MOLONG could be on the cusp of significant growth, with proposed new residential area progressing through planning stages, but some questions remain about how the town’s water infrastructure could support future expansion.
Cabonne councillors recently endorsed the finalisation of a planning proposal for land on Euchareena Road, on the eastern side of Molong, paving the way for the area to potentially be developed for housing.
The proposal has attracted submissions from the public, as well as government agencies, with concerns raised about areas of potentially high environmental value and habitat.
At their recent regular meeting last week, Cabonne Shire councillors supported the proposal, with Cr Peter Batten saying it presented an opportunity to help address the shortage of affordable housing in Molong.
“It just makes so much sense,” he said. “This adds to the value of Molong at a time when there’s a shortage of affordable housing all over Australia.
“We have an opportunity here to support this proposal and do exactly that, provide for future affordable housing in Molong.”
The proposed development could also help address constraints on growth in existing parts of town, including areas affected by flooding.
However, councillors also raised questions about how future development would be serviced by water and sewer infrastructure, including whether it would depend on the future augmentation of the Molong Creek Dam.
Council staff said raising the dam was a longer-term issue within Molong’s 30-year water strategy, with other projects being progressed sooner to improve the town’s water security.
Cr Andrew Rawson said he supported the proposal progressing, but environmental concerns raised by government departments would need to be considered as plans developed.
“I certainly support the proposal to push it to the next phase,” he said.
“One of the things I wanted to comment on though was, there were a few departments who had some concerns.
“One of the particular concerns that I reflect on is the knowledge that there are high environmental value locations in that general area, which will require a modification.”
“I certainly wouldn’t suggest that we stop the process because of that but at least keep it well in mind that there’s going to have to be some modifications to that final plan to take that into consideration.”
The planning proposal will continue through the planning process, with environmental factors, infrastructure and water supply remaining key considerations as Molong’s growth plans progress.