21 Hardie Street in Lakes Entrance, which has been used as a reserve for many years, is once again in the spotlight for development.
East Gippsland Shire Council has earmarked the property as one of two to be
considered for availability for social housing.
In a letter to residents with adjoining properties council stated that provision of social housing is a critical issue in East Gippsland. They propose to sell the property by a targeted expression of interest process with relevant organisations who can develop social and affordable housing.
“If the agreement is reached, we would anticipate partnering with a community housing organisation to develop and manage the site,” the letter states.
“One way we can make an impact and support some of the more vulnerable people in the community is by providing land to support housing development.”
In 2020 council attempted to tender this parcel of land for sale, but with a petition from local residents who use the land as a recreation reserve and access to their properties, they were successful in getting the land removed from a list of properties for sale.
The land previously comprised of two parcels on separate titles, with one formerly a reserve for recreational purposes, which was created by a subdivision in 1982 and vested in the former Tambo Shire in 1984. The remaining parcel was transferred to the former Tambo Shire in 1988 and was effectively landlocked by the adjoining reserve.
Consolidation into one property and the revocation of the reserve status was completed in July 2005.
Adjoining resident Ivan Bubb stated in 2020 he was shocked at the time, as his father sold part of that property to council back in the 1970s on the understanding it would remain a recreation reserve.
Council notes that any development of the site is also likely to be subject to a planning approval and so there would be an opportunity to provide feedback on the specific development at the time.
Neighbouring property owners and the broader community can provide feedback which will be provided to council for consideration to inform any decision.
Feedback can be submitted through the council website by August 2.
