Bellingen Council backs groundbreaking affordable housing model

THE Bellingen Shire has taken a landmark step towards addressing the housing crisis, with Council voting unanimously to progress the Waterfall Way Community Land Trust (WWCLT) project. 

The decision comes after an extensive community consultation process that attracted 280 submissions, with 76 percent supporting the proposal to hand over public land in Urunga for affordable housing.

The project, to deliver around six homes for local working households, is set to become the first Community Land Trust (CLT) development in Australia.

Under the CLT model, the Trust retains ownership of the land while residents purchase the homes.

It effectively keeps the land in the community to ensure long-term affordability for future generations.

Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan described Council’s decision as significant, while noting that further steps are required before the project can proceed.

While the majority of submissions supported the proposal, some residents raised concerns, including the loss of green space, increased traffic, proximity to the railway line, and the design of the development.

“This step is not final, but it is nonetheless significant,” Cr Allan said.

“We have heard the concerns [from the community] and they are not being dismissed – valid points will now be fleshed out and discussed.”

Cr Allan said these issues would be addressed through the standard development application process, with further opportunities for community input.

“If the land is transferred, we will work closely with the neighbours and nearby residents to understand their concerns and find ways to address them in the plans and development application.”

Council will now enter direct negotiations with the WWCLT, with a range of safeguards to ensure the public asset delivers long-term community benefit.

“In essence, the Council will require assurance that the land can and will be developed for affordable housing in perpetuity.”

This next phase will include an independent land valuation, development of a probity framework, and agreement on key contractual conditions.

These may include requirements for development approval, demonstrated financial capacity, and legal protections to ensure the land is used solely for affordable housing.

WWCLT Executive Officer Kerry Pearse said the strong level of support has given them confidence they are working on something that is needed and people care about.

“The proposal we are talking to Bellingen Shire Council about is for the land to be transferred at no cost for homes that are affordable for locals on moderate incomes into perpetuity,” she said.

But while the Community Land Trust model is dependent on free or low-cost land, they will be investigating costs and financing for the build, which will eventually be repaid through purchase by eligible co-owners.

They have also committed to ongoing engagement with nearby residents.

Significantly, the Trust has drawn on the work of academic Dr Louise Crabtree, a renowned expert on affordable housing models, including community land trusts, who welcomed the decision and applauded the community effort.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see this decision by the Council and a testament to the work of the community in seeking to establish housing solutions in the region,” she said.

“It’s a pivotal moment for the establishment of CLTs in Australia and [sets] a precedent.”

Dr Crabtree’s team has developed a toolkit to provide the emerging sector in Australia with the resources it needs to implement new affordable housing models.

The model has the potential to be replicated both within Bellingen Shire and in other regional areas grappling with similar housing challenges, offering a community-led pathway to long-term affordable housing.

By Leigh WATSON