Lands Strategy.Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Strategy
Public submissions close June 30 on vague plans to fast-track dwelling developments across the region by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC).
As previously reported, the Resilient Lands Strategy claims between 530 and 800 dwellings could be built near the Bruns highway interchange at Saddle Road, while between 340 and 500 dwellings are pegged for a large area just south of Bangalow.
Another area for medium-term development is earmarked between Bangalow and Binna Burra, on what appears to be near the Industrial Estate and on prime agricultural land.
Despite Mayor Michael Lyon refusing to comment to The Echo on the exact locations, or why he excluded other councillors from his closed door negotiations with the NRRC, he supported a Council motion last week that ‘Notes the total lack of detail contained within the (NRRC) strategy, making it very difficult for stakeholders and the community to understand its benefits and impacts’.
The motion, by Cr Asren Pugh (Labor), also ‘Reaffirms the importance of consulting with, and bringing the community along, in the development and implementation of [this] housing strategy’.
Additionally, it seeks, ‘a masterplan process that includes community consultation structures; identifies how transport, including public transport issues will be addressed; requests that Council’s full 20 per cent affordable housing contribution scheme be implemented; notes the lack of detail about the makeup of the rest of the proposed release areas – how many flood-impacted people will be housed?; Requests that significant portions of the sites in Byron Shire be used for food security, such as market gardens, and environmental rehabilitation; and notes the lack of any detail on the identification of required new or improved infrastructure, and the likelihood that the identified $100 million will not be enough for the whole strategy’.
To make a submission, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/northern-rivers-reconstruction-corporation.
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