Council Waives Fees to Spur Residential Development

To further help alleviate the local housing challenges, Goondiwindi Regional Council will waive all water connection, plumbing and drainage, and building application fees for new residential builds within the existing water and sewerage areas across the region. This initiative will be effective for building applications received from 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025.

Mayor, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM, underscored the benefits of this incentive, stating, “We are urging residents who are contemplating building to seize the opportunity of these incentives. The availability and affordability of housing continues to be a pressing issue for our community, and Council is steadfast in its commitment to pull the levers we have available to stimulate private sector development.”

This waiver is applicable to a wide range of residential buildings, including units, duplexes, and townhouses. However, it does not extend to short-term accommodation or temporary dwellings. Once the building application is approved, applicants have two years to complete the build. Waiving of water connection fees must be accompanied by a building application.

Mayor Springborg stated, “This initiative is a key part of Council’s comprehensive strategy to support residents and investors. This incentive will reduce the cost by around $4,000 per new build, we anticipate those contemplating building a house will be encouraged to act now.”

Council’s Local Housing Action Plan, adopted in January 2024, included comprehensive strategies developed from community feedback, including housing forums in Goondiwindi, Inglewood, and Texas. This plan outlines actions for both Council and the State government to reduce regional housing pressures.

Council continues to deliver housing incentives to residents and investors, following the limited offer multi-dwelling incentive program over the past 18 months, which generated interest and action from a number of investors. Additionally, zero fees for specific Council applications in flood-impacted zones like Inglewood and Toobeah, introduced in 2023, will continue for the foreseeable future, providing an equitable system for development to occur in these communities.

Mayor Springborg concluded, “We believe these initiatives will provide opportunities for more critical accommodation for locals and to attract essential workers to our region. Council is committed to supporting the community and fostering growth and development in the region.”