Speaking ahead of a decision to open tenders for a seven lot subdivision in Walla, member Daniel Nadebaum urged council to give it the green light.

“In recent times blocks of land at Jindera have become too expensive for some wanting to move away from centres such as Albury,” he said.

“Walla is at the tipping point of becoming a more established town – something like a few more attractive blocks of land will really take the town up a notch.” 

In a submission to council accompanied by letters of support from four businesses, the committee stated in July there were only two blocks of land for sale where a house could be built.

“Lack of choice has led to a number of families wanting to build in Walla Walla having to move to another town,” it read.

“Recent developments of a chemist and doctor’s consultation room in the town need to be sustained by increased demand, otherwise they will not be viable.”

A cost estimate has found the subdivision at Jacob Wenke Drive, ranging from 941 square metres to 1166 lots, would cost $354,582.

It could be paid for out of council’s Land Development Reserve and future sales at the Jindera Industrial Estate, general manager Steven Pinnuck said in his report.

He recommended that tenders be called before council make a final decision.

“Clearly undertaking a residential subdivision in Walla Walla comes with significant risk due to the current market value of land,” he said. 

“It is the writer’s view that it is a greater risk to the long term financial sustainability to do nothing.”

Councillors voted to proceed with tenders.

Cr Denise Osborne said the final report, to be presented at the March meeting, would tell “warts and all” the total costs to the shire.

“We have to take into account we will be approached for similar projects in Henty and Culcairn,” she said.