Shaolin Temple OZ

[B.Tunks]

Are religious organizations taxed in Oz?

They are exempt. Currently approx. total of $30 billion a year un-taxed in Australia.

BT

[GeneChing]

Falls Creek Shaolin Temple still in the planning
Robert Crawford
@RobSCRegister
13 Sep 2017, 2:32 p.m.


Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley (centre) meets with Shaolin Abbot, Shi Yongxin and his representatives.

THE Shaolin Abbot, Shi Yongxin made a flying visit to the Shoalhaven on Wednesday and reaffirmed his commitment to a Shaolin Temple at Falls Creek, albeit on a much smaller scale.

It is planned to submit a development application for the proposal with Shoalhaven City Council within six months.

The Abbot and a number of Chinese supporters and backers travelling with him, met with Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley and council staff to discuss the new proposal for the Comberton Grange property on the banks of Currambene Creek at Falls Creek.


Former councillor John Willmott facilitated the meeting which has seen a scaling back of the previously mooted $360 million project.

The golf course and residential precincts, featuring 300 dwellings, rejected by the Planning Assessment Commission, are gone with the Abbot focusing more on the heart of the Shaolin movement, meditation, well-being and Kung Fu.

The meeting was told the plans were now much more “humble” and “far removed” from the previous “Hollywood style” proposal.

Instead, it is planned to start with stage one of the project, a nursery on the scale of the Eurobodalla Botanical Gardens in Batemans Bay.

The nursery will allow monks and volunteers to harvest seeds from the site and propagate them.

It is envisaged the nursery would also be able to sell local native plants to the public.


Shaolin Abbot, Shi Yongxin during Wednesday's meeting at council.

It is planned to revegetate creek lines and clear the disused pine forest, removing the pine needles which are degrading the soils.

Accommodation for up to 10 monks with a kitchen and dining hall will be built.

The plan is for the buildings to nestle into the landscape, much different to the previous proposal with its scale and size which would have certainly stood out.

It is proposed to build 18 tourist cabins, again designed to be part of the environment.

The Kung Fu Academy continues to play a major role in the proposal, as will a Shaolin Zen meditation temple, a Shaolin zen theme park, meditation spaces, a Zen tea valley, Shaolin house, a bonesetting house, Zen sleeping house and outdoor demonstration places.

​Plans are much more “humble” and “far removed” from the previous “Hollywood style” proposal.

The proposal plans to use earthly materials and “touch the earth lightly” and buildings designed to be within nature, not competing.

Inspiration will be taken from work designed by Philip Cox and Glenn Murcutt.

The site would be pedestrian, not vehicle reliant, with removed car parking facilities.

It is planned some of the buildings could be of a rammed earth construction, using sandstone and dolerite from the quarry on the property, while some of the harvested timber from the pine forest could also be utilised during construction.


Shaolin Abbot, Shi Yongxin formally invites Shoalhaven Mayor, Amanda Findley to visit China.

The meeting heard the proposals would be on the same footprint as the previous proposal as approved by the planning commission.

Through translator Vinh Trang, the Abbott said he wanted to move forward with the project.

“The land is ours and after a few years of delay, which we are sorry for, we are now ready to move forward,” he said.

“We place a high value on the environment and trying to keep the synergy of the environment to move forward.

The original project was very ambitious and caused lots of stir in the Shoalhaven. The mindset now is different and I believe the community will be willing to get behind the new thinking brought to table.
- Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley.

“This is a very beautiful city as we know and we want to try and make it better.”

He said the plan was to start small but grow in time, if and when, required.

“It could be a good tourist attraction for the area,” he said.

Although there was still a lot of work to get the project off the ground, including issues such as sensitive environmental areas and problems over access, it is hope a development application would be lodged with council within the next six months.


Shaolin Abbot, Shi Yongxin's visit to the Shoalhaven has attracted lots of Chinese attention.

The Abbott also issued an invitation for Mayor Findley to visit the Shaolin Temple in China.

Mayor Findley said she was honoured to meet the Abbot and his guests from around China who came together to show a seriousness to progress the project.

“The original project was very ambitious and caused lots of stir in the Shoalhaven,” Cr Findley said.

“The mindset now is different and I believe the community will be willing to get behind the new thinking brought to table.

“I spoke to the Abbot about the local Aboriginal people and their connection to the land and how important it is to them, making strong beginnings and then progress those issues in a sensitive way.

“It is a pleasing place to be in and it is nice to meet and express all points of view on issues.”

She said the project has the potential to bring tourists and growth to the city.

