Tumbling Waters sets record straight on development
By Bronwyn McGrath

Managing Director, Sonja Keller was not surprised when she received word of an anonymous letterbox flyer distributed to Stanwell Tops residents claiming proposed renovations were an ‘overdevelopment of the site.’
“We have had long dealings with a very vocal minority who seem determined to give us hell any time we make changes. One persistent objector has even had a restraining order placed against them,” Sonja said.
“Our family has been through a lot and we are well aware of the process we must go through. We are very happy to provide all the information the council and community require as to our plans for the retreat,” Sonja said.
The proposal includes converting the two bedroom residence at the retreat into a dining and lounge area for guests and building a new three bedroom caretaker residence where the existing cabin and garage are currently located.
“It is a council requirement that caretakers reside on site, so all we are trying to do is make a comfortable home for our family that is separate to the retreat,” Sonja said.
“Also the changes we want to make to the retreat in no way increase the number of guests, it just provides a common room for resident guests that is separate to the wedding function room.”
The letterbox flyer to Stanwell Tops residents delivered in January refers to the development as a ‘major alteration to the visual impact of the natural scenic beauty of the escarpment (and) costing some local residents the majority of their views.’
“We have been very careful to ensure that none of our neighbours lose their views and existing old growth trees bordering the property provide an effective screen for the development” Sonja said.
Local builder and Stanwell Tops resident Carl Clifford strongly objected to the flyer.
“The flyer was purely aimed at inciting objections and was based on opinionated and false information. The planned additions are no higher than the existing upper level roof and hence will have no further impact on the view of the escarpment or on the views of residents,” Carl said.
“We feel that our business has become an integral part of the community attracting tourists from around the world to the area. The majority of our 49 staff, suppliers and contractors are local people and we absolutely love living here and are passionate about what we do. We do not want to compromise the beauty and serenity of our natural environment,” Sonja said.
Plans for the alterations to Tumbling Waters are on display at the Library in Helensburgh or contact the owners at Tumbling Waters Retreat to view and discuss the plans.