By Michael Burt
Urunga is one more step closer to being home to a landmark affordable housing development at Lot 1 Ferry Street.
Bellingen Shire Councillors voted unanimously last week to proceed with direct negotiations to transfer the public land to the Waterfall Way Community Land Trust (WWCLT) to build affordable housing for up to six local families.
The vote follows a community consultation period that attracted a whopping 280 submissions, 76% of which supported public land being transferred to the WWCLT for affordable housing. 21% of submission opposed it and 3% were unsure.
WWCLT Executive Officer Kerry Pearse said they are thrilled to be able to move ahead with plans to create affordable housing in the shire.
“The strong community support gives us the confidence we are working on something that is needed and that people care about,” Ms Pearse said.
“With regard to the ongoing concerns of neighbours, WWCLT is committed to working closely with them to understand what we can do to respond to their concerns.”
This next phase will include an independent valuation of the land, a proposed sale price if applicable, the creation of a probity framework for the transaction and key terms and conditions of any contract of sale. No decision on the disposal of the land will be made until these matters are considered.
“For its part, the WWCLT will be continuing to work on affordable modular housing options and financing packages for future residents – both vital elements for the success of the project,” Ms Pearse said
Mayor Steve Allan described the vote as “significant commitment” from Council whilst acknowledging the concerns of nearby residents and the Freinds of Ferry St group.
“These are valid concerns that will need to be fleshed out when we get further down the track to a development application stage,” Mayor Allan said.
“We do have overwhelming support for the idea of a community land trust as a viable way to address the affordable housing crisis in the shire. It’s a novel idea within Australia.”
Friends of Ferry St spokesperson Peter Dingle said the decision would enable “one of the most ill-conceived and destructive housing developments ever undertaken in Bellingen Shire.”
“Lot 1 is a landmark site on one of Urunga’s main entrances, boasting dozens of healthy trees including a group of magnificent, towering 80-year-old blackbutts.”
“Despite denials from the developers, all the big trees and most of the others will have to go, with the consequent loss of the many environmental, social, and visual values this irreplaceable little asset provides for Urunga, now and into the future.”