“The Shoalhaven is experiencing a great connection already with China through tourism,” she said.

“Many inbound tourists to Jervis Bay come from China.

“Many come for a day and leave. Many locals are not aware that we have quite a large contingent of Chinese nationals visiting already.

“The accommodation side, as the project grows, will allow for people connected to the Shaolin movement to stay and enjoy the city and connect with the wellness opportunities the Abbot has identified in the Shoalhaven - the healthy lifestyle of clean air, good bushlands, beautiful seas and not wanting to disrupt that too much but to connect spiritually as well as in a healthy way.

“It is heartening to see the cabins were part of the project ongoing and they will sit better within the landscape. The Abbot has assured us should the project need to grow, it will grow over time as the need arises.

“Let’s start the project and wait and see what the pressures are.”

While in the Shoalhaven the Abbot was also shown the award winning Philip Cox designed Willinga Park equestrian centre at Bawley Point. There was also a visit to the proposed site at Comberton Grange.

Any more inside scoop from you members down under?

[GeneChing]

Letters to the editor 18 Sep 2017, 11:47 a.m.

Zen with a grain of salt

Abbot Shi Yongxin’s flying visit to Nowra last week (13 Sep 17) to meet with Shoalhaven City Council has brought the Comberton Grange development back to life with a proposal for a more “humble” Mark 2 Shaolin proposal with “Zen” as its theme. i.e. “self contemplation as the key to an understanding of the universe”.

Previously, Shaolin’s insistence on financing the development itself resulted in financial embarrassment for both council and developer.

This time the Abbot was accompanied by financial backers As it now stands, a condition of the 2014 Planning and Assessment Commission’s approval for development insists “that the site shall not be subdivided in any form and must be retained in single ownership”.

It’s been a lengthy and justly contentious journey so far. Shaolin have now held the site for 11 years and it is to be hoped that those councillors, who remain on council, and who were so uncritically enthusiastic about Shaolin Mark 1, will be more judicious in their appraisal this time round.

The Abbot has proposed a six-month interval to prepare a development application.

Meanwhile, if experience is a teacher, until the revelations of another development application and a good look at what “Zen” and humility translate to on site, the lesson is – “to be taken with a grain of salt”.

J. Gjedsted, Vincentia

Reminds me of a koan on salt. Or perhaps it was a zen parable.

[GeneChing]

MAY 21 2018 - 4:00PM
​Further works being carried out to lodge Shaolin Temple development application
Robert Crawford


Shaolin Abbot Shi Yongxin.

Work on the long mooted Shaolin Temple in the Shoalhaven is hoped to start by the end of the year.

But it won’t be the grand temple vision at Comberton Grange Falls Creek, the city has been previously sold.

Instead the project is taking a different course, a more sustainable fashion, with a view to stage the proposal.

Sydney town planning consultants and project coordinators, Urbis, have taken over as project managers for the Shaolin Foundation Australia, with director of planning Clare Brown saying moves had been made to modify the proposal.

The application seeks to modify the approved concept plan regarding the staging of the proposal and relocating the monks' accommodation and the Zen Hall.

The concept plan approved by the Planning Assessment Review also stated additional investigation work on site was required before a development application could be lodged with Shoalhaven City Council.

Ms Brown said that work was being carried out.

“Further survey work has been undertaken along Comberton Grange Road, while various technical experts have also been undertaking site reviews at the moment with a view to start the project,” she said.

“We know there has been lots of false starts on the temple previously but we are doing the investigation work to lodge the DA with council.

“We are looking at minor changes to the approval as it stands - stage one was for the bulk of the earthworks across the site.

“We want to move away from that and do the development in a more sustainable fashion.”

She said in the initial phase it was planned to establish accommodation for the number of monks who would be living at the site, as well as the meditation and martial arts hall.

“Rather than come in and do the whole development in one go, including all the earthworks, Shaolin is seeking to stage the development in a sustainable fashion,” she said.

Ms Brown, who has a Shoalhaven connection having grown up in Nowra and attended Nowra High School, understands the local feelings about the temple proposal.

“The Shaolin Foundation remains committed to the the project but it will not include the residential subdivisions or golf course,” she said.

“And the modifications do not seek to re-introduce that.

“There will be accommodation for people to come to the site - learn meditation or martial arts – the accommodation for that is part of the approval.

“There could be further stages of work at a later date.”

Ms Brown said work on the project must start before the concept plan approval lapses in September 2019.

“We must start before then and we are working with council. We are determined to get required approvals to physically start work soon,” she said.

