Developments, refugee support and rent on Wodonga council’s agenda this month

Councillors will consider welcoming migrants from war zones and approving an affordable housing complex this month. Read the details.

Wodonga council meeting

From a controversial set of units to welcoming Afghan refugees, Wodonga councillors will have a lot to decide at their meeting this month.

During its March council meeting, Wodonga City councillors will decide whether to grant a planning application for the construction of a controversial set of four affordable housing units on Opal Court in West Wodonga.

The application, submitted by Alatalo Bros on behalf of Rural Housing Network Ltd, proposes four single-storey dwellings - three one-bedroom dwellings and one two-bedroom dwelling - with a maximum height of 4.18 metres.

Yet the proposal has attracted six written objections from neighbours who have raised concerns about stormwater, landscaping, overlooking, overshadowing and waste and recycling bins.

Councillors will decide whether to grant or refuse the planning application on Monday night.

Proposed location of dwellings and surrounding development at 2 Opal Court, West Wodonga.

Also on the agenda is a proposal to consider welcoming Afghan refugees and helping them to assimilate into the community through a community sponsorship program.

Local Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) groups have come together to seek support from the federal government to establish the community sponsorship program and is seeking a letter of support from Wodonga City Council.

The groups are seeking to welcome migrants from Afghanistan, who will be supported with accommodation and assistance seeking employment.

Wodonga is already a refugee welcome zone.

“The council commits to welcoming refugees into the community; upholding the human rights of refugees; demonstrating compassion for refugees; and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community,” the council agenda says.

“With the help of RAR, prospective refugees would be provided the opportunity for safe refuge in North East Victoria where they would be supported to live, develop connections, and positively contribute to community life.”

Also on Monday, council will consider leasing the new Wodonga Hockey Pavilion to Wodonga Hockey Club Incorporated (WHC), which has requested a rent free 10-year period.

The pavilion, located on Wodonga’s Silva Dr, is owned by council.

According to WHC, it’s $230,000 investment into the development of Wodonga Hockey Pavilion justifies the request to lease the premises.

If passed, council will undertake a community engagement process, where community members can raise objections against the proposal.