14 August 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council Planning and Environmental Services Team held a community workshop titled “Unlocking the Potential of your Backyard” as part of Local Government Week recently.

The aim of the workshop was to notify Gunnedah residents of the potential opportunities for additional residential accommodation in an effort to combat the housing shortage that Gunnedah is currently facing.

Gunnedah housing prices have seen significant growth, according to realestate.com the median sales price for houses in Gunnedah in 2017 was $317,500, a growth rate of 13.4 per cent over the last five years.

realestate.com.au data suggests the rental yield for houses in Gunnedah was 5.9 per cent with a median weekly rent of $248.

There is a need for home owners to encourage increased residential accommodation on existing blocks of land and unlock further rental opportunities and provide more places to accommodate our growing workforce.

Council’s Manager Development and Planning Carolyn Hunt spoke of the different types of developments, including attached dwellings, dual occupancies and secondary dwellings that may be suitable in Gunnedah.

“If you are unsure of the development that may be suitable on your block please call Council to make an appointment with the Duty Planner,” Mrs Hunt said.

She also provided advice of where information can be obtained before submitting a Development Application including Council’s website (www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au) and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (www.planning.nsw.gov.au) website.

Manager Building and Environment Blake O’Mullane discussed the variety of construction types available that may be suitable, including a growing trend towards pre-fabricated structures such as “granny flats”.

“Before diving into your development always ensure you know where the services like water, sewer and electricity are located on your block, in order to avoid pricy extensions later in the build,” Mr O’Mullane said.

Director Planning and Environment Andrew Johns was pleased to see community interest and awareness in planning and environment.

“It is an object that Council ‘Encourage a mix of housing types that is affordable, adaptable, accessible and suited to community needs’ - this workshop aimed to help address this objective,” Mr Johns said.

For more information visit Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or make an appointment to discuss your development with the Duty Planner, Monday-Friday – 9.00am to 4.00pm on (02) 6740 2100.

Photo caption: Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Development and Planning Carolyn Hunt talking about the ways to unlock the potential of your backyard.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.