Speaking to The Examiner, Cambria Green Agriculture and Tourism Management chief executive Ronald Hu said less than 0.2 per cent of the almost 3100-hectare site would be used to the development. 

While no official development application has been submitted for the historic site so far, a specific area plan has been developed.

Mr Hu said the site would be developed in different stages. 

The first stage of development is expected to include the restoration of the historic Cambria Homestead, which will be used for wedding and conference venues. Accommodation of about 120 rooms in units and villa style, continuation of agricultural activity, links style 18 and nine-hole golf courses and rehabilitation and revegetation of some land areas.  

“To date, we have proposed no specific development. Any further development proposals will go through a regular development application process in accordance to the planning scheme,” Mr Hu said. “Once the outcome of the current amendment process is known … detailed designs are undertaken. We are seeking no special processes or legislation.”

From community consultation, Mr Hu said some of the outcomes included ensuring employment would support a more permanent population, and that staffing would be reliant on being located at Swansea. 

“Any further use of the existing airstrip would be subject to a discretionary application at the time of making a development application,” he said. “The application would need to demonstrate that the operation of flights did not result in unreasonable impact on the adjoining residential areas.” 

Mr Hu said it was his desire to work with the community over the next decade and beyond to enhance the area’s values. 

President of the East Coast Alliance Anne Held said Mr Hu’s comments were “interesting”. 

“We believe up until now there has been very little approach to the community,” she said. “I think the community would have expected a lot more than one open day and a couple of community meetings organised by a local organisation.” 

A public meeting about the future of the state’s east coast will be held on Tuesday in Hobart at the Town Hall from 1.10pm.