Plan to sub-divide land and build Robinvale homes

Swan Hill Rural City Council is proposing to sub-divide and develop land on Ronald Street, Robinvale, in a bid to help alleviate the area’s housing shortage.

Council will advertise its intention to sell the 3260 square metre block of land beside Robinvale College, after subdividing and building eight houses on it. Community members will be able to make submissions either in favour of or against the proposal.

Mayor Ann Young said the land was once a road reserve and over many years, Council had been working to have the road reserve discontinued and to obtain the land title.

“We all know that Robinvale is facing a housing crisis. There are no homes for workers – itinerant farm workers, skilled farm workers and managers, and professionals like doctors and accountants. This is putting pressure on everyone in Robinvale,” Cr Young said.

“Council believes that developing this land is one way that we can provide some new housing in Robinvale, and so now that we have the land title, we are able to bring this idea to the community for feedback,” she said.

“We believe this will not only provide new houses for Robinvale workers, but also encourage a local building business to expand, or bring a new builder to town, stimulating the local economy and encouraging others to develop too.”

Council’s Director Corporate Services David Lenton said that after seeking public submissions to the proposal, Councillors would decide whether or not to proceed with the plan.

“If Councillors eventually agree to go ahead with the plan, we will have to prepare a formal sub-division proposal for Council’s Statutory Planning department, and as part of this process, adjoining landowners will have their right to object to the proposal,” Mr Lenton said.

“It is not until all these processes are followed that we would be able to go to tender for the design and construction of the homes.

“It could take between 18 and 30 months to complete the first stage of house construction.”

Proceeds from the sale of each stage would help to fund the construction of the next stage.

Public submissions will open this Friday. It will be advertised in local media and on Council’s website and social media platforms. If submissions are received they will be heard at a Special Council meeting in Robinvale on 26 November.

/Public Release. View in full here.