General News
24 October, 2025
TRC moves to boost development
TWO policies aimed at boosting housing development in the region have been extended by Tablelands Regional Council.
The Investment Incentive Policy and the Infrastructure Charge Deferral Policy were both created in 2022 to provide an economic stimulus to encourage investment, particular in housing.
The incentive policy allowed for the waiver or part-waiver of infrastructure charges of up to $100,000 per application, while the charge deferral policy allowed for the deferral of infrastructure charges for subdivisions to the point of sale, or six months from the sealing of a survey plan.
“These two policies improve housing opportunities in our community, which is important in light of our ongoing economic and population growth, tight rental vacancy rate and under representation of medium- and high-density dwellings,” Mayor Rod Marti said.
“Our Investment Incentive Policy allows for the waiving of infrastructure charges for the construction of affordable medium-density dwellings, the development of important industries, and the support of major projects.
“This includes apartments, flats, units, townhouses, day care centres, medical centres, manufacturing facilities, industrial development, aged care facilities, hotels and more.
“Last year we extended the policy to include duplexes anywhere in the region.”
The move has seen 14 developments apply for the discounted charges, with five developments to date deemed eligible and $251,751 in charges waived.
Nine other developments are still to be processed, but if they meet the conditions required, another $425,996 will be waived.
That will leave the $2 million fund with $1.322 million available and with the policy set to end in June next year, the council has moved to extend it to June 2029 to allow other applications to be submitted.
The council also agreed to extend the deadline for projects to be completed until June 2029.
“We’ve also extended the dates for the Infrastructure Charge Deferral Policy, which allows for the deferral of infrastructure charges for subdivisions to the point of sale or six months from the sealing of a survey plan,” Mayor Marti said.
“This helps with cashflow by allowing charges to be paid at settlement, which takes pressure off residential property developers and encourages them to release more lots to the market in each stage.
“By extending the policy to 2029 we are providing longer-term certainty to the industry.
“We are doing whatever we can to facilitate these types of construction in our region to help create more affordable housing, generate jobs and stimulate our local economy,” Mayor Marti added.
