Kyogle Council suspends developer fees on most developments

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Kyogle Council is not just open for business it is actively encouraging development in a bid to grow the local economy.

At its 12 March meeting, Council voted unanimously to waive charges and contributions on all development across the local government area except for heavy haulage projects and most subdivisions.

Council hopes by waiving the charges and contributions it will encourage developers to bring forward key projects that will boost the local economy and grow jobs.

The policy, which will be reviewed after two years, is in line with Council’s Community Strategic Plan which seeks to grow the area’s ‘cultural diversity and its economy through investment in services, infrastructure and sustainable businesses’.

Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said Council’s decision to suspend developer fees showed that it was ready to do business and prepared to go the extra mile to partner with investors to grow job opportunities and enhance the liveability of the local government area.

“I see this as a window of opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to expand their existing business or develop a new one without the added burden of developer fees and charges,” she said.

“Like all windows, this one won’t remain open forever so you’ll need to get in reasonably quickly.”

The new Developer Contributions and Charges Discounting Policy will apply to all development applications issued by Council and completed before the review of the policy in March 2020.

And while most subdivision applications will still attract developer contributions, Council previously resolved to waive charges for small lot subdivisions (to create lots of less than 500m2 in area) in the Groom Street, Kyogle, medium density precinct.

Meanwhile, anyone with a previously approved but unimplemented development application can apply to Council to amend the application so that eligible contributions can be waived.

However, the waiver is dependent on the development being completed while the policy is in effect.