UPDATE: The City of Cockburn is set to hold a pivotal meeting today regarding a significant hike in development fees that could reshape the building landscape in the area. This urgent discussion follows a narrow council vote on November 11, 2023, where officials rejected a staff proposal to maintain current rates, spurring fears of insufficient funding for vital infrastructure.
The council’s decision to reconsider the fee structure comes as the city grapples with funding gaps estimated in the tens of millions of dollars. The current development contribution provisions, which have been part of the city’s planning scheme since 2011, are scheduled to expire on June 30, 2031. These fees support essential community infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, and recreational facilities.
Authorities confirm that today’s meeting could lead to a substantial increase in fees, as consultants have advised a revision of the current lower rates. However, city staff, led by Acting Director of Sustainable Development and Safety Carol Catherwood, are concerned that higher fees might deter developers and stall infrastructure projects, stating, “The proposed costs are quite extraordinary and we would not see… new lots on the market.”
Council members are divided on the issue, with some arguing that an increase is necessary to meet the growing demand for development. Councillor Chontelle Stone emphasized the potential consequences of not raising the contribution rate, suggesting it could lead to increased pressure on local rates if grants are not secured. “It’s not like there isn’t a demand for growth. There is,” she stated.
In contrast, Councillor Tarun Dewan voiced concerns about the fairness of shifting the financial burden from developers to ratepayers. He argued that the city is already experiencing a surge in development and that current incentives may not be needed. “This council has a duty to protect the long-term interests of the city, not short-term development margins,” he asserted.
Deputy Mayor Phoebe Corke highlighted that the proposed rates affect all development in the city, emphasizing that every new dwelling or subdivision contributes to the overall funding pool. “It’s not just developers who pay this contribution; it’s everybody,” she noted.
As the special meeting unfolds today, it remains to be seen how the council will balance the need for increased funding against the risk of discouraging new projects. Residents and developers alike are watching closely, as the outcomes could have lasting implications for Cockburn’s growth and infrastructure development.
This urgent update underscores the critical nature of today’s discussions, as the fate of the city’s development landscape hangs in the balance. What happens next could either pave the way for robust growth or hinder essential community projects.
