Local property developers believe Wellington needs to be sold better.
Four different developers who have properties in the region say the area needs more leadership and direction.
“There are good things the local council does but they do appear to lack some direction,” developer David Nolan said.
Another person who is developing property, Paul Knaggs believes, like Mr Nolan, that critics of councils and governments are not positive.
“The councillors talk up the place but there’s not a lot of action,” he said.
“We have dropped prices and tried to promote the development’s but we need some help and strategy from them.”
But Wellington Mayor Anne Jones has defended councillors and staff.
“There is a strategy for the construction of new homes which was presented in the Economic Development report,” she said.
“This also included incentives for the construction of homes, there has been some uptake.”
Former Dubbo City councillor Barry Brebner believes there is good news out there.
“Taking advantage of what’s available in relation to the many jobs available in the area and the vast areas of accommodation is a way of promoting the positive,” he said.
“There are magnificent blocks available for half the price of Dubbo with breathtaking views and there needs to be a new focus,” Mr Brebner said.
The former member of the Dubbo Development Corporation, book writer, bookmaker, property developer and councillor is of the opinion a meeting or forum could be held with state MP Andrew Gee to reinvigorate the market.
“There are great amenties in Wellington, very good tourism prospects and currently you’re in the shadow of Dubbo but you could be the sun,” he said.
Mr Brebner was reluctant to downplay local action in the area, but said there was room for a new focus.
“I don’t want to be seen as an outsider looking in, I want to present a positive strategy,” he said.
“A program based on the jobs vein would be a good way of going.
“Wellington is right in the frame.”
State member for Orange Andrew Gee was on a flying visit through the town said he was happy, at an invitation, to head up the forum and help in any way he could
Cr Jones says only last week she met with those in charge of the Cobbora mine and they have again intimated that Wellington is one of the four shires which will supply jobs in the construction and operational phase of the mine near Dunedoo.
“We are doing a lot of work behind the scenes,” she said.
She believed the message is getting about Wellington.
Raine and Horne sales manager Gary Francis agrees with the developers that there is more room to move.
“We’re in a fabulous position to gain from the surrounding boom because of our location and we have the scope to move ahead,” he said.
Eric Smith of Doherty Smith Associates said vacant land isn’t selling but house and land packages appear to be moving’.
“There should be an incentive for you to buy a block of land and build your house,” Mr Smith said.
The developers however are staying positive.
“There are interested investors in our blocks,” Mr Nolan said.
“The price is right and we had some inquiries.”
The Times understands a local bank told one prospective buyer “that Wellington is not a good investment and therefore wasn’t keen to hand over money for a loan,” according to one developer, who preferred not to be named.
“There is a postcode ban on the shire unless you have serious security,” the developer said.
Eric Smith believes banks “are protecting their assets”.
“They need to release money to help develop the town,” he said.
Mr Smith, who writes a column for The Times, has talked with many of the developers and supports their calls for action.
Barry Brebner believes we have to change the mindset about Wellington- the former administrator of the Lake Burrendong State Park is very upbeat about the shire’s future.
“We should pick a group of people who care about the place and promote jobs, tourism and land sales,” he said.
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