Ballina backs review of higher developer contributions

Ballina Shire Council has backed a review that would seek IPART approval to charge residential developers above the current State Government cap, with the Finance and Facilities Committee voting unanimously at its 10 June meeting in Ballina.

The committee supported a draft review of the Roads and Open Spaces and Community Facilities contributions plans using a possible cap of $35,000 to $40,000. It also backed work on a phased-in approach to any increase.

The minutes say that range is considered a reasonable limit based on cost increases since the $20,000 cap was introduced in 2010. Officers are also to examine a new Section 7.12 Contributions Plan for works that do not meet the Essential Works List required for IPART-approved plans, as well as other development not levied Section 7.11 contributions.

The Section 7.12 plan will also look at options to increase the level of developer contributions collected for car parking improvements.

The review was one of several planning and property items dealt with by the committee. Council also noted a planning analysis by Planit Consulting Pty. Ltd. for the corner of Snapper and Hutley Drive in Lennox Head, and agreed to keep monitoring the site.

Future delivery and operational plans are to include a review of the development potential for the Lennox Head site on a recurring two-year basis.

The meeting also adopted a revised Financial Assistance (Hardship) Rates and Charges Policy and placed it on public exhibition for comment. Any submissions are to be resubmitted back to Council.

Council also authorised the General Manager to arrange steps to issue a winding-up order against Shelly Beach Holdings Pty Ltd to recover outstanding rates and charges.

In confidential session, the committee backed notice to the owners of 4-6 Park Avenue, Alstonville, 79 Bayview Drive, East Ballina, and 107 and 109 Swift Street, Ballina, that Council intends to proceed with sale of the properties under section 713(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 if the debts are not settled. The General Manager was also authorised to proceed with public auction and set a reserve price based on market valuation if payment is not made before the auction date.

The committee also rewrote the Community Property Leasing and Licensing Policy and adopted it as Property Leasing and Licensing - Not-for-Profit Groups. Council said it would write to submitters, lessees and licensees affected by the changes, and will bring back a further report on rents for preschools and community childcare centres.