Councillors voted unanimously at Tuesday night’s meeting to tell the NSW Department of Planning that choked access roads will substantially reduce the number of approvals they can issue at Cobaki Lakes near Tweed Heads, Kings Forest near Kingscliff and ‘The Rise’ development at Bilambil Heights.

Mayor of Tweed Councillor Warren Polglase said the planned road infrastructure required to service the three major land releases in the Tweed could not be built due to a projected funding shortfall caused by the new cap.

“The NSW Government has said we can raise annual rates to fund the shortfall. It is morally abhorrent that we should hit up ordinary ratepayers to fund developer’s infrastructure, and we won’t do it,” Councillor Polglase said.

“Growth in the Tweed Shire is twice the State average and three times the national average. We have a tremendous responsibility as elected members to deliver the infrastructure required for that type of growth.

“It would be irresponsible of us as a council to allow development to occur when we are unable to meet infrastructure needs. And it’s not just roads under threat – it’s public libraries, parks, community facilities and bus shelters.”

Without the additional road connections being provided by council, the developments will be constrained indefinitely. Other implications are that housing land availability will be reduced and the cost of residential land in the Tweed will rise substantially.

“The irony is that the State Government’s own population projections tell us to plan infrastructure to provide for substantial population growth on the next 25 years – yet they make it impossible for us to service that growth,” Councillor Polglase said.

“We have spent just $76 million on a new water treatment plant and committed another $35 million on sewer treatment infrastructure to service the growth we’ve been told we must have – and now this government’s own policies threaten to make those facilities expensive white elephants.

“This council has made a very bold and courageous decision in maintaining the growth in a sensible manner and that is now under threat.

“A large proportion of the people who live in the Tweed Shire are involved in some way with the construction industry and it is one of our major employers.

“We want to encourage young families to live in our beautiful shire and they also need jobs and affordable housing.”

Cobaki Lakes is being considered by the Department of Planning as a Part 3A Development Proposal with 5300 lots planned. Council estimates show that only 3007 lots could be serviced before access roads choke.

The unfunded infrastructure for Cobaki Lakes includes the duplication of the bridge over the Tugun Bypass to four lanes (with later upgrade to a full interchange) and the extension of Cobaki Parkway to the south with a bridge over Cobaki Creek connecting to Piggabeen Road.

Kings Forest is also being considered by the Department under Part 3A legislation, with 4500 lots planned. Council estimates that only 1267 lots could be serviced before the Tweed Coast Road is choked.

Under the cap, future developer contributions would not be sufficient to provide for the required duplication of the Tweed Coast Road to four lanes from the Chinderah Interchange to Casuarina.

The existing network connecting ‘The Rise’ to Scenic Drive and Piggabeen Road is constrained by the capacity of Kennedy Drive.

To view the Council reports and minutes, visit Council’s website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au and click on ‘Council meetings’.

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Ms Judge said the Residential Tenancies Bill 2010 is the result of a thorough review process and exhaustive consultation with landlords, tenants and representative groups.

“The passage of the Bill through the Parliament paves the way for a package of progressive reforms to take effect later this year,” Ms Judge said.

“The new Act is the biggest change to the State’s residential tenancy laws in more than 20 years.

“It delivers fairness, balance and social justice to hundreds of thousands of NSW families, whether they are tenants or residential property owners.

“The Opposition has criticised the Government for consulting with the community on a Bill it supported and voted into law.

“I make no apology for listening to individual landlords, tenants and representative groups in making a new law that will build a better future for hundreds of thousands of NSW families.

“I would like to thank the hundreds of people and groups representing all sides of the debate who have helped shape this historic piece of legislation.”

Minister Judge said that under the new laws:

• Protections for domestic violence victims will be enhanced.
• Tenants must be given at least one fee-free way to pay their rent.
• Landlords will regain certainty in seeking vacant possession of their premises.
• The termination notice for periodic tenancies will be extended to 90 days.
• The eviction process for non-payment of rent will be sped up by up to 18 days.
• More tenancies will be saved by making it easier to catch up on overdue rent.
• Tenants will be supported in making reasonable requests to make minor changes to premises or to sub-lease a spare room.
• Red tape for landlords dealing with goods left behind and rent receipts will be cut.
• Tenants will no longer be forced to have carpets professionally steam-cleaned when  vacating premises.
• Landlords will gain the right to show premises to prospective tenants or buyers at least twice a week.
• It will be easier for private tenants to take up an offer of a place in a nursing home or social housing.
   