This thread topic started in 04-21-2009.

[GeneChing]

This is really a fascinating project on so many levels.

NOVEMBER 2 2018 - 12:55PM
Latest Shaolin Temple Project plans to go on show
Robert Crawford


A preliminary concept plan of the layout of the Shaolin Temple Project at Falls Creek. Inset: Top - Kung Fu demonstrations will be undertaken at the temple - below - Shaolin Abbot, Shi Yongxin.

A community open day to bring residents up to date with the latest proposal for the Shaolin Temple Project south of Nowra will be held at Huskisson on Saturday, November 10.

The long-talked about Shaolin project has been on the drawing boards since 2008, and has undergone a couple of major redesigns in that time.

The project is planned for a 1200 hectare parcel of land off Comberton Grange Road at Falls Creek.

The open day will be held at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and as well as being updated on the project visitors will be able to meet monks and watch Kung Fu demonstrations.

In 2014, the Shaolin Foundation sought and gained conditional approval for a concept plan at the site.

The foundation recently applied to the NSW Government to modify the approved concept plan and will share the updated proposal with the community at the open day.

The conditional approval allows for a Zen Meditation Hall, Kung Fu Hall, various religious buildings, accommodation for monks, students and guests, a convention centre, retail and hospitality facilities.



Teaching and education facilities and a cultural museum, along with parking and road upgrades are also approved.

There are also moves to make it a staged development.

A modification has also being requested so that buildings can be relocated to parts of the site that manage any potential environmental impacts.

The updated proposal incorporates protection of riparian zones, habitat corridors, Aboriginal and European heritage, water and soil quality.


A preliminary concept plan of the layout of the Shaolin Temple Project at Falls Creek.

The South Coast Register understands there has been activity in the area with a number of different technical experts undertaking site reviews, such as survey work.

The original approval allowed for use of Comberton Grange Road for emergency access only while all other vehicular traffic was to be from the north via Forest Road.

The modification proposal is seeking access to the meditation sanctuary precinct and Kung Fu sanctuary precinct via Comberton Grange Road, however access would only be available to the resident monk population and servicing/ emergency vehicles only.

The monks will not drive private vehicles but will travel (if they travel at all) via mini bus.

They might be visited by supporters/patrons with some event days anticipated, however, traffic volumes are anticipated to generally be very low.

Access to the balance of the site is still via Forest Road/Charcoal Road.


Kung Fu demonstrations will be undertaken at the temple.

It is understood the amount of use for Comberton Grange Road will vary throughout the stages as the building of precincts is not all at once but over a period of time.

Public access to the meditation sanctuary precinct and Kung Fu sanctuary precinct will also be via Forest Road / Charcoal Road.

A statement released by Sydney town planning consultants and project coordinators, Urbis, said the focus of the Shaolin Temple Foundation was to blend life with nature in accordance with Buddhist religion and Kung Fu principles.

“The Shaolin has more than 1500 years of cultural heritage and hope to share this with the Shoalhaven community,” said Shaolin Master Yanchong.

“It will give visitors the opportunity to stay at the facility and connect spiritually, as well as physically, with the local environment.”


Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley with Shaolin Abbot, Shi Yongxin during their 2017 meeting.

A Shaolin information sheet say the temple would contribute to both employment and the local economy, providing a significant boost to sectors such as tourism and hospitality.

If approved, the updated proposal would take around 10-15 years to complete.

“This staged construction will allow for a more environmentally sustainable approach,” he said.

A meeting between Shaolin Abbot, Shi Yongxin and Shoalhaven City Council in September 2017, showed a considerable scaling back of the previously mooted $360 million project.

The golf course and residential precincts, featuring 300 dwellings, rejected by the Planning Assessment Commission, were gone with the Abbot focusing more on the heart of the Shaolin movement, meditation, well-being and Kung Fu.

Community members are invited to attend the open day between 10am and 1pm at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, Woollamia Road, Huskisson, to view information and ask questions.

The Shaolin Foundation has commissioned Urbis, an independent community engagement company, to collect feedback on their proposed modification plans and answer any questions from the community regarding the project.

You can contact the team on 1800 244 863 or email shaolintemple@urbis.com.au for further information or to share your ideas.

[GeneChing]

There are more pix. I just grabbed the last one.

NOVEMBER 15 2018 - 9:30AM
Shaolin open day attracts good numbers as new plans go on show
Robert Crawford


MARK OF RESPECT: Surrounded by his fellow monks Shi Yan Zhuang (seated) greets people at the Shaolin open day at Huskisson. Shi Yan Zhuang was described as the “main warrior”. Photo: Damian McGill

Chinese Buddhist culture was showcased in a unique Australian setting at the Shaolin Temple Project Open Day last weekend.

