News
28 April, 2026
EXCLUSIVE: Stockland sues Wingecarribee Council over rejected DA
A major housing proposal in Braemar has escalated to the courts. Stockland Development Pty Ltd has launched legal action against Wingecarribee Shire Council
A major housing proposal in Braemar has escalated to the courts. Stockland Development Pty Ltd has launched legal action against Wingecarribee Shire Council in the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales.
The matter is listed for a directions hearing on May 11.
The case centres on a proposed development at 61B Old Hume Highway, Braemar, known as the “Kamilaroi” site, previously home to a well-known antiques store and nursery.
Development Application 25/0241 sought approval for a 238-unit independent living development, along with subdivision works, community facilities, and the adaptive reuse of the historic Kamilaroi House.
The proposal carried an estimated investment of nearly $200 million.
Stockland, valued at $10 billion, is one of Australia’s largest property developers.
The project upon completion was to be known as “Halcyon Retreat,” targeting the seniors living market.
A former owner of the site had secured approval for a 129-lot low-density residential subdivision. The land is zoned R2 Low Density Residential and had been marketed as a traditional housing estate, with lots ranging from around 451 square metres to more than 1,000 square metres.
The Wingecarribee Local Planning Panel at a recent meeting backed council planners and refused the Stockland proposal.
While supporting the concept of seniors housing on the site, the Panel found the application lacked sufficient detail and certainty.
“The proposal is not yet well resolved,” the Panel said.
Key concerns included the scale of earthworks, with the extent of cut and fill described as “excessive.”
The Panel was “concerned” that the landform “is significantly altered by this proposal.”
The Panel also raised unresolved issues around road design, building pads and long-term site functionality. The Panel said they were unable to assess the design of individual dwellings due to the reliance on manufactured home provisions under the Local Government Act.
Despite acknowledging positive elements, including heritage conservation and bushland regeneration, the Panel refused the development.
The decision came more than 500 days after the application was first lodged.
Community opposition was limited, with four submissions received.
One submission argued the development would remove more than 100 potential residential lots in an area already facing housing shortages for families and first-home buyers.
That submission warned the proposal could place upward pressure on prices.
The submission also described the proposal as “not in the community’s best interests” and questioned the need for additional seniors housing in the Southern Highlands.
A second submission did not oppose the project but raised concerns about traffic impacts, particularly around Lomandra Lane.
No members of the public spoke for or against the proposal when it came before the Panel.
The Southern Wire has contacted Stockland for comment.
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