The Government will now develop a regulation to support the new laws which will be exhibited for public feedback, Ms Judge said.

“Before the news laws commence we will also roll out a program of information sessions for landlords and tenants,” she said.

“I am proud to see this Bill passed into law, building on other reforms I have secured for the future – including new protections for tenants if their homes are repossessed because the landlord defaulted on loan repayments.

“These are vital reforms to residential tenancy law, which almost certainly touches the lives of every adult in the State, either as a tenant or landlord.”

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John McGrath, Chief Executive of McGrath (pictured with Ballina principal John Nicolson), said the company’s progression along the North Coast represented its strategic focus on key lifestyle regions in its national franchise expansion. 

Its progression along the coast also paves the way for its launch into South-East Queensland, with McGrath’s first office opening in Palm Beach soon.

Mr McGrath described the Ballina, Byron and Tweed regions as one of the most exciting and desirable real estate markets along the Eastern Seaboard and said it would be highly suited to McGrath’s innovative approach to marketing and technology.

“Ballina, Byron and Tweed Heads have a similar customer base to Sydney – we’re talking about intelligent, savvy home owners desiring greater service and a broader marketing reach in the sale of their properties,” he said.

“They recognise that buyer demographics in their towns are changing, with a larger proportion of buyers now coming outside their area, especially downsizers.

“We believe that McGrath can satisfy their hunger for better strategic marketing and the maximising of buyer competition.”
 
The Ballina, Tweed Heads and Palm Beach offices will be operated by principals John Nicolson, Ian Mills and David Mills, respectively. 

With more than 75% of internet hits on their website originating from Sydney, the trio described McGrath as a natural choice for the future development of their businesses.

The offices join McGrath after 23 years with the Elders network.

The Ballina office has been the national group’s No 1 non-metro office for the majority of the past 20 years.

It enjoys approximately 35% local market share and boasts Ballina’s largest property management rent roll with 625 residential properties and 245 commercial and industrial properties.

The Tweed Heads office has an equally impressive background – consistently among the national group’s top five non-metro offices, with multiple awards for marketing, sales and property management.

McGrath Ballina principal, John Nicolson, said Ballina/Byron Bay is one of Australia’s favourite sea change areas, while hinterland suburbs such as Bangalow and Alstonville were attracting tree changers.

Improving transport and infrastructure is advancing this trend, with daily Ballina-Sydney flights through Virgin Blue, Jetstar and Rex and highway upgrades shortening travel times to one hour for the Gold Coast and two hours for Brisbane.

The Ballina region continues to progress with the council pursuing a plan for marine facilities in Richmond River over the next few years to encourage the boating market.

Mr Nicolson said he and his business partners already had plans for a satellite office in Byron Bay. 

“Changing to McGrath allows us to take our businesses to new levels of service and marketing,” he said.

“McGrath’s exceptionally strong presence in Sydney combined with outstanding marketing and an extensive educated and affluent buyer database made it a natural fit.”

At Tweed Heads, principal Ian Mills said the Tweed Coast was one of the fastest growing and most beautiful coastal areas of Australia. 

Like Ballina/Byron Bay, it enjoys very close proximity to the Gold Coast and Brisbane and is a magnet for retiring Sydneysiders.

“We have been drawn to the McGrath brand as we see it as the pinnacle of the real estate industry and our success,” he said.
 
McGrath Ballina will service suburbs from Evans Head in the south to the northern areas of Ballina, Lennox Head, Suffolk Park, Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads and Ocean Shores. 

In the west, it will service Lismore, Alstonville, Bangalow and surrounding rural areas.

The Ballina office will also have an Oxygen Home Loans division – the financial services arm of McGrath. The office is at 176 River Street, Ballina.  The phone number is 02 6686 8000.

McGrath Tweed Heads will service the entire Tweed Shire including southern beaches suburbs Tweed Heads, the Tweed Coast and Tweed Valley; Bilambil Heights and Terranora; the Kingscliff region.

The office is located at 35 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads. The phone number is 07 5506 8900.

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The call comes from Lismore Nationals MP Thomas George, who says legislative changes could affect a large number of people in the region.