The open day, providing a community update about the Shaolin Temple Project at Comberton Grange, was attended by more than 125 people at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.

In 2014, the Shaolin Foundation sought and gained conditional approval for a concept plan at the site at Falls Creek, south of Nowra.

The foundation recently applied to the NSW Government to modify the approved concept plan.

Last week’s open day was designed to share the updated proposal with the community.

The modifications relocate parts of the proposal within the site to better manage environmental impacts, such as water and soil quality, incorporate the protection of riparian zones and habitat corridors.

The relocations will also help to preserve Aboriginal and European heritage items located on the site.

“I’m very happy to be back here in such a beautiful setting,” said Shaolin Master Yanchong.

“The focus of the Shaolin Temple Foundation is to blend life with nature in accordance with Buddhist religion and Kung Fu principles and there is no better place than here in the Shoalhaven.”

Shaolin traditions of meditation, Kung Fu and medicine were also on show at the open day, with community members watching Kung Fu demonstrations and participating in Chinese medicine tutorials and wellness meditation sessions.

Master Yanchong said the temple project would provide a boost in local jobs for the Shoalhaven area, particularly in the sectors of hospitality and tourism.

The conditional approval allows for a Zen Meditation Hall, Kung Fu Hall, various religious buildings, accommodation for monks, students and guests, a convention centre, retail and hospitality facilities.

Teaching and education facilities and a cultural museum, along with plenty of parking and road upgrades are also approved.

“The Shaolin Temple Foundation is very excited for the opportunities this project will bring the Shoalhaven area,” Master Yanchong said.

“It will give visitors the opportunity to stay at the facility and connect spiritually, as well as physically, with the local environment.”

There will be more information about the Shaolin Temple Project available in the coming months, with another open day planned for early 2019.

The Shaolin Temple Foundation has commissioned community engagement company Urbis to collect feedback on the proposed modification plans and answer any questions from the community.

[GeneChing]

Shaolin temple-inspired Lancefield home kicking up plenty of interest
Nathan Mawby
29 OCT 2018


47 Sherwood Court, Lancefield, could be Victoria’s only Shaolin temple inspired home.

EVER wanted to live in your own Shaolin temple?

With a karate dojo, guardian statues at the front gate and even a door from a 400-year-old Chinese monastery, the Wu Lin Retreat has kicked up plenty of interest since hitting the market.

Lancefield’s infamous Commercial Bank with ties to Ned Kell snapped up by historic building collectors


Shaolin Temple inspired Lancefield property for sale

James Sumarac and wife Shou Mei have devoted their lives to the martial and healing arts of the orient. And it shows. They’ve been living at an utterly unique Shaolin Temple inspired home where they’ve trained people from around the world in karate, tai chi and meditation. Picture: Jay Town

James Sumarac — a Goju Ryu karate expert with 49 years under his 8th dan black belt — and his Tai Chi and meditation teacher wife, Shou Mei, have run the home at 47 Sherwood Court, Lancefield as a training centre and accommodation space for guests from around the world.

It’s even appeared on Getaway and Coxy’s Big Break.

“The first time people see it they are shocked,” said Mr Sumarac, who is also trained in martial arts healing.

“As far as a purpose-built martial arts and healing centre, I don’t think there’s anything like this in Australia or New Zealand.”


Go on. Admit it. You’ve always wanted a dojo. Picture: Jay Town


And there are less physical ways to relax at the property. Picture: Jay Town

The property was hand built and modelled on a Shaolin temple and a Taiwanese village.

It follows Feng Shui principles — and has a few other traditional aspects, including a pair of Chinese guardian statues at the front gate.

“They are guardians of the property,” Mr Sumarac said.

The first is a subtle warning to think before doing anything bad at the property. The second, with a hand on a sword, is a much less subtle warning.


The property’s tranquil location also helps to keep the peace.


The guardian statues are hidden by a more welcoming garden.

Antique furniture from China, windows and doors, have all been imported.

Their bed was shipped in from Hong Kong and based on those once reserved for Chinese royalty and the exceptionally wealthy — though quite a bit bigger.

Four semi-detached guestrooms accommodate guests, often from overseas and interstate, who want to practice aspects of their martial arts disciplines.


