Parkes Shire Council has knocked back a request from a local property developer for financial assistance towards road works associated with a rural subdivision north of the Back Trundle Road.
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In a letter tabled at a council meeting, the developer sought assistance with the formation and sealing process of a section of a lane that forms the frontage of the development.
The developer offered four options to council in regards to the area known as No Mistake Lane.
They came with varying costs to council of $47,092, $52,598, $81,160 and $83,400.
In his letter, the developer suggested other developments of a similar nature had received favourable treatment from council.
This was rejected by council with all past developments adhering to council’s policy structure.
In this instance, council opposed providing financial assistance to the project because of the private and commercial interest that would be derived by the developer.
However, Cr Kenny McGrath believed council should adhere to the request.
“Council will benefit greatly from future rates, and yet the developer is expected to seal No Mistake Lane. I think it’s wrong,” Cr McGrath said.
“No Mistake Lane is our road, not his, and he should be given help with this development.”
Mayor Ken Keith replied that the developer would be the sole beneficiary from the subdivision.
He questioned whether council would seal the lane if the development wasn’t happening.
The answer was no.
“If we assist one developer then we will have to do the same for others in the future.
“And what would past developers think? We would certainly be setting a precedent.”
Cr Keith said that in the past all property developers had contributed financially towards the costs of roads within their subdivisions through the sale of blocks of land.
Cr Barbara Newton said that while the area was a lovely site, with wonderful views and would prove of future benefit to the shire, in the end council wasn’t in a position to be part of a commercial decision that benefits a developer.
She said there were other roads in the shire in need of serious work.
“Roads that service the wider community are certainly in need of expenditure,” Cr Newton said.
Cr Patrica Smith agreed.
“I agree that it’s a lovely site and would like to think that it is part of a progressive area of Parkes,” she said.
“I see fully what the developer wants to do and it’s a pity council can’t help out.”
Mayor Ken Keith had the final say on the matter.
“To vary from council’s existing policy would be to the benefit of the developer,” he said.
Councillors decided not to accede to the request for financial assistance.
Cr McGrath had his vote recorded against the motion.
At the same time, council will investigate the feasibility of having a six metre road width for the internal roads within the development and also for the No Mistake Lane access.