“The Rees Government doesn’t have a great record on community consultation, but it is seeking comments on its draft Residential Tenancies Bill 2009,” Mr George said.

The proposed reforms in the draft Bill aim to update and streamline the existing tenancy laws, as well as introduce new measures, including:

• Improving the fairness and transparency of tenant data bases
• Increasing the period of notice for evictions after the fixed term has ended
• Increasing flexibility in regard to alterations or sub-letting
• Encouraging tenants and landlords to identify and address security issues before they become a problem
• New dispute resolution measures addressing conflicts between co-tenants
• Streamlining processes for dealing with goods left behind when a tenant moves out
• Initiatives to encourage more long-term leases and reduce homelessness
• Incentives for landlords and tenants to save water.

Anyone interested in providing their views on the Bill can lodge feedback on-line through the Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. The website also has details of the Bill.

Residents without internet access should call the Department on 13 32 20.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 18 December 2009.

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Located at Broken Head just five minutes south of Byron Bay and 10 minutes north of Lennox Head on The Coast Road, Broken Ridge’s 109 acres represent the ability to co-exist with nature for the 12 owners and their children’s children.

Of the seven buyers to date, four are industry heavyweights, with two architects, a builder and a high-profile developer buying into the community title hamlet.

Not only do the buyers each own an acre of land with stunning and protected views, they also share in 94 acres of pristine coastal rainforest, creek and abundant flora and fauna.

Both the views and rural amenity of Broken Ridge are preserved forever as land beyond the hamlet’s boundaries is zoned either “rural” or “environmental protection”.

“I really appreciate the people and the lifestyle down in the Byron Shire and eventually want to live there,” said purchaser Michael Dullens, manager of Cottee Parker Living and Associate Director of Cottee Parker in Brisbane.

Mr Dullens, who has received several ARIA design awards for his architecture, also undertakes his own residential developments. 

“We had been looking for some time for land and everything else that was of reasonable size and proximity was above a million dollars,” he said.

“The prices at Broken Ridge are very good. We are going to use the property to showcase an innovative pre-fabricated home that will be environmentally and socially responsive as well as economical.”
 
Developer Anthony Cougle (pictured) and his wife Sam have also purchased at Broken Ridge.

The Cougles won the “Best Residential Development in NSW 2008” Award from the Urban Development Institute of Australia for their 250-lot coastal community North Sapphire Beach at Coffs Harbour, where they currently live.

“I am staggered that you can still buy an acre of such beautiful land a couple of minutes from Byron, Lennox and Broken Head,” said Mr Cougle.

“My wife and I know for sure that if we didn’t buy now, we would miss out as the market is definitely picking up.”

Only five lots remain. Tony Farrell from LJ Hooker Byron Bay is auctioning lot 10 at 6:30pm on October 14 at the Byron Bay Surf Club. 

Available land is currently priced from $406,000.00.
For details visit www.brokenridge.com.au or call Tony Farrell on 6685 7300.

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Council’s Director Planning and Regulation, Vince Connell, said the launch was an important milestone in the Development Assessment Review project, and Tweed Shire Council’s ongoing efforts to become a Statewide leader in efficient development assessment practices.

“Staff have been busily working towards and promoting the introduction of e-planning practices, with the primary goal of providing Tweed Shire residents and businesses with more efficient and customer-focused development assessment processes,” Mr Connell said.

“The full implementation of e-planning will involve a major learning curve and cultural change for council staff, local businesses and citizens, and will take several years to complete.”

The latest launch involves the introduction of new and extensive e-planning web services, including customised property enquiry, DA Tracking and improved mapping functions.

The initial release of the new services took place in June with the launch of new DA preparation Kit and comprehensive web site information.

As part of that launch, from 1 July, 2009, all DAs must be submitted in both hard copy and electronic format.

“For the benefit of our web site users, our staff have prepared a series of user-friendly instructions on how to use the new electronic functions,” Mr Connell said.

Click on the following link below to be taken to video presentations within the Planning/Development/Building section of Council’s web site, as well as links to the new DA Tracking, Property Enquiry and mapping functions.

http://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/PlanDevBuild/ePlanningLaunch.aspx

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With full support of regional estate agents and builders, Elevation is well on the way to a sell-out of its latest release and is already in planning for construction of the next stage, for expected completion early next year.

Elevation is positioned at the very top of North Creek Road in Lennox Head, with uninterrupted hinterland views preserved in perpetuity through zonings.

