Sealark lodges Stage 1 DA for West Culburra

Sealark has lodged its Stage 1 Development Application with Shoalhaven City Council for its West Culburra development, which includes 244 residential lots, industrial parcels, roads, parks, open space reserves, community amenities and new infrastructure to support the new homes and residents.

Specifically, the DA proposes the Torrens Title subdivision of 244 low density residential lots, 13 industrial lots and two open space lots.
It also includes the construction of an internal road network with new roundabouts and upgraded intersections, civil and landscaping works, and supporting infrastructure including stormwater management, sewer, water, electrical and telecommunications.

Additionally, the Stage 1 DA proposes the commencement of Sealark’s affordable housing strategy. Under this strategy, Sealark will gift land to a tier-1 Community Housing Provider to build and manage the affordable housing component of the West Culburra development, which will comprise a minimum of 10% of the homes.

Matt Philpott, Sealark Managing Director – Land & Development, said the lodgement of the DA for Stage 1 is a major milestone for the West Culburra development.

“Extensive work has gone into the creation of the first stage DA for consideration by Council and we thank all our project partners for their support in helping us reach this milestone,” Mr Philpott said.

“The Council-approved community engagement strategy is also progressing, with the feedback from the recent community survey being collated by the team.

“It is clear that locals would like to see amenities like parks and open recreational spaces as well as connections to the existing township in the development. The first stage proposes significant open space and parks, including an expansive village green, as well as important infrastructure to support the future homes and residents,” Mr Philpott said.

The DA provides a glimpse of the range of community and environmental amenities proposed in Stage 1. It has been placed on public exhibition by Council until 19 December 2025 and all documentation related to DA2025/2276 can be found on Council’s website.

The open space at West Culburra has been designed as a multifunctional community hub, integrating recreation, nature and cultural elements. A village green will serve as a central space for community events and markets, while a new pond with native riparian species will protect water quality while supporting biodiversity and provide a beautiful outlook.

Overlooking the village green and adjacent pond will be a multi-purpose shelter functioning as an event stage and gathering space for the community. These proposed amenities will be complemented by play equipment, space for ball games, plenty of seating, interpretive signage and shelter, amenities building with baby change facilities, loop path, public art sculptures and more.

An open space woodland covering approximately 8,500sqm of selectively retained bushland will provide a landscaped buffer between the residential and industrial precincts, while a minimum 100m buffer will separate the site from the mean high-water mark of the Crookhaven River.

The West Culburra development is a State Significant Development and the Concept Plan was approved in 2021.

On completion, this long-term development will deliver 244 residential lots, approximately 160 medium density apartments, a mixed-use commercial and retail precinct, business premises, parks
and reserves to bring greater housing choice, affordable homes, new jobs and a vital economic injection to Culburra Beach.

Future stages of the West Culburra development including the town centre precinct, which will integrate the medium density homes, commercial and retail premises, and further infrastructure, will be subject to separate Development Applications.

Visit the West Culburra project page for more information.