Residents of Raffertys Resort in Lake Macquarie are embroiled in a dispute with developer Iris Capital over boat storage rights, intensifying the ongoing conflict between the two parties. The recent demand by Iris Capital for property owners to vacate their boats from a common-use area has sparked outrage among the residents, who fear for their cherished Lake Macquarie lifestyle.
The conflict escalated when Iris Capital, invoking the resort’s by-laws, instructed property owners to remove all watercraft and trailers from the designated storage area within a limited timeframe to facilitate the construction of the Cams Wharf Tavern’s deck. This move has left property owners and visitors, who have long enjoyed passive recreation in the area near the Raffertys Resort hotel, in a state of dismay.
In response to the directive, residents are preparing to challenge Iris Capital’s decision in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, scheduled for March 26. The proposed relocation of boats to alternative locations within or outside Raffertys has been met with dissatisfaction, with residents like Merv Riley and Brian Donnelly expressing concerns over the inadequacy of the new storage area.
The residents, who have invested in the area for its boating opportunities and lifestyle appeal, feel disheartened by the turn of events. For individuals like David Luong, who uses his Raffertys property for family holidays and rentals, the decision poses financial uncertainties and jeopardizes their rental income.
The discord between Raffertys Resort residents and Iris Capital dates back to 2022 when the developer unveiled plans to transform the resort into a high-rise tourist hotel, eliciting opposition from the community. Despite facing challenges and a perceived lack of optimism regarding the tribunal’s outcome, residents remain steadfast in their pursuit to uphold their entitlements and preserve their way of life.
As the clash between the residents and the developer unfolds, the future of boat storage rights at Raffertys Resort hangs in the balance, underscoring the broader implications of development projects on community dynamics and individual livelihoods. The pending tribunal hearing represents a crucial juncture in the ongoing struggle for property rights and the preservation of the Lake Macquarie lifestyle that residents hold dear.
Leave a Reply