Shou Mei in one of the property’s out buildings. Picture: Jay Town


Ancient monastery doors add to the character and the appeal. Picture: Jay Town

Andrew Winter: To sell or to renovate?Play Video
0:55
“We initially set the place up to operate like a bed and breakfast, and it has that potential, but we don’t really run it that way,” Mr Sumarac said.

Instead they’ve turned it into a popular wellness and martial arts retreat.

“It’s a holistic approach to martial arts with health management and fortifying yourself against disease,” he said.

“It went out of fashion for a while and now people are a lot more informed about traditional and authentic practices.”


The property also follows traditional design.

While the pair are sad to be moving on, they’re ready to downsize.

“You have to come to that realisation that there are different stages of existence and at a point you have to move on,” Mr Sumarac said.

Kennedy and Hunt real estate director Jason Kennedy said the 8ha allotment and the unique home was too difficult to price but had already attracted four prospective buyers.

“Parties looking for something unique as a retreat, meditation (centre) or weekend chill out,” Mr Kennedy said.

Nice crib.

[GeneChing]

I guess we'll revisit this next week.

FEBRUARY 26 2019 - 12:21PM
Shaolin to reveal latest Shoalhaven temple plans
Robert Crawford


PLANS: A preliminary concept plan of the layout of the Shaolin Temple Project at Falls Creek.

The community will get another chance to get the latest update on the proposed Shaolin Temple Project at Falls Creek, with a community open day this Saturday, March 2.

The open day will be held at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum at Huskisson and as well as being able to view proposed modifications for the project and get an update on its progress there will also be the chance to meet monks, watch Kung Fu demonstrations and chat to a Buddhist doctor.

Last November’s open day provided information regarding the project and further information will be available on queries raised by the community and stakeholders from that event at Saturday's open day.

“The Shaolin is excited to host this open day and provide follow up information to all those that requested it,” Shaolin Master Yanchong said.

“The Shaolin Temple Project is about providing benefits to the local area and we are here to answer your questions and provide up to date, factual information.”

Since the last open day better definition around placement of buildings and footprints have been made to the proposed modification and provided to the Department of Planning and Environment for review.

“Formal lodgement of the proposed modification is likely in the next two weeks and then a public exhibition period will be undertaken, providing the community and interested stakeholders with another opportunity to have their say.”

In 2014, the Shaolin Foundation sought and gained conditional approval for a concept plan at the Comberton Grange Road site at Falls Creek. The foundation applied to the NSW Government to modify the approved concept plan and since June 2018 has been sharing the updated proposal to gather feedback, answer questions and document community concerns.

The conditional approval allows for a Zen Meditation Hall, Kung Fu Hall, various religious buildings, accommodation for monks, students and guests, a convention centre, retail and hospitality facilities.

Teaching and education facilities and a cultural museum, along with plenty of parking and road upgrades, have also been approved.

A modification is being requested so that buildings can be relocated to parts of the site to better manage potential environmental impacts.

The updated proposal incorporates the protection of riparian zones, habitat corridors, Aboriginal and European heritage, water and soil quality.


Community members are invited to attend the open day between 9am and 3pm at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, Woollamia Road Huskisson.

The Shaolin Temple Foundation has commissioned community engagement company Urbis to collect feedback and respond to questions from the community regarding the project. You can contact the team on 1800 244 863 or email shaolintemple@urbis.com.au for further information or to share your ideas.

[GeneChing]

MARCH 22 2019 - 12:30PM
Shaolin lodges updated Falls Creek temple plans
Robert Crawford


ON SHOW: Shaolin monks with children at the recent second community information day at Huskisson.

The Shaolin Temple Foundation has lodged a formal modification application for its proposed temple development at Comberton Grange, Falls Creek, south of Nowra, including a move to deliver the project across a 10 to 15-year period.

The updated plans were lodged in February this year with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and will go on public exhibition soon.

The modifications have been proposed to better manage potential environmental impacts and incorporate the protection of riparian zones, habitat corridors, Aboriginal and European heritage, water and soil quality.

The Shaolin Temple Project, which it is estimated will inject $6.2 million annually in tourist visitation spend and approximately 600 direct local jobs, includes a Zen Meditation Hall, Kung Fu Hall, various religious buildings, accommodation for monks, students and guests, a convention centre, retail and hospitality facilities, teaching and education facilities and a cultural museum.

Located approximately 12 kilometres south of Nowra, off Comberton Grange Road, the Shaolin Temple Project is being designed by Australia's leading architect, Glenn Murcutt, who is renowned for his sensitivity to landscape.

The modification application lodged seeks to separate ​public and private spaces to improve harmony with the natural features of the site.


