NSW man wins legal battle for eco-resort construction

A man in New South Wales, Rick Smith, has won a court battle to build an eco-resort on his property. After nearly two years of legal fighting and spending $500,000 in fees, he can finally create six tiny homes and an education center for tourists in Jamberoo. Smith is eager to share the beauty of his rural land with others. However, the court's decision comes with conditions. Smith must build the tiny homes fixed to concrete foundations instead of having them on wheels. He also needs to plant more than 20,000 seedlings within six weeks to offset the environmental impact of the new buildings. This will cost him around $80,000 just for the plants. The battle began when Smith and his partner submitted a development application to Kiama Council in 2021, which was initially rejected. A second application submitted in December 2023 led to local concerns about increased traffic and its effects on nearby farms. The council questioned the environmental significance of Smith's property but later a commissioner ruled in his favor, noting the area's biodiversity. Smith says it will cost over $1.5 million to get the eco-tourism facility running. He believes it will provide a unique experience for visitors. The Kiama Council expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, highlighting necessary changes to connect the development with local ecological values.