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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Cr Spooner’s argument for Mullum development a bit lame

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Gee, Cr Paul Spooner, the strength of your support for this sub-division (Echonetdaily letter 12.7.16)  re the DA at 116 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby, and your detailed points of argument for the validity of this development are, to me, just as intriguing as the fascination you feel at the fact that others find this proposal objectionable.

First up, it is true that there are people sleeping in parks and under bridges in our town, but I’m not quite sure where to look to hide my embarrassment for you when you seem to think that offering three only out of ten units, for questionable low-cost accommodation, built by an out of town consortium is somehow going to alleviate low-cost housing stress in Mullumbimby.

Koho Projects, the proponents of this development, seem to be seen as worthy developers in your eyes.

Never mind the fact that they are offering up ‘The Kollective’ development in  Byron Bay with two-storey one-bedroom loft style apartments starting at $405/week; not to mention their other development the Wellbridge Medi Hotel  at Bundall in Qld with unknown costs attached.

The claim that Paul Spooner makes regarding Mullum not wanting to end up with over priced developments like Byron Bay withers with the consumption of the price tags this consortium attaches to their projects.

Seems like three singles/couples get to pay at reduced rent while the other seven get to pay at least upwards of $375 a week in rent. A bit of a tall order to hang your coat tails onto I reckon when claiming this is a boon for low cost housing.

Also Paul Spooner you seem to have scant regard for the fact that this area is still zoned R2, a heritage listed area. No it’s not a yuppy listed zone as you may suggest, it’s the towns soul. Butt out mate, according to the many submissions submitted to council from people who actually live here.

Koho claim that they deliver turnkey developments in affordable and disability living. They claim to be specialists in the development of NDIS ready supported accommodation, and they have mentioned in their DA for 116 Stuart St. (item 2. Keys aspects, bullet point 8 in their DA) that this development would be suitable for people of senior years or with disabilities.

But how in hell is someone going to get up the stairs to bed in a wheel chair and how is a carer going to get someone into the tiny bathroom and navigate onto the loo in the same situation?

Overall Paul Spooner your irascibility at local folks’ objection to this development and your seemingly obvious neglect of the bleeding obvious that there are possibly carpetbaggers behind this proposal is disappointing.

We all know of your valuable work at the Byron Community Centre and laud you for it. But to hitch your wagon to those proposing this DA who could just be seen as chancers, leaves this observer quite despondent.

Tony Campbell, Mullumbimby

 

 


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1 COMMENT

  1. Yes, looking forward to visiting older frail residents and helping them up from the floor at the bottom of the stairs….better get those un-used beds at the new Byron Hospital made up now.

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