Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC), Mayor Charlie Sheahan has issued a statement calling for developers and landowners to consider building homes now, due to the shortage of residential accommodation.
“As the Mayor of our wonderful Council area, I would like to inform all landowners, builders and developers that Australia wide, the nation is experiencing a housing shortage. This is driving up house prices and rents right across the country, metropolitan and regional areas alike.
Currently here in our local government area there is next to no rental accommodation available in both communities Cootamundra and Gundagai.
With the proposed opening of the abattoirs in Cootamundra, the construction of inland rail from Illabo to Stockinbingal, Hume link and Jeremiah wind farm, there will be an increasing demand for accommodation in our region.
We are also experiencing a shortage in healthcare and age care workers providing the need for further accommodation to attract and fill these positions.
I acknowledge that private developers are bringing new housing lots onto the market with more in the pipeline, including council land which will meet medium to longer term needs for growth and provide for a more integrated workforce.
However, the current situation is providing a great opportunity for anyone with vacant property in residential zoned areas to consider developing for residential accommodation. The time to do this could not be better than now.
I urge anyone who has vacant land or buildings with a view to develop, to reach out to Council and sit down with our planning staff for advice on progressing your plans to best take advantage of the current opportunity.”
Councillor Charlie Sheahan
Mayor Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council
