Council takes ownership: end to Townsvale saga
WAKEFIELD Regional Council has agreed to take ownership of roads and infrastructure in Townsvale Estate, Balaklava, which will result in the completion of roads and stormwater infrastructure in the residential development.
It brings to a conclusion almost 90 years of debate about who was responsible for maintaining the development in Balaklava’s east, built on privately owned land and roads.
Below is a map outlining the ownership changes to the Townvale Estate.
“This is a landmark agreement for this council that underlines its support for the residents of Townsvale Estate,” WRC CEO, Andrew MacDonald said.
“It will formally close a really difficult chapter but provide some clarity and direction for that particular pocket of our community.”
Under the agreement, council accepted ownership of the roads within Townsvale Estate and has committed to progressively upgrade those roads.
Five vacant blocks of low-lying land within the development were transferred to council ownership at no cost, which will be used for stormwater and flood mitigation and provide a public nature reserve.
The road upgrades will be completed at council’s discretion but Dale Street will be constructed with at minimum a compacted rubble surface within 12 months of the agreement, which is yet to be officially finalised.
The formed area of Hill Street will also be extended to provide a connection to the nature reserve within 12 months of that reserve being opened for public use.
WRC mayor, Rodney Reid, said the agreement was a good result for all parties.
“It has weighted this council down for 20 plus years, looking for a solution,” he said.
“It has been an issue since before I joined council 14 years ago.
“The outcome will be good for the residents and give clarity for future planning by council in relation to that area.
“We’re going to end up with a nice green space too, which I think is a real bonus.”
Townsvale Estate Plan and Street Ownership Map
