Brakes on as wheel issue is sorted

Construction of a proposed retirement village in Australind has been further delayed following a Harvey Shire Council meeting last Tuesday.

Work was due to start on the $50 million Edenlife Communities Parks Homes on July 1, but the project will be put off until the council meets again in three weeks.

Edenlife chief executive Bill Marshal believes the development will have benefits for the wider community.

“This development will provide opportunities for local business and trades and will help attract people to the area while also providing an alternative option for senior housing in the region.”

The council was forced to put the work on hold due to a problem with the wording of the planned over-55s accommodation, relating to the definition of a “vehicle” in the proposal.

Under the proposal, it was stated that each park home villa will have wheels and axles attached at all times, and before proceeding with their decision, councillors wanted to be sure the villas would be classed as accommodation and not as vehicles.

Harvey shire president Tania Jackson said the Edenlife project fell under the parks home banner because the modular units were built off site and allowed for higher density.

Cr Jackson said each unit could be removed in 24 hours and was built with a chassis, meaning they met the requirement for the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act.

The State Administrative Tribunal outcome received by Edenlife Communities stated that all drawings and requirements were compliant with the existing legal system, and that the risk remains low.

However, it is understood the council had received documents relating to a tribunal outcome hours before the meeting and would require time to verify the findings. In order for the Edenlife Communities project to proceed, the company requires Park Homes approval, and they are willing to work with the council to achieve a practical outcome.

Cr Jackson was eager to move the decision forward on Tuesday night, deeming it a timely matter, however, Cr Craig Carbone recommended the matter be deferred until the next meeting in order to give the council time to seek legal advice before making a decision.