A break-down of the proposed precincts at the Shaolin Temple, Comberton Grange Falls Creek, according to the modified application.

Feng Shui principles and site conditions have been considered, which has resulted in the proposed relocation of buildings, while the project staging has been modified to improve sustainability and deliver the project across a 10 to 15-year period.

The Shaolin Temple Project will be located on the lower slopes of landforms and within the footprint of the pine plantation to ensure buildings will be viewed against topography and landscape and not against the sky, where they could dominate the setting.

We are excited to be a part of the Shoalhaven community and share our promotion of health, wellbeing and connection with nature.
Head of the Shaolin Temple Foundation, Master Yanchon

Various environmental management aspects will be implemented as part of the project including - measures to treat surface runoff and prevent pollutants running into the natural streams and their eco systems; minimal native tree removal during the construction process; and protected areas of native vegetation and wetlands will not be open to monks or visitors. specified walkways will be provided, and clear signage will outline where people can and cannot walk.


COMMUNITY INFORMATION: The Shaolin Temple Project’s recent second community information day at Huskisson.

By relocating the approved buildings, the Foundation says it is better able to protect the environment as the majority of building will be in the footprints of previously disturbed areas.

New roads that are required to be built within the site are intended to blend in with the natural landscape.

During the initial stages of construction, Comberton Grange Road will be used for access to and services of stage one of building.


The proposed time line.

For subsequent construction stages, and occupation, Charcoal Road (off Forest Road) will become the primary access point to the site. This road will lead to ample car parking in the north eastern corner of the site for visitors.

​It has been identified that the intersection of Princes Highway and Forest Road will require an upgrade as part of this project, and this will be completed prior to stage one of the project.

At a glance this is what is coming

Village Centre and Hotel precincts

21.4 hectares in total.
20,000 square metres retail/commercial/dining spaces.
10,000 square metres serviced apartments.
Convention halls to accommodate 600 people.
Outdoor amphitheatre.
218 room hotel and 16 cabins.
200 seat restaurant.
100 seat cafe.
Meeting rooms.
Village precinct is a mix of three and five story buildings.
Hotel precinct is a mix of four story buildings and single story cabins.
Accommodation is not for permanent residential use.

Information precinct

2 hectares in total.
1000 square metre information centre and museum facilities

Wellness precinct

2.3 hectares in total
10,000 square metre clinics and treatment areas for traditional Chinese medicines.
Three and four story elements.

Education precinct

5.3 hectares in total.
12,000 square metres of educational facilities in student accommodation.
Sports fields.
Three story buildings.

Sanctuary precinct - A, B and C.

44 hectares in total.
Residence for monks, initially 10 and later of 50 monks.
A Prayer hall.
Meditation hall.
Kung-Fu hall.
Temple buildings.
Amenities.
1-2 story elements and Pagoda up to 50m.

Agriculture

Existing location up to 1000 square metre storage huts.
Agricultural and farming


The benefits the Shaolin Temple Foundation says will come to the Shoajhaven.

It is expected by mid 2019 the DPE will do a preliminary assessment and review the submissions made in the exhibition period. Shaolin Temple Foundation will review issues and prepare a response.

By late 2019 DPE will assess the modification application and make a recommendation for determination.

More than 130 interested community members attended a recent second community information day on the Shaolin Temple Project at Huskisson.

Local community members met monks for a tea ceremony, Kung-Fu and acupuncture workshops at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.

An initial community open day in November informed the community about proposed modifications to parts of the Shaolin Temple Project, which was approved in 2014.

Head of the Shaolin Temple Foundation, Master Yanchong, attended the event to hear first hand the community's questions.

The Shaolin Temple Project will provide another reason for people to come and visit this tranquil place.

Head of the Shaolin Temple Foundation, Master Yanchon

"It was a pleasure to host a second open day to meet with the community, answer questions and provide more information on the proposed design of the temple project," Master Yanchong said.

"We are excited to be a part of the Shoalhaven community and share our promotion of health, wellbeing and connection with nature".


Architect, Glenn Murcutt visiting the Shaolin Temple in China in 2018.

On its website the Shoalhaven Temple Foundation says the project will provide a boost in local jobs for the local area, particularly in hospitality and tourism, with an anticipated $6.2 million annually in tourist visitation spend and approximately 600 direct jobs for the Shoalhaven LGA.


A concept of the plan for the Shaolin layout at Comberton Grange, Falls Creek.

"The Shaolin Temple Project will provide another reason for people to come and visit this tranquil place," Master Yanchong said.

