Ali Cupper calls on government to back Robinvale rezoning

MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper says rezoning of land in Robinvale will help boost housing options in the township.

“Swan Hill Council is currently undertaking a reconstruction of the town’s levee bank which, when completed, will make the adjacent land suitable for housing,” Ms Cupper told State Parliament this week.

“All that is needed is for the government to support a rezoning of the land from farming to rural residential.

“Council has confirmed that these lots were extremely unlikely to be used for agriculture and have been unused for some time.

“However, council insists that there is strong unmet demand for upmarket rural living on the river.

“As a result, a targeted rezoning would increase the number of housing opportunities, stimulate the local construction industry and provide an incentive for upwardly mobile professional families to work and live in Robinvale rather than commuting from Mildura or from Swan Hill.”

Ms Cupper said this would equate to more money in local shops, more children sent to local schools, and “ultimately a more diverse and prosperous community”.

She sought a commitment from Housing Minister Richard Wynne to inspect two well advanced project proposals to increase the number and type of housing options available.

The government has invested almost $1 million towards GP housing for Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative (MVAC) and two executive accommodation units in a partnership with Swan Hill Council.

“That was a great start, but we have more ideas about how this work can be expanded, and the best way for the minister to understand those projects would be to visit,” Ms Cupper said.

“The first project could make a significant difference to the desirability of the town as a place to build and settle by opening up prestigious rural living housing lots with river frontage.”

The second project is being led by MVAC, in particular director Aunty Rose Kirby.

It involves the repurposing of demountable cabins from a local holiday park to create a culturally appropriate accommodation facility for Indigenous men at the Manatunga settlement site.

“The project would deliver social and emotional wellbeing and healing services and personal and community development activities, such as market gardens, arts and woodworking pursuits, all in one integrated service location,” Ms Cupper said.

“Importantly, it would also provide up to eight individual living spaces, providing much-needed independence for some of the town’s Aboriginal men.

“MVAC has already bought the demountable cabins with its own money and is requesting the State Government support them with getting power and sewerage lines connected.

“With the bulk of the work already carried out by MVAC, a first-hand look at the proposal would provide the minister with a better insight into the project and may help inspire a funding commitment.”