Dubbo’s elder citizens think a housing development on the former RAAF base makes sense - but one of them warns that may not kickstart Dubbo’s economy.
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A number of long-time residents were in chorus yesterday as they outlined their visions for the prominent parcel of land in Dubbo.
The residents, most with business backgrounds, saw housing as the way to proceed, but Brian Barnes said the key could lie in decentralising a government department.
The former department of defence property has come back on the market after its original sale to one-time Dubbo businessman John Kosseris.
Receivers for Mr Kosseris KordaMentha last month instructed the 38.69-hectare property be sold by public tender, to close on July 22.
Mr Barnes has lived in Dubbo for 55 years - a significant period of which was in business - and he wanted to see the site developed into something to boost Dubbo’s population and economy.
“We need infrastructure there that will increase employment,” he said.
“If I was to buy it, the simplest thing would be to turn it into homes, with a park in the middle, but that may only be shifting people, not bringing in new people.”
That is why he would like to see a State or Federal government department set up there.
The development would need a mix of purposes - parkland, residential and office-type high-density usage, he said.
The newest addition to the Dubbo chamber of commerce’s roll of honour, Barry Brebner first thought was residential when asked by the Daily Liberal about a use for the former RAAF base.
“It would make a great housing-type development, prestige housing with gardens,” he said.
“There could be small units for retirees and bigger ones for families.”
Neither Mr Brebner nor longtime Dubbo resident and Rotarian Wally Flynn wanted to see more bulky goods on the site.
Mr Flynn could imagine a residential estate with some parks or ovals.
“I believe it should be turned into houses, if we’re going to grow,” he said.
Joe Snare, whose family recently celebrated 55 years in business in Dubbo, also said housing, specifically housing for seniors.
“