Albury and Wodonga councils have embarked on their most ambitious joint project since the creation of the Two Cites, One Community partnership with secret talks well advanced to buy land on Gateway Island.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Confidential discussions were held at the end of the two councils most recent meetings with confirmation emerging this week of a "strategic land purchase" relating to a Riverside Experience project.
The confidential resolution carried at the Albury Council meeting has given chief executive Frank Zaknich the green light to "finalise negotiations" and execute the transaction, but Wodonga Council meeting minutes reveal minimal detail.
The Albury minutes also state council "make application to the NSW Minister for Local Government seeking consent for a potential joint venture or partnership with Wodonga City Council and receive a further report on the outcomes of the due diligence process to determine next steps".
The Border Mail attempted to seek comment from both councils on the potential land purchase.
IN OTHER NEWS
It's understood the federal government is aware of council's interest in a joint venture on Gateway Island.
The Weatherall Masonry site is on the market, but selling agents L.J. Colquhoun Dixon also declined to comment when contacted.
A deal was struck with Albury-Wodonga Corporation more than two decades ago to transfer the entire Gateway Lakes site to council.
The council is arranging a workshop with interested parties including the federal government.
It completed its latest master-plan for Gateway Island in 2017 and included a high end holiday and tourism park on a long list of potential uses.
The council is the ultimate consent authority for any development in the area, but North-East Catchment Management Authority has repeated previous concerns about major development on the flood-prone area.
"The land close to the river is quite low and quite deep flooding," a spokesperson said.
"We would consider each application on its merits."