the highest ridge support beams being 15.60m, which is 7.10m higher than the permitted development standard (84 per cent variation).
The report noted it was reasonable to vary the development standard in this instance as it resulted in "a positive outcome for the site, which would not be able to be achieved through strict compliance with the development standard."
The proposal was also thought to stimulate the economic growth of the existing recreation facility and contribute to the ongoing growth and viability of the site into the future.
"This will contribute to facilitating a positive economic outcome for the site and broader region," council was told.
"There is also considered to be positive social outcomes as the structure will provide additional opportunities for school children to have experiences (both physical and educational) which are not generally afforded within their school environments, or the broader community."
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