Bathurst Regional Council has decided not to support the stormwater infrastructure proposal from developer Hynash, marking a significant setback for the project. During the ordinary meeting held on December 10, 2025, councillors opted against a recommendation from council staff that suggested a works-in-kind arrangement to construct necessary stormwater detention basins near Marsden Lane.
The proposed investment would have allocated over $3.2 million from the council’s Section 7.11 Developer Contributions Plan for Raglan Creek Stormwater Management and borrowings from the stormwater drainage levies included in the adopted 2025-26 budget. This decision follows a deferral of the matter in November, reflecting ongoing concerns about potential flooding in the area, which impacts properties beyond the immediate development site.
Several councillors expressed reservations about committing council funds to the project, especially given the council’s current financial challenges. Councillor Sophie Wright voiced strong opposition, stating that funding this project would verge on “gross financial negligence.” She emphasized that it is not the council’s responsibility to assist a private developer facing cash-flow issues.
Despite the staff’s recommendation, which emphasized the long-term benefits of the arrangement, General Manager David Sherley dismissed the notion that the proposal was merely a favor to Hynash. He stated, “We’re acting as we have traditionally done in these sorts of projects.” Sherley highlighted the importance of ensuring the infrastructure is correctly constructed from the outset.
Deputy Mayor Ben Fry acknowledged the potential consequences of not proceeding with the arrangement. He noted that failing to establish the detention basin correctly could lead to significant issues in the future, particularly during severe storm events. Nevertheless, he affirmed that the council could not approve the project at this time due to its “cash-strapped” position.
When the voting occurred, only councillors Nick Packham and Elaine West supported the works-in-kind arrangement. The motion ultimately failed, with opposition from the mayor, Fry, and councillors Warren Aubin, Natalie Cranston, Tony Gullifer, and Wright. Councillor Jac Underwood was absent during the vote.
In light of this decision, Hynash may consider seeking a variation on the development consent conditions, which could lead to a scaled-down project. According to Neil Southorn, the Director of Environmental, Planning and Building Services, any new construction would still need to adequately support the overall development.
The council’s resolution underscores the ongoing financial pressures facing local governments and the complexities involved in balancing private development needs with public fiscal responsibility.
