BELLINGEN Shire Council is poised to make history, supporting what could become Australia’s first Community Land Trust (CLT).
The CLT would offer shared home ownership for locals on moderate incomes.
At its recent meeting, the Council unanimously passed a Mayoral Minute requesting a report on the legal and financial steps needed to transfer a parcel of publicly owned land in Urunga to the newly formed Waterfall Way CLT.
If successful, it would be the first council-backed, Australian, shared-equity CLT – a housing model already used overseas to create homes that remain affordable for future generations.
CLTs separate the cost of the land from the cost of the home.
Residents purchase the building but lease the land from the trust, helping keep prices within reach of working people.
In return, owners agree to limits on resale value to ensure the homes stay affordable over time.
The Waterfall Way CLT is a collaboration between the Housing Matters Action Group, a volunteer-led network of Bellingen residents, and Bellingen Shire Council.
Housing Matters Chair Kerry Pearse said they were thrilled with the recent incorporation of Waterfall Way CLT Ltd, which was the result of years of planning.
“We have been working closely together on the project since 2018,” she said.
“This relationship has continued to strengthen.”
Ms Pearse said they were particularly interested in the work that the councillors have requested in regard to assessing the costs and benefits of such a land transfer.
“This will give us all a way of identifying the important contribution affordable and secure housing makes to our community — both economically and in terms of social outcomes,” she said.
“We’ve drawn on the work of academic Dr Louise Crabtree.
“In fact, Housing Matters are now co-founders of the national CLT Network that Louise established.”
While there have been previous CLT attempts in Australia, most haven’t advanced to this stage — and none with this model of shared equity in partnership with local government.
Mayor Stephen Allan described the CLT as “an innovative and exciting locally-driven solution to the housing crisis in our region.”
“Local councils have a role to play,” he said.
“While housing is often seen as a state or federal responsibility, we can work with our communities to find creative solutions.”
The Council-commissioned report, due by September, will assess the public value of transferring the land — including long-term economic and social benefits.
The hope is that the Bellingen model can be replicated in other areas facing housing stress.
“This isn’t just about one town,” Ms Pearse said.
“It’s about showing that local government can lead — and that real solutions are possible.”
By Leigh WATSON
