Griffith Councillors voted to proceed with an application for a $4.5M grant under the Federal Government's Building Better Regions Fund Round 6 (BBRF – 6) to assist with accelerating the provision of building lots in the Collina Sub-division.
If successful, the $9M project will be 50:50 funded by Griffith City Council, will include the extension of Clifton Boulevard by approximately 850m to the intersection of Rifle Range Road, upgrades to that intersection, and the provision of utilities to the subdivision including water, sewer, drainage and street lighting.
Additionally, the extension will also provide a strategic link for Griffith residents between Collina and the Lake Wyangan Growth Area via Rifle Range Road.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said Council is committed to working with the community and developers in whatever way possible to address the ongoing housing crisis.
"The shortage of available housing in Griffith was identified in the Griffith Housing Strategy 2019 with an estimated additional 1,700 dwellings required in the City by 2036," said Councillor Curran.
"The Collina area has been identified is a key precinct for future residential growth but this growth potential requires the extension of Clifton Boulevard by approximately 850m to the intersection of Rifle Range Road - which will require upgrade as well as the provision of utilities along the road corridor including water, sewer, drainage and street lighting.
"If Council is successful in this application, we will be able to bring forward the planned works, assisting developers to create housing lots and ease the housing burden," added Councillor Curran.
The extension of Clifton Boulevard will provide an opportunity for approximately an additional 820 residential lots.
"Council will work closely with the two (2) landowners in the area - the Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council (GLALC) to the west side of Clifton Boulevard and the MAAS Property Group to the east side of Clifton Boulevard, to construct the road and services, allowing for the provision of the housing lots – both landowners have signalled their intention to lodge Development Applications by June 30, 2022," said Councillor Curran.
"Council will commence discussions with the land owner, being GLALC, as the road extension will require land acquisition (by agreement)."
In anticipation of this grant, Council has previously lodged an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) for the same project, seeking a part grant, part low interest loan in accordance with their Guidelines.
The EOI seeks a $1.8M Grant (20% of the project value), and a Concessional Interest rate loan.
"Should the BBRF Grant application be successful, the NHFIC loan would cover the remaining 30% of the project total, being $2.7M," said Councillor Curran.
Should NHFIC support the EOI in principle then a formal application would need to be submitted.
The BBRF – 6 closes on 10 February, with announcements to be made later in the year.
