The City of Coffs Harbour is using Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) to partner with developers and deliver community infrastructure, including bringing forward key works to support growth in Korora and Woolgoolga.
An informal track near Opal Cove Resort at Korora will be upgraded, formalised and made accessible to walkers and cyclists following the adoption of a VPA between the City and a developer.
The three-metre-wide gravel path will close a gap in the public path network by linking James Small Drive with the existing walking trail at Pine Brush Creek Bridge.
“The new path will be built at no cost to the community and the developer will also hand over a small parcel of land to the City to ensure the path remains entirely on public reserve,” City Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said.
“Voluntary Planning Agreements can often achieve a better result for the community than the standard applicable developer contributions, providing opportunities to secure additional community infrastructure and bring forward the delivery of essential assets sooner.”
A VPA is a legal agreement between a developer and a council that sets out public benefits a developer agrees to provide in connection with a development approval or planning proposal. Although linked to a development application (DA), a VPA is administered separately and cannot influence whether a DA is approved or refused.
The Opal Cove VPA was exhibited publicly and received 16 submissions, some of which questioned the suitability of the proposed path.
“The proposed gravel surface is consistent with the existing path network throughout the coastal reserves and it strikes an appropriate balance between durability and environmental sensitivity,” Fitzgibbon said.
The agreement is linked to a DA for a land subdivision that, if approved, would create three community title lots, involve the demolition of existing Opal Cove Resort structures including pavilions and tennis courts, undertake environmental protection works and dedicate land as public reserve.
The DA, lodged by PT Investments Group Pty Ltd, is currently being assessed by the City.
Woolgoolga road upgrade
At its 18 June meeting, Council authorised the General Manager, under delegated authority, to finalise and execute an amended VPA between the City and INA Plantations Pty Ltd.
The agreement will support construction of a new roundabout and associated road works serving a large over-55s housing estate in West Woolgoolga.
The works include a roundabout at the intersection of Newmans Road and Solitary Islands Way, upgrades to Newmans Road, water and sewer main augmentation, pavement improvements, fencing and relocation of power infrastructure.
“This highlights the City’s proactive collaboration with the housing industry to deliver key infrastructure ahead of development, ensuring an improved intersection is in place prior to occupancy of the nearby subdivision and over-55s housing estate.”
The total cost of the project is estimated at $6.497 million, with the City contributing $3.966 million.
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