Sandy Point Holiday Park Redevelopment Approved Amid Controversy

A plan to redevelop the Sandy Point Holiday Park into private housing has been approved by the South Gippsland Shire Council, sparking fierce opposition from caravan owners and local businesses.

The Decision

The South Gippsland Shire Council has approved a subdivision application allowing 11 new dwellings on the site of the long-running caravan park. The approval also permits the removal of some native vegetation.

The vote was split, with the decision ultimately decided by the mayor's casting vote. The application drew 29 objections and only one supporting submission.

History of the Site

The caravan park has been in operation since before 1964, currently hosting 74 annual sites and 10 camping sites. Caravan owners pay annual fees for privately owned caravans on the property.

This is not the first attempt at redevelopment. A previous 14-lot subdivision application was refused by the council, a decision later upheld by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Opposition and Planned Appeal

The Sandy Point Community Group has announced it will appeal the latest decision to VCAT, citing unresolved planning and environmental concerns. The group is calling for a masterplan for the entire site.

"The development would remove affordable accommodation in Sandy Point," said Councillor Sarah Gilligan, who voted against the application. She also noted that flood mapping indicates road access to the site could be cut off.

Economic Impact on Local Businesses

Local business owners have voiced strong concerns about the loss of the caravan park.

• The general store estimates that caravan park patrons account for 30% of its summer revenue.
• School groups regularly use the park for surf lessons, providing a steady stream of seasonal customers.

Caravan owner Geoff Paine described the park as affordable beachside accommodation that is "integral to the community."

The Council's Position

Council chief executive Allison Jones emphasized that the decision was based on the planning merits of the revised application. She stated that any further action by the applicant is a private decision, not a council matter.

Flood Mapping Context

The council released new flood mapping shortly after the approval decision, which identified additional dwellings and properties at flood risk.

The caravan park site itself is not within a proposed inundation overlay, but the council acknowledged that access roads to the site could be affected by flooding.