Kingborough mayor says residents angry about no infrastructure commitment to support development

A local mayor has backed residents objecting to a 470-lot residential subdivision, saying he can’t see the sense in building it unless the state government funds the infrastructure to support it.

• Huntingfield housing subdivision slammed despite crisis
• Opponents call for rethink over spacing in 470-lot housing plan for Huntingfield

A SOUTHERN mayor says he can’t see the sense of building a new 470-lot residential subdivision without the state government committing to supporting infrastructure.

Kingborough mayor Dean Winter has been at odds with the state government over a planned residential development for Huntingfield, saying infrastructure plans supporting the development has been scarce.

The state government last year released the Channel Highway Corridor Study, which sets out a long-term infrastructure plan for the stretch of road between Kingston and Margate.

Projects identified as high priorities include upgrades and a second roundabout at the existing Algona Rd roundabout, improvements to sight distance at the Howden Rd intersection and improvements to pedestrian, cycling and public transport facilities, including a feasibility study for a shared path from Margate to Huntingfield.

Mayor of Kingborough, Dean Winter. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Cr Winter said the development was not going to work unless they upgrade the [Algona Rd] roundabout”.

He said he was not alone in his pursuit to improved infrastructure to support the development.

“I think the majority of this community understand the need for more housing. What they struggle to understand is how the government plans to add 470 more homes at Huntingfield without any commitment to the infrastructure that supports it,” Cr Winter said.

“I just do not understand the Housing Minister [Roger Jaensch] thinks he can gain community support for 470 new homes without his government committing to the supporting infrastructure.

Outline of new subdivision at Huntingfield. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“The Huntingfield subdivision has been known about for almost half a century, after it was purchased with funding from the Whitlam Government to build housing.”

A government spokesman said funding of the Corridor Study’s high priority projects would be considered as part of the normal Budget process.

“A Development Application for a new access roundabout to provide a safer intersection on the Channel Highway was submitted in November and the Government is currently preparing additional information to support this application, which will include a Traffic Impact Assessment,” he said.

“Development Application for Stage 1 of the subdivision which will deliver the first 218 residential lots was submitted in late December.

Subject to Council’s assessment process, we anticipate both applications will be advertised in coming weeks for public consultation.

The spokesman said improved public transport between Hobart and the southern suburbs would be implemented this year, including new park and ride facilities at Huntingfield and Firthside that are being funded through the $20.8 million Kingston Congestion Fund.