Muswellbrook Shire Council has slammed a property developer’s claims that it’s placed affordable housing and NDIS accommodation at risk.
OIA Group took aim at the local government organisation earlier this week for prolonged delays to its $50 million Denman Park Estate.
The company asserted the much-needed venture was being pushed to the brink of commercial unviability due to hold-ups over the past two years.
It also declared council sought infrastructure contributions of nearly 25% of the project’s total value, including stormwater and road works that primarily service surrounding developments rather than the site itself.
OIA Group’s $50 million Denman Park Estate.
But, Muswellbrook Shire firmly rejected the accusations, stating they misrepresented its position.
“Housing supply is a serious issue that requires a serious response,” a spokesperson said.
“No-one’s more concerned about delivering quality affordable housing than Muswellbrook Shire to ensure our population continues to grow.
“Council approved the Denman Park Estate proposal.
“The developer has now submitted construction design drawings… and these are being reviewed by staff.
“Denman is part of the shire’s urban release area, which will see the population of the small town more than double.
“However, we need to get it right to protect the interests of the community and ensure Denman remains a desirable place to live.
“New roads, stormwater drains and footpaths become the responsibility of council to maintain.
“They need to be designed to keep the community safe and to keep maintenance costs to a minimum.
“The timeframe for the proposal reflects the quality of the designs and the scale and complexity of a $50 million, multi-stage greenfield development with significant impacts within the shire and the Hunter.”
Despite OIA Group’s allegations, council is continuing to work with the company through the final stages of the process to deliver the best outcome for everyone.
“But, we won’t accept sub-par consultants’ reports, which put a burden on council staff to review and improve while they’re already stretched dealing with large scale mine and renewable energy applications,” the spokesperson said.
“Council has worked to reduce costs for this development, including part-funding water infrastructure, reviewing the contributions plan and ensuring that they are shared across neighbouring proposals.
“Developer contributions are calculated under an adopted Contributions Plan in line with NSW Government guidelines.
“They fund essential infrastructure including road upgrades, shared pathways, drainage and community facilities that enable new housing to function safely and sustainably.
“Without these contributions, Muswellbrook Shire ratepayers would be forced to subsidise private development through increased congestion, flood and fire risk, degraded infrastructure and maintenance costs.”
Mayor Jeff Drayton went one step further.
“Developers’ margins are not council’s concern,” he said.
“We need to make sure that all developments meet the standards expected by the community and doesn’t place future financial costs on ratepayers.”
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