Village victory

By the end of this year, Edward River Council expects construction of the first dwellings to begin.

Construction of these homes has been awarded to another Deniliquin company, B Green Constructions.

Mayor Peta Betts could barely contain her excitement at the start of the work, saying it was at the top of her to-do list in her first term as mayor.

“This is a significant project, and it has been in the wind for a long time - long before I was even on council.

“And this development is so important now, more than ever, because we are in a housing crisis.

“I am also hoping that finally starting this project gives the community a lot of confidence going forward.

“It tells us, and others, that we are growing and that we can continue to grow.”

The idea of a retirement living precinct has been discussed within the community for decades.

It was in 2015 the former Deniliquin Council formally progressed plans for the development, making a bid to purchase former railway land in the heart of Deniliquin.

Bordered by Harfleur, Hardinge, Poictiers and Napier Sts, it was pursued for the express purpose of a village for older members of the community.

It would cater to local downsizers and outside retirees looking for a country change, and would help free up larger homes for expanding existing families or newcomers to the town.

After a number of delays for various reasons - the 2016 merger of Deniliquin and Conargo Shire councils to form Edward River Council included - council started to make real headway in 2017 when funding for site connections and preparation was secured.

With the Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Programme funding committed, expressions of interest for developers began.

It also launched an unintended stop-start process, which finally gave way when council resolved in May this year to proceed with site preparation works.

Council was still bedding down home designs and was yet to appoint a construction tender, but was confident enough in the project to enact its February decision to appoint Deni Civil & Construction to the $1,051,275 civil works project.

Council originally planned to construct the first six of 32 planned dwellings in the first half of 2022.

A number of tenders for construction were rejected in October last year and February this year.

The construction component of stage one - six homes to start with - was again put to council in August, and given the green light.

A revision on the previous plans put forward, it reduced the scope of options to three styles of two bedroom units in stage one.

The other four design options originally proposed will be available in other stages of development.

The winning tender for the builder will be announced soon.

Stage five - which will be the completion of the 32-home village - is planned for 2028/29.

This could be brought forward based on demand.

The first six units will all be two bedrooms, with stage one also including associated civil infrastructure, landscaping and service connections.

Council allocated $520,000 from its Infrastructure Reserve to the Edward River Village development, as well as $1 million from the Murray-Darling Basin Diversification Fund to cover stage one.

Council general manager Phil Stone said council is actively trying to source other grant funding to assist with the continued delivery of the development in the other four stages.

An application has already been made that could cover stage two of development.

“The Edward River Village development is sustainable and has the opportunity to provide an essential service to the community for retirement,” Mr Stone said.

“The retirement living site is in line with delivering several key items from council’s strategic plan.

“It will be a great place to live, will provide community access to essential services and allow our community to be safe, happy and healthy - both physically and mentally.”