It says the project will allow for people connected to the movement to introduce the Shaolin principles to others and integrate with Australian communities, with the aim to allow those who visit and stay within the Shaolin Temple Project to connect spiritually as well as physically with the local environment.

In 2014, the golf course and residential subdivision were not approved and so do not form part of the modification application.

For more information on the project go to www.shaolintemplenowra.com.au

Community engagement company Urbis is collecting feedback on the proposed modification plans and is available to answer any questions from the community.

You can contact the team on 1800 244 863 or email shaolintemple@urbis.com.au for further information or to share your ideas.

I guess we'll revisit this next week.

And by next week, I meant next month.

[GeneChing]

And so it goes...

MAY 3 2019 - 4:00PM
Shoalhaven community urged to look at new Shaolin proposal
Robert Crawford


The proposed Shaolin property at Comberton Grange Road, Falls Creek.

Vincentia resident and vocal opponent to the Shaolin tourism complex at Comberton Grange, Falls Creek, Judy Gjedsted has called for an extension to public submissions on the controversial project.

Updated plans for the proposed Shaolin Temple and Tourist Development went on public exhibition on the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) website on April 15.

Public submissions close on May 13, which Ms Gjedsted believes is too short a period.

"There needs to be an extension," she said.

"There is just so much information to wade through. A huge amount. There is something like 87 documents in the submission.

"I've asked the department for an extension, as I did last time in 2014.

"We seem to be having to make submissions on this every 10 years or so - we need longer than 30 days.

"And there are some major changes proposed.

"The original proposal has been turned on its head really.

"They haven't just modified a few things, I'm probably more familiar with the project than most, having followed it for so long but these are profound changes.

"I believe these changes will have more impact on people who live along Currambene Creek.

"And it is a proposal that could take anywhere up to 20 years to complete."

She has urged local residents, either for or against the project, to avail themselves of the proposal so they know what is being planned for the property and to make a comment.

"I still believe it will be very bad for Jervis Bay," she said.

"I'm also very suspicious of the financial arrangements. I can't see how a multi-million dollar project is being paid for by donations which is what Shaolin says is the source of the funding.

"And having the project to be developed over the next 20 years is far too long. How can we make decisions on what they are going to do over the next 20 years.

"I know I certainly won't be living to see it. I'm suspicious of what it might turn out to be."

The Department's South Coast Regional Strategy stated no new towns or villages would be supported unless compelling reasons are presented and they can satisfy the sustainability criteria.

"It will certainly be the biggest new town or village on that side of the bay," Ms Gjedsted said.


For further details or to make submissions on the Shaolin Temple modification which close on May 13, go to the DPE Major Projects website - http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.go...ob&job_id=9024

[GeneChing]

MAY 7 2019 - 10:29AM
Oversight lead to confusion over golf course in new Shaolin plans
Robert Crawford


A 2013 artist's impressions of what the original Shaolin Temple and Tourist Development at Falls Creek might have looked like.

AN administration oversight has been blamed for the golf course reappearing on amended plans for the Shaolin Temple and Tourist Development at Falls Creek.

The Shaolin Temple Foundation lodged a formal modification application for its proposed development at Comberton Grange, south of Nowra, in February this year, which are currently on public exhibition on the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) website.

Vincentia resident and vocal opponent to the Shaolin tourism complex Judy Gjedsted, who has scoured the amended plans, raised concerns when the golf course, which along with the residential component of the original proposal, was rejected by the department, have reappeared on documents.

Mention of the golf course appeared on a number of occasions in the Statement of Commitment document lodged with the amended plans.

A spokesperson for Urbis Pty Ltd, who has prepared the application on behalf of Shaolin Temple Foundation, said the inclusion of the golf course in the documentation was an "oversight".

"I can confirm that there is no golf course or residential component in the modification request submitted to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment," the spokesperson said.

There is no golf course or residential component in the modification request submitted to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

Urbis spokesperson

"This was an oversight in the paperwork in Appendix Q.

"No golf course or residential component was approved in 2014 so they are unable to be included in any modification requests."

"The commission's view on the original proposal was the water quality of Jervis Bay should not be adversely affected by the development," Ms Gjedsted said.

"The commissions reports stated 'the main impact on water quality will be from construction works in the shorter term and from urban development and management of the golf course in the longer term'.

"The commission confirmed golf course uses represented a significant risk to water quality and the considered a precautionary approach must be taken and therefore the golf course should be deleted from the original project."

