Federation Council has overturned a decision made last month not to enter into an agreement with the developer of a 495-lot residential subdivision in Mulwala to provide necessary infrastructure.
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A rescission motion co-signed by Cr Norm Wales, Cr Andrew Kennedy and deputy mayor Shaun Whitechurch to open talks with the developer of the North Street estate was successful on a 6-3 vote this week.
Council staff will now hold talks on works required, costs to be borne by the developer and timing of payments as part of a voluntary planning agreement between the two entities.
Concerns were raised last month about facilities in open spaces, upgrades to North Street and other intersections impacted and augmentation to sewerage and water infrastructure.
The initial offer from the developer was $850,000 towards the total cost of $2.975 million for sewerage and water infrastructure for a 500-lot subdivision with ratepayers funding the balance.
Cr Paul Miegel reiterated his opposition to entering into a VPA on the proposed terms.
"I'm just concerned we are not showing as a council a consistent approach and we are placing the ratepayers and council at a higher risk going forward," he said.
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But Cr Kennedy said no final deal had been agreed to with negotiations to recommence.
"I didn't agree with what they put up, but at least go back to them and try and work it," he said.
"I really want to see development happening in our towns because at the moment it's going nowhere.
"The more people we've got living in our towns the more assets and infrastructure you're going to get."
Cr Whitechurch said: "If we go into a voluntary agreement with these people they have to agree with what our staff are telling them we need.
"We are not going back to them and saying 'here is a hand up to get your development going'.
"We want to be able to negotiate."
"It's just purely giving us and the developer the option to go back and have a chat and see if we can meet on equal ground," he said.
Legal costs involved in drafting up a VPA will be borne by the developer.
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