‘Fishing’ for ‘Factory Hill’

Federation Council will seek the release of vacant land in Mulwala known as ‘Factory Hill’ from the Commonwealth Government which would provide over 100 homes and several businesses to assist with growth of the town.

Council unanimously backed a push by Mulwala-based Councillors Bronwyn Thomas and Andrew Kennedy for the action at yesterday’s monthly meeting.

Bordered by Bayly Street, Lucan Street and the railway line, the subject parcel of land was land first designated as land associated with the munitions factory built in the 1940s.

Associated houses have been built over time within their own allotments adjacent to this undeveloped parcel of land – the first being in Sloane Avenue, followed by Green, Lonsdale and Jones Streets, then brick-constructed homes in Lucan Street.

Federation Council resolved to engage with relevant Commonwealth Departments, political representatives and Ministers for the land to be released to council.

Council’s resolution also includes that ‘futuristic’ zoning for the land in the urban growth strategy to commence soon, to inform an amended Local Environmental Plan to allow for three distinct areas: commercial (along Bayly Street), residential for homes, townhouses and units, and a high density zone at the high part of the land.

Crs Thomas and Kennedy said Mulwala is located in a growth corridor on the north side of the Murray River.

“Hence, residential, multipurpose dwellings (townhouses/strata, title/apartments) along with essential services to include holistic health practices, aged care facilities and public amenities are key requirements to establish long-term sustainable planning for the economic growth of Mulwala,” they said.

In moving the motion yesterday, Cr Thomas said it was “very exciting” to be part of this joint submission.

“It’s in a prime position in Mulwala,” she said. “The majority of people know it as ‘Factory Hill’.”

Cr Thomas referred to the long association of the land the with nearby munitions factory, for possible expansion.

But with the new $360 million munitions factory built early this century, it would appear the subject vacant land is no long required as originally envisaged.

“One of the key industry concerns from major employers is they would like to have some more skilled workers and there is limited housing,” Cr Thomas said.

“Mulwala lacks some basic services and does not have the ability to host community health services. Let’s embrace this opportunity.” ‘Mulwala Heights’ vision

Seconding the motion, Cr Kennedy said he has looked at this land for a very long time. “It is a prime location for exceptional housing which, with its height, could become ‘Mulwala Heights’. It’s a vision to have something we can work,” he said.

“Defence paid something like $20 million to (within) the Commonwealth Government. Mulwala is a place to come to. This would lift the town’s profile.

“And we need basic health services – like a doctor’s clinic.”

Cr Fred Longmire referred to a previous attempt more than a decade ago, by Mulwalabased councillor and mayor Bill Gorman to acquire the land.

Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said he “absolutely supports” the motion. “It gives these communities massive opportunities for progress,” he added.

Council’s director engineering services Steve Carmichael told councillors he has had discussions with Commonwealth Government representatives about the land.

He said a Government consultant is to inspect and report on the whole area, through to the Mulwala Sewerage Treatment Plant, with drainage on the agenda.

Mr Carmichael advised the area up higher with the two water towers has aboriginal sacred site significance but the land proposed for residential would not be interfered with.

“That consultant process is expected to take 12 months,” the council’s top engineer said.