NSW government development corporation, Landcom, has now refused to answer any questions around its proposal to build 32 tightly-packed affordable rental homes in Mullumbimby.
Landcom, in partnership with Council, have faced fierce criticism from residents, owing to a lack of transparency and process around the project.
Flooding and impacts on surrounding businesses appear to have not been addressed within development application (DA) 10.2025.212.1, which is now on exhibition on Council’s website. If approved, it could pave the way for density comparable to planning found in city areas. Landcom and Council have also refused to say why no other alternative sites were proposed or explored.
Echo questions to Landcom:
‘The proposed development will have a height of 11.54m. Does this include the 1m of ‘flood fill’?
‘Can Landcom guarantee that the ground floor of the development (shops and car parks) will not flood?
‘The Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report identifies traffic as being a problem relating to the laneway and Burringbar Street. The DA claims this will be mitigated via the Mullum Master Plan (2019). In other words, there are no designs or budgets to address this issue other than to rely on Council to address this at some point in the future. Is that correct?
‘The DA does not recognise local businesses which require the existing public carpark for deliveries and services. Access will be blocked, and no impact or mitigation is included. Why did this occur and will this be rectified?’
Landcom history
As a recently-established corporation that is a development arm of the NSW government, it has a history of upsetting those who are impacted by their developments. According to www.southwestvoice.com.au in 2023, the loss of access at a project at Macarthur Heights in southwest Sydney, led to residents saying they were being ‘shafted’ by Landcom.
Landcom’s Jackson Vernon told The Echo as the DA is on exhibition, ‘we’re limited in provided detailed commentary while the process is underway’.
The Echo has asked which law prevents Landcom from making comments on a DAs.
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