Griffith City City Council has moved on a motion to move to a planning stage for potential housing in Lake Wyangan.
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Cr Anne Napoli put forward the motion at Tuesday night’s meeting, where it was carried unanimously.
The move will see council move to an “advanced planning stage” of the council-owned land on Smeeth Road and McCarthy Road.
The motion included provisions for a bill of quantities, meaning there could include details on things like pricing would be made available for developers.
Griffith property developer Pat Sergi wanted to see the plans come to fruition.
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“It’s good to see the council is in the process of developing. I hope they can make a good dollar out of it and put it back into the town as well,” Mr Sergi said.
“They might be able to see what private developers have gone through, and to see how tricky it can be too.”
Cr Napoli said she moved the motion because of community feedback on the lack of available housing.
“We constantly hear about not being enough land available and a shortage of rental properties. Our businesses are screaming for an increased workforce,” Cr Napoli said.
She said there is no time like the present to move on housing.
“If we’re able to offer land, land packages or make it available to developers it’s not such a big project,” Mrs Napoli said.
“This project would provide all the information to the developer. Now is the time. We need to do something.”
The move comes months after council was criticised by Griffith Business Chamber over a perceived lack of available housing blocks and rental properties.
Mr Sergi agreed Griffith needed more development around Lake Wyangan.
“Griffith does need more blocks. It’s great to see that side of the town developing. It’s a nice side of town for a start,” he said.
Mr Sergi wanted to see careful planning go into any proposed development or potential estate.
“We’ve got to be a little cautious. I don’t believe in doing a subdivision and having a packing shed in the middle. It can distort the subdivision,” he said.
“Timing is everything. This is the right time.”