Clunes residents angry over eco-village plans on macadamia farm site

Clunes residents are outraged by a proposed property development that could see the village’s population double in size.

A delegation of more than 70 Clunes homeowners is up in arms about a proposal by the owners of a macadamia farm to rezone a 63-hectare patch into an ‘eco-village’.

The residents claim there has been a “complete lack of transparency” and community consultation on the plan.

The first thing many in the Clunes community heard about the development at the farm on 15A Walker St and part of 1610 Bangalow Rd, was through a pamphlet in their letterboxes, advertising the development.

Now 72 residents claim the proposal will not help people displaced from the Lismore City flood-plain areas.

“There is considerable doubt and scepticism within the Clunes community that the proponents of the project are putting community interest over self-interest,” Sonya Vourmard, a Clunes homeowner, said on behalf of the concerned homeowners.

Resolution to oppose the macadamia farm plans passed unanimously by 72 residents at Clunes Coronation Hall meeting. Photo credit: Clunes Clues.

“Given this development is separate to housing proposals to help the flood affected, what has changed since council agreed to a previous level of development in Clunes?”

Councillor Adam Guise told the Northern Star that he was cautious when property developers generally start calling for more flood free land.

“I think it’s just using the excuse of the floods to carve up more farmland,” Mr Guise said.

“I would be absolutely open minded to housing opportunities if there was a mechanism that would guarantee or prioritise for flood refugees who want to do a land swap, or relocate their houses or get buybacks.”

Lismore City Council has just agreed to ‘lobby’ the state and federal governments for land swaps, and buy backs.

But Mr Guise said that unless the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation acquires land proposed for development, there is no guarantee that any projects would be granted or prioritised for flood victims.

“I can guarantee you, if a developer is allowed to develop that land west of Clunes, those blokes will be selling for $400,000 or $500,000 minimum. And that is totally not affordable for a flood refugee,” he said.

The proposed 63ha rezoning on the west side of Clunes that could see the population of the village double.

“It’s really for those landholders, those developers to make profit under the under the pretence of addressing a flood crisis.”

The Clunes residents also expressed concern that the village’s existing infrastructure can barely support the current population.

“The proposal would at least double the population of Clunes,” Ms Vourmard said.

“How will Bangalow-Lismore Rd – already struggling to cope with current capacity – be able to absorb all the traffic from this and other developments?

“Why is there micro-detail about Men’s Sheds and skate parks, but no explanation of how this large development would be adequately provided for and incorporated in terms of infrastructure?

“The Clunes community feels disrespected by the would-be developers who’ve had time and opportunity to consult with us but have not done so.”

The Northern Star contacted the agent who lodged the application on the owners’ behalf however he declined to comment.