Nurtured as a country estate by the sea, the community is bounded by majestic established trees and an historic dry stone wall built by the Henderson family in the 1850s.

Generous plantings of mature native trees and a state-of-the-art childrens’ playground with swings, a slide, cubbies and climbing structures have been key factors in many of the estate sales.

“We’ve just last week received DA approval for Stage Three at Elevation from Ballina Council,” said Gary Ingram, from developer Urbex.

“I’m not a bit surprised at the strong sales and I expect to see a lot more. It’s superb land at a superb price and there is no other comparable land available in Lennox Head at this point.

“It’s a good time to buy and the market is reflecting that.”

On-site Marketing Manager Garth Hudson said: “We have 14 homesites available, including some of our best, at prices likely never to be repeated in the rising market predicted for the final quarter of this year.

“For buyers with an eye for value, we have a great selection of high, level blocks some with ocean glimpses and all with ocean breezes, ranging in price from $260,000 and in size up to a very private 2334m².”

As growing numbers of Sydneysiders move in, Lennox is accommodating them as well as the increasing numbers of Byron Bay residents taking a seachange to Lennox.

A sophisticated retail and restaurant strip is quietly developing and luxurious apartments are appearing not only in the beachfront strip but within the village itself.

To date locals have been by far the biggest purchasers at Elevation, with more than 70% of sales going to Northern Rivers residents.

Call Garth on 1300 762 552 to chat about Elevation or visit www.elevationlennoxhead.com.au

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By assisting applicants with preparing better quality development applications and reducing the times spent requesting further information, Council hopes to speed up DA processing times by several weeks.

The kit contains updated Development Applications and Construction Certificate forms; a step-by-step guide to the sequence of development and building assessment processes; a comprehensive guide to preparing a development application and checklists for the 12 common development types to assist applicants and staff in making sure a DA has all the right information for lodgement.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Joan van Lieshout officially launched the new DA kit at a function at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium yesterday.

The event was attended by representatives from local planning and building consultancies, resident and ratepayers groups and Council staff.

“The Tweed community wants greater transparency and accountability in Council’s decision-making processes,” Cr van Lieshout said.

“In recognition of this, over the last 18 months, Council has undertaken major organisational reviews, to critically analyse its strengths and weaknesses and implement organisational improvements.

“I strongly believe that by providing a clearer explanation of Council’s development assessment processes and DA submission requirements through this kit, the quality of DAs lodged in the Tweed Shire will be greatly improved.

“It will make it easier for applicants knowing exactly what information is required at the time of DA lodgement.”

Tweed Heads planning and development consultant Darryl Anderson welcomed Council’s move towards DA checklists and more use of online lodgement and assessment.

“From what I can see so far from a consultant’s point of view, any improvement which provides more efficiency, improved processes, greater certainty and better outcomes would be welcomed by the industry,” he said.

“And by better outcomes of course I mean reduced processing times but also fewer appeals and better acceptance of Council’s planning decisions by members of the community.”

Mr Anderson was particularly looking forward to the upcoming release of detailed mapping information for use by consultants such as himself and the general public.

“There will be greater cost-effectiveness if mapping can be accessed online – it’s critical information in the planning process,” Mr Anderson said.

The secretary of the Kingscliff Ratepayers and Progress Association, Julie Murray, also applauded Council’s new kit.

“We’re extremely pleased Tweed Shire Council has listened to the community’s concerns and put out an easy-to-read document which will enable prospective developers to have their DAs processed more efficiently and thoroughly because of the step-by-step process provided by Council,” Ms Murray said.

Council’s Director of Planning and Regulation, Vince Connell, said the planning and building sections of Council’s website had also been greatly improved to provide a stronger customer focus.

“We encourage interested members of the community and the industry to go online at www.tweed.nsw.gov.au to view the new information and provide us with feedback on any suggested improvements,” Mr Connell said.

The next stage of the planning improvement project is scheduled for August 2009, with new online functionality including property inquiries, DA tracking, automation of internal Council processes and greatly improved mapping.

Council will move towards the introduction of further e planning services in 2010/11.

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“With three children we were impressed with the playground, the level building blocks, the sea breezes and views,” he said.

The recent drops in interest rates and the increase in the first home owners grant have seen interest in new land in the coastal village escalate.

