Affordable housing pitch to place pressure on Port Macquarie infrastructure

MEMBER for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer believes the 18-storey mixed-use development proposed for opposite Westport Park has the potential to deliver much-needed housing while also providing economic benefits for Port Macquarie.

If approved, he said, it will revitalise a prime but currently undeveloped site and generate employment opportunities during the construction phase and create ongoing jobs in the commercial sector.

However, Mr Dwyer also acknowledges that the project would place additional pressure on local infrastructure, including roads, water and sewer services.

“This proposed 18-storey development will dramatically change the Port Macquarie skyline,” he said, “And I encourage community members to have their say during the consultation period later this year.”

He said he would continue advocating for State Government funding to ensure capacity upgrades kept pace with growth.

Despite the affordable housing component, news of the proposal sparked immediate online backlash.

Many people have raised concerns about height, infrastructure and a lack of consultation.

“How dare the nameless faces pen pushing and box ticking their way through days, decide what will happen in our town,” Dianne McDonald shared online.

“I would even be concerned at eight [storeys], but 18 is totally insane,” Linda Mueller said.

Others pointed to traffic and infrastructure constraints, with Sharron Stuckey warning: “They better fix the infrastructure, e.g. parking and traffic, or Port will be a nightmare.”

But some commenters on online community notice boards supported the principle of higher-density housing, arguing growth needed to be accommodated somewhere.

“If hundreds of thousands to millions of migrants come to Australia then they need to live somewhere,” Karl Degraa wrote.

Details of the proposal will be subject to further assessment and public consultation should a development application be lodged.

By Matt TAYLOR