A DEVELOPMENT proposal aimed at “rejuvenating Bulahdelah” was the topic of discussion at a community meeting held last week.

The proposed project includes a highway service centre, 200 room hotel and a residential subdivision on land adjacent to Bulahdelah Golf Club.

Hamptons Property Services representative Mrs Kristy Hodgkinson said the land for the project had been purchased by two private investors in August last year and a planning proposal had been submitted to MidCoast Council.

The project is expected to create 180 employment opportunities and increase spending in Bulahdelah by an estimated 400 percent.

Mrs Hodgkinson said MidCoast Council had appointed an Independent Consultant to examine the proposal.

Speaking with News Of The Area, Investor Peter Kampfner said he was very excited about the development.

“I believe this will rejuvenate Bulahdelah, and support the township and return it to its pre-bypass glory,” Mr Kampfner said.

“The development will bring a 33 percent increase in population to the town and with an additional 800 visitors from the hotel each week, every service and every business will benefit.”

Mr Kampfner said in addition to the development, Bulahdelah would be heavily promoted to funnel people into the town.

“We will pay for signposting, advertisements and billboards. We will cover all the expenses ourselves and do whatever it takes to bring people here,” he said.

The proposed project has meet with mixed reactions from the local community.

Owner of Shiralee Café Chris Garrod presented a petition against the development signed by 15 businesses.

Mrs Garrod told News Of The Area, “The business owners on the main street are collectively concerned about how the proposal will affect their businesses.”

“I believe that the development will not help the town,” she said.

In contrast, Manager of Bulahdelah Bowling Club Allan Freihaut believes the development can do nothing but boost the town.

“Bums on seats in every business house is what the town needs to grow and secure its future,” he said.

“This would be a perfect opportunity to keep our youth in town instead of chasing jobs elsewhere.”

Last week’s meeting was hosted by Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

President John Sahyoun said further community meetings would be held throughout the development process.