Shaolin's amended layout includes co-locating the village centre and hotel precincts in the northern section of the site; relocating the Chinese garden, information, wellness and education precincts;the temple precinct itself will be reconfiguration into three sub precincts.


A break-down of the proposed precincts at the Shaolin Temple, Comberton Grange Falls Creek.

The plan also includes various amendments to traffic, stormwater, biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage conditions to reflect the amended concept plan.

The application states the proposed modifications would achieve superior outcomes in terms of climatic design and sustainability; separating public and private spaces through co-location of compatible uses in harmony with the natural features of the site.

To ensure the feasibility of the project, it is proposed that the elements of the concept plan be delivered in two overarching stages, comprising multiple incremental 'milestone' stages to be completed over a 10 to 15- year period.

At this stage there are no new artist's impressions as to what the new temple project might look like.

The Urbis spokesperson said it was expected updated information and images would be available once the modification request is approved.

The application is on public exhibition for comment until May 13.

For further details or to make submissions on the Shaolin Temple modification go to the DPE Major Projects website - http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.go...ob&job_id=9024

I don't play golf but I kinda want a Shaolin golf towel.

[GeneChing]

MAY 13 2019 - 10:54AM
Letters: 'Revised Shaolin temple plans raise even more questions'

...

Temple plans mystifying

Oops! So, two separate references to the return of a golf course to the Shaolin development on Comberton Grange are to be ignored as 'typos' (SCR, May 8).

How about a couple of others in the same document? Are 34.5 hectares of the habitat corridor up for grabs again?

And, can we expect a return to the prospect of camping or eco-tourist facilities within the Eastern Conservation Area and Habitat Corridor? Mistakes or not, that's three too many. The Statement of Commitments is meant to be taken seriously.

The tourism component "will remain predominant with associated residential development for every stage of the development".

The statement does not commit to the verbal advice I was given by consultants, Urbis, that, other than for staff, the apartments, cabins, hotel and whatever is available in the Village Precincts mix of three and five storey buildings will not be for permanent residential occupation.

The Temple Foundation's announcement that noted architect, Glen Murcutt, would be involved in the project's design was well received by an anxious public. But the proponents are asking for another 15 years, at least, to both begin and see an end in sight for the development.

The details of design will be ongoing. The Modification Request notes that they (the proponents) "consider that the work by an architect of such standing can be considered a cultural and landscape feature".

They also go on to say; "in the event that (if) Glenn Murcutt ceases to be the architect for the Sanctuary Precinct mitigation measures should be reviewed".

Roll on 2034 when (maybe) all will be revealed.

J.A. Gjedsted, Vincentia

Maybe I'll get my Shaolin golf towel after all. I'm an editor. Typos are my livelihood.

[GeneChing]

MAY 22 2019 - 2:55PM
Independent Planning Commission to decide on Shaolin development
Robert Crawford


A 2013 artist's impressions of what the original Shaolin Temple and Tourist Development at Falls Creek might have looked like.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) is collating submissions from the community as well as government agencies into the proposed Shaolin Temple and Tourist Development at Falls Creek.

But it already appears there will public hearing into the proposal, with a department spokesperson confirming there had been 25 objections, which meant the department would refer its recommendation to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) to make the final determination.

The Shaolin Temple Foundation lodged a formal modification application for its proposed development at Comberton Grange, south of Nowra, in February this year.

The application went on public exhibition for comment in April, with submissions closing on May 13.

Shaolin gained approved concept plans in September 2014 for nine precincts including the temple, education, village centre, health and wellness, hotel, information, heritage, Chinese garden and agricultural precincts where Shaolin can practice as well as share Shaolin teachings and culture with the Australian people.

The original concept plan was a joint venture that included a golf course and residential accommodation but those elements were not approved.

The modification request, prepared by Urbis Pty Ltd, on behalf of Shaolin Temple Foundation sought to amend the layout and built form of all development precincts, including co-locating the village centre and hotel precincts in the northern section of the site and relocating the Chinese garden, information, wellness and education precincts.

It is proposed the temple precinct itself will be reconfiguration into three sub precincts.

The plan also includes various amendments to traffic, stormwater, biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage conditions to reflect the amended concept plan.

The proposal said the development would be constructed in stages, to be completed over a 10 to 15- year period.

As the responses were still being collated the DPE spokesperson could not confirm how many submissions had been received.

"Once all responses are collated, the applicant will provide a submissions' report responding to all the issues raised," the spokesperson said.

"The department will then rigorously assess the modification based on the report as well all community feedback."

I hope I live to see some closure on this story.