Cape Burney subdivision on cards

A lot in Cape Burney could be subdivided if City of Greater Geraldton councillors vote in favour of the motion at their ordinary council meeting tonight.

The executive recommendation suggests approving the intent to subdivide a portion of Lot 200 Gaskin Drive into 23 residential lots.

If approved, the lots would be disposed of individually by private treaty to the current leaseholders.

Part of the motion notes all purchasers will be required to enter into a contract of sale and pay their portion of subdivision costs, $60,000, on or before July 1.

Once the project is completed they will be required to pay the remaining balance.

According to briefing notes in the agenda, representatives from Cape Burney have indicated there is “full acceptance and support” for the project. But City land and regulatory services manager Brian Robartson noted there were one or two leaseholders who may not be able to cover the costs.

“They may have difficulty in achieving the requirement to make payment of the land value,” he wrote in the motion.

“However they are looking at personal financial arrangements with family.

“It is proposed that the City will meet the subdivision costs of those that do not take up the subdivision, if any, and therefore not jeopardise the project. The current City capital budget for 2017-18 has budgeted funds for this requirement.”

If the motion is approved, residents who do not take up the option to acquire a freehold-titled lot will have their leases terminated as of June 30, 2019.

All subdivision, construction, surveyor costs and project management costs are included in the adopted land values but purchasers will have to cover conveyancing and Landgate fees.

According to the City’s Cape Burney to Greys Beach Inundation and Coastal Processes Study, Lot 200 will not be affected by coastal erosion within the next 100 years.

However, briefing notes suggest the land could be affected by coastal inundation caused by storm surge and as such it is recommended a notification be included on the certificates of title advising of the possible hazard. If approved, the project is expected to bring $3.12 million into the City.