Ed,

Late last week we became aware (through social media) of a “Draft Local Housing Strategy and Draft Affordable Housing Policy” prepared by Clarence Valley Council under a State Government directive, in which 12m high rise buildings were proposed for the Yamba Hill area bounded by Church and Clarence Streets, Pacific Parade and Yamba Street and 18m high for the CBD.

It is part of an initiative to supply “affordable housing” in the Clarence Valley. Affordable housing is defined by the Act as housing for very low households, low-income households or moderate-income households. The last house sale in nearby Ocean Street was for $5 million – does this constitute affordable housing?

As part of this draft policy, a survey was undertaken of Clarence Valley residents to “…improve our understanding of how Clarence Valley residents feel about housing in the LGA at present and what their preferences would be for future housing delivery.” There were only 80 responses which is hardly a representation of the area. The lack of responses was most probably due to the fact that the majority of people were unaware if it. Nevertheless, there was “…a strong positive response for granny flats and detached houses; generally positive response for townhouses, duplexes and low-rise apartments and a somewhat negative response for high and medium rise apartments”. This is a similar result to a survey carried out in the early 2000s which was completely ignored by council and the government. The same responses were received to a survey carried out in 2004 on Yamba Hill as part of a failed rezoning attempt.

The draft policy mentions the 127.4 ha Yamba West Urban release area which has a number of projects that could provide for almost 1,050 dwellings in the area. It claims that a servicing strategy and contributions plan is in place to deliver road upgrades, extension of sewer and water infrastructure, construction of stormwater drainage and provision of footpaths and open space. The Yamba bypass to relieve the already heavy traffic on Yamba Road has been on the drawing board since 1999 with no progress. Is this part of the strategy? There is no mention of the present lack of medical facilities and public transport or the limited shopping outlets, which struggle to cope during the busy holiday periods.

The greatest fear with the introduction of high-rise buildings at Yamba is the loss of heritage and character of the town. Yamba is and always has been a holiday destination relying almost solely on tourism. Thousands of tourists from Brisbane bypass the over developed Gold Coast to holiday in Yamba each year, drawn by its village feel and ambiance. Why destroy that?

Submissions to the draft policy close on 11 December. Consult the CVC website for details.

John and Rae McNamara,

Yamba