Maitland City Council has agreed to chip in another $4.6 million towards the construction cost of an intersection at Lochinvar.
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As part of its 2015-2016 budget the NSW Government provided an allocation of $11.5 million towards the project through the Housing Acceleration Fund (HAF).
However a report presented to council last week said at that time the intersection formed part of the work schedules attached to the Lochinvar Section 94 Contributions Plan and the item was subsequently removed from that plan.
“During the time that has lapsed since the funding announcement, a definitive design and costing has been developed by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) in conjunction with council,” the report said.
“Based on communications with RMS, this process has revealed the ultimate intersection design required to support development in the north eastern catchment of the urban release area will not be achievable within the HAF funding budget,” the report said.
Councillors were advised that an additional $4.6 million was needed to cover the cost of the project.
The report said the intersection is a key strategic access point to the north eastern catchment of the Lochinvar Urban Release Area and is required as a direct result of proposed development within the catchment.
West Ward councillor Henry Meskauskas successfully moved a recommendation to approve the additional $4.6 million to make up the shortfall in HAF funding by amending the Lochinvar Section 94 Contributions Plan. Council will exhibit the draft plan before a final report to council.
Fairfax Media has reported how Lochinvar is set to become Maitland’s next boom town with the first of 5000 housing lots on public exhibition and a school and shopping precinct to come.
Council has received a development proposal for 146 lots off the New England Highway, behind the Aird’s building. The lots are within the Lochinvar Urban Release Area.