Sonya Keenan is Marketing Manager for Indigo Group, joint venture developers of Elevation with Urbex.

“In this current market we have set prices at the lowest possible level” she said.

“Lennox Head is protected for buyers compared with elsewhere in the country.

“We have projects along the East Coast of Australia and Lennox is unique.

“There is very limited residential land here, the infrastructure is good and access is tremendous, with ongoing upgrades to the Pacific Highway and the local presence of a national airport.”

Mr Radburn said: “You won’t buy land in Lennox Head at a better price.”

Mr Radburn purchased his block in February 2008 and plans to move in either April or May, depending upon the rain. Until then the family are renting in Byron Bay’s Links Apartments.

Blocks released recently are selling for the same price or better than Stage One, with blocks in Stage Two going for between $260,000 and $355,000.

There is also a range of well-located architect-designed home and land packages available as a very special offer within Stage Two, priced from $525,000.

Local developer Neil Hoolihan can also spot a good buy. He too has purchased at the community.

“It’s position position here at Elevation” he said. “It’s handy to the beach and has good red volcanic soil.”

Elevation has been nurtured as a country estate by the sea, with an historic dry stone wall dating back to the 1850s bounding the community to the east.

To the west the estate offers panoramic hinterland views that are preserved in perpetuity through zonings.

The developers have invested heavily in landscaping to complement the site’s iconic natural features.

Generous plantings of mature native trees and shrubs support the estate’s majestic established trees.

A ‘slow movement’ environment is being promoted with extensive landscaped pathways linking residents to community facilities and each other.

To date locals have been by far the biggest purchasers at Elevation, with more than 70 per cent of sales going to local Northern Rivers residents.

Call Lew on 1300 762 552 to chat about Elevation or visit www.elevationlennoxhead.com.au

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Prior to Christmas the site achieved concept approval of the proposed masterplan and project approval for stage one from the Minister of Planning under the SEP 3A planning regime.

The developer secured approval for the NSW Minister for Planning for a high-quality development, providing around 832 residential dwellings with a total population of about 1737 people, which will significantly increase Lennox Head’s current population.

The masterplan approval includes 481 residential home sites, 312 retirement units, a shopping centre, tavern and community centre and provision for medium-density housing.

The site is to be sold by expressions of interest closing Wednesday 25th February and the campaign is being managed by Colliers International  directors Jon Chomley of the Sydney office and Darrell Irwin of the Gold Coast office.

Over the last few weeks Mr Chomley and Mr Irwin have been fielding calls from around Australia, after interested development groups were referred to the agency from PriceWaterhouse Coopers.

“We have had interest from groups with residential, retirement and retail development capabilities or similar projects already in their portfolios given the site has an existing concept approval,” Mr Chomley said.

The 80.48ha property, currently under the title of Pacific Pines Estate, is located at the southern end of the pristine Seven Mile Beach and 5km east of the Pacific Highway.

Mr Irwin said a key element of the masterplan is much-needed local amenities such as the shopping centre, which presently would comprise of up to 3000sqm of retail shops, 800sqm of commercial floor space, 25 shop-top dwellings and 280 on-site car parks, and the 300sqm community centre to be designed in conjunction with Ballina Shire Council.

“A long-term management strategy is already in place to protect onsite habitat, with a number of parks and conversation areas,” he said.

“The property is literally a walk-up start for a development group seeking a presence in the popular sea change destination of northern NSW.

“At the moment Lennox Head is dominated by the 25 to 39 age bracket with young children at home, offset by a lower proportion of those aged over 60 years.

“This profile is a result of both past property supply, product and price conditions, where higher-priced and larger lots dominate and genuine retirement product is limited.

“In contrast, nearby Ballina has a very high proportion of retirees, considerably above the NSW benchmark, which illustrates the attractiveness of the area as a lifestyle and retirement destination.

“The growth of Lennox Head has been substantial over the last few years, which can be credited to upgrades to the Pacific Highway from the Gold Coast to Ballina, and very tight controls for any new development in Byron Bay.”

Mr Irwin said undertaken properly, the location, topography of the holding and masterplan in place will create a development akin to the highly successful and acclaimed Casuarina Beach and Salt Village communities on the New Tweed Coast, and even Robina/Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast.

“Pacific Pines Lennox Head has a raft of potential for the right development group which is in a financial and strategic position to move now and secure the property from administrators,” he said.

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