Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the former Berrima Gaol site?

The site was sold by the NSW Government in 2022 to the Blue Sox Group, a private property development company.

What is proposed for the site?

The Blue Sox Group has proposed transforming the former correctional facility into a mixed-use precinct that may include a boutique hotel, restaurant, wellness facilities, event spaces, retail outlets, and community gardens. 

Find out more: www.theberrimagaol.com.au  

Who decides whether the proposal goes ahead?

The proposal has been classified as a State Significant Development (SSD). This means that the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is responsible for assessing the application.

The final determination will be made by either the NSW Minister for Planning or the Independent Planning Commission, depending on the level of public interest during the exhibition period and other referral requirements.

Wingecarribee Shire Council is not the consent authority.

What is a State Significant Development (SSD)?

A State Significant Development is a type of proposal that is considered to be of importance to the State due to its scale, economic value, or potential impacts. These proposals are assessed under Division 4.7 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).  

What is Council’s role in the process?

Council’s role is to advocate for the community’s interests, provide technical input on the proposal and support information sharing to keep the community informed about the process and opportunities for feedback. Council is not the consent authority.  

As part of preparing an SSD application an applicant must consult with Council. 

Once the SSD application has been lodged and the proposal is open to public exhibition, Council plan to make a submission, which will be shared with the community to maintain transparency in our advocacy efforts.  

Our priority is that the Berrima Gaol redevelopment respects the unique character of Berrima, considers local infrastructure needs, and minimises potential negative impacts on our community.  

How does the community have a say?

There are formal consultation periods managed by DPHI and Blue Sox Group, including the public exhibition of the SSD application. During these periods, anyone can make a submission to the NSW Government.  

What happens after the community consultation?

All submissions are considered by the NSW Government. Blue Sox Group must respond to the issues raised before the Department finalises its assessment and makes a recommendation to the Minister.

How long will the process take?

Major projects like this progress through multiple stages of design, assessment, and approvals. If approved, construction is expected to start in 2027, with the precinct expected to open in 2028/2029.

How does Council keep the community informed about State Significant Developments?

Some major developments in NSW are assessed as State Significant Developments (SSD). This means the decision is made by the NSW Government, not Council. However, Council still plays an important role in making sure our community is informed and supported throughout the process. 

Here’s how we keep you updated: 

  • Information Hub – We provide clear information on Council’s website, including plain-English summaries, key dates, and links to the NSW Planning Portal where all official documents are lodged. 

  • Regular Updates – We share news through Council’s website, social media, newsletters and media releases when there are opportunities to have your say or when important milestones are reached. 

  • Easy-to-Understand Resources – We create fact sheets, FAQs and visual explainers to help you understand what’s proposed and what it means for our community. 

  • Council’s Position – We make our own submission to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and share this publicly, so you know how Council is representing local interests. 

  • Ongoing Updates – If a development is approved, we will continue to keep you informed about conditions of consent, potential local impacts such as traffic, parking and local roadworks, and any new information we receive from the State Government or the proponent.    

While Council is not the decision-maker for SSDs, we are committed to acting as your local voice and trusted source of information throughout the process. 

Where can I find out more and stay informed?

  • Council will continue to share updates, including our formal submissions, on our website,  Your Shire e-newsletter, and social media.  

SEARs 

In March 2024, Council endorsed and provided a submission on the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), the guidelines set out what must be considered in an Environmental Impact Statement for the adaptive reuse of Berrima Gaol as a tourist facility. Council recommended a Master Plan, Conservation Management Plan, Heritage Impact Statement, and an architectural design competition, and highlighted the need for adherence to the Berrima Development Control Plan as well as flood mitigation and Water Sensitive Urban Design measures to protect heritage and riparian areas.   

The SEARs issued by DPHI for Berrima Gaol, can be viewed on the project page: Berrima Hotel | Planning Portal - Department of Planning and Environment  

 

 

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