Parts of a southern NSW town could see smaller lot sizes and rezoning changes under the proposal. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
A rezoning shake-up has arrived for parts of a southern NSW town.
The NSW suburb of South Jerrabomberra (or Tralee) sits across from Canberra’s Hume industrial estate.
At a recent meeting, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) unanimously voted in favour of a plan to rezone residential land in the development, progressing it to the next stage of the planning process.
QPRC will now send the proposal to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a gateway determination (an assessment of whether it should proceed).
Under the proposal – lodged with the council by Village Building Company (VBC) – all Low Density Residential (R2) zoned land within South Jerrabomberra would be rezoned as General Residential (R1) and bring in several changes around lot sizes.
VBC ACT/NSW general manager Jamie Cregan welcomed the council’s endorsement of the proposal.
“It reflects the hard work of our staff and the collaborative efforts with Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.
“We are all about affordable housing and it’s pleasing to have council recognise and endorse this.”
The proposal covers parts of South Jerrabomberra, near Googong. Image: Supplied.
Under the proposal, a new minimum lot size of 250 sqm was put forward.
Minimum lot sizes of 750 sqm (for multi-dwelling housing) and 1000 sqm (for residential flat buildings and shop top housing) were introduced.
“The intent of the planning proposal is to increase housing diversity and affordability at South Jerrabomberra,” said Mr Cregan.
“The current R2 zoning prohibits multi-dwelling housing (including townhouses) meaning that housing is currently limited to single dwellings on separate lots.”
According to the planning proposal document, these changes would bring a “moderate” increase in housing density along Environa Drive and Abelia Avenue.
“These roads will accommodate public transport and active travel, connect to established parts of the overall estate, and will be in close proximity to the future South Jerrabomberra town centre.
“Alongside this, the R1 zoning allows for the introduction of multi-dwelling housing as permissible development that will enable townhouse developments which supports more affordable strata titled ownership arrangements.”
During the discussion, Councillor Bryce Wilson said the smaller lots could be more affordable, leading to more people owning their blocks.
“I think people in the community would probably hear ‘250 metre blocks’ and think, ‘Gosh, that seems pretty small, are we really down at this place where a quarter-acre block is gone, and we’re now at a quarter of a quarter?’
“That’s right, but there are advantages in that.”
Cr Katrina Willis urged her fellow councillors to consider how lifestyle elements, such as landscaping and other urban infrastructure, would fit into the smaller lots.
“From my point of view, this kind of housing needs to be well designed to ensure good amenity for residents, enough space for landscaping and large trees and to facilitate good social and community interactions.”
The proposal would also open avenues for ‘specialised retail premises’ to be permitted on some land adjoining the Goulburn to Bombala Railway Line.
It means the green light would be given for the additional permitted use.
(That area is currently zoned as RE2 Private Recreation, which is not flagged for change.)
According to the planning proposal, this would formally recognise it as a mixed-use area.
“The introduction of specialised retail premises will provide complementary commercial services for the adjoining South Jerrabomberra town centre,” the document states.
So far, about 720 lots have been approved within the Tarlee land release area.
Council documents state a cap of 1500 dwellings is in place due to “traffic constraints” from the proposed Dunns Creek Road.
The new road would provide a second access route for residents, connecting to the Monaro Highway in the ACT.
