“Realising the full potential of these areas will be dependent, in part, on the passion of local

operators, businesses and communities and the partnerships that can be forged between localities,

Council and the Shoalhaven Tourism Board.” (Shoalhaven Tourism Masterplan)

* The ‘RSL Carpark Block’ empty for 4 decades has been our ‘town square of the future’ for a decade.* Jervis Bay’s Business, Tourism and Residential associations have joined together to campaign and lobby all levels of Government to find the funds to ‘bring the block into public owenership’, protect the iconic view from the main street and to realise the land’s potential as an active community/tourism focal point and cultural centre.

* Response to our campaign has been overwhelming. Both online with facebook at 3,300 but also real support and sponsorship from locals, individuals, businesses, shoalhaven, Australia and rest of world. * Our online petition shot over 3000 signatures in first two weeks! Support has been overwhelming and it’s still growing, so we have set a new target. * We were requested to present a hard copy of petition (names, comments and postcodes) to Council so you can see incredible response across the whole Shoalhaven electorate and the wider regions:

Petition at 3,200 Shoalhaven supporters by postcode:

Petition at 3,200 by LGA

Petition at 3,200 by Country

As part of the online petition people can write comments:

*Jervis Bay is a magnet that draws domestic and international visitors to the Shoalhaven. * Huskisson is designated by SCC as Tourist Town and ‘Gateway’ hub for Jervis Bay area. * Tourism Masterplan strategy #1 is ‘To enhance the visual impact, appeal, and product base of key localities within the city.’

Stats on International Visitors to South Coast (by suburb) which show popularity of Jervis Bay.

Tourism Masterplan – recommendations specific to Huskisson

DCP 54, Amendment 4, Huskisson CBD

Inset plan of ‘Tourist Town Focal Point’

* HoH Campaign coalition is not against idea of developing the block, as long as entire space above & view from main street is kept intact. * Lots of ideas coming in from public around creating a destination/focal point. * Block could be ‘revenue raising’ if convertedinto an active, useful venue.

• Create cultural, community OUTDOOR VENUE•A FOCAL POINT for whole Shoalhaven •Create open space/park/square/amphitheatre for concerts, open-air cinema, night markets, candlelight carols, recitals, weddings, competitions.

Mixed use idea: Build underneath at wharf level with ‘green roof.’ Space becomes architectural destination with café, cruise tickets, public toilets, & Jervis Bay Visitor Information Centre underneath!

Legacy and vision • This is a once-in-a-century chance to create a destination which will

bring more valuable visitors to the whole region. • The value of this land to Jervis Bay and Huskisson is priceless. • Buying the land will ensure the iconic view as an attraction and focal

point for generations to come. • There is real $$ value in its potential as a dynamic and amazing

venue space which could be developed later. • Can’t be viewed as paying X million ‘just for a dusty old carpark’.

Priceless opportunity. • Visionary project that be a legacy for this council into the future –

popular with the whole electorate. • Makes business sense for whole region to do this. • Understand that there are financial issues but we have several

suggestions.

Funding suggestions

• Joint funding between Council/ NSW state/ Federal – this discussion is already happening: we just don’t know outcome of meeting.

• Land assets in Jervis Bay: List of easements tabled to Mayor last year: e.g. Redundant ‘street’ in Vincentia $1.5 million, Huskisson carpark $2 million, redundant JB fire stations being sold now.

• Short term loan from State for this type of project while above is sold.

• National Infrastructure Funding joint project (matched funds from community council etc.)

• Crowd-funding is possibility too 1000 x 1000. • Council takes ‘loan’ from itself – own investments.

RSL is supportive of our campaign• Tender can be broken into if Council wants to

negotiate now. Same as ‘sold prior to auction’• Club Jervis Bay: Owner of block can withdraw tender

at any stage. • The RSL wants to see this land go to community and

kept as open space. Their ‘criteria for sale’ is not just $$$, but also ‘inspirational’ land use.

• Please negotiate now with Club Jervis Bay (& agent) for speedy decision and WIN/WIN outcome for us all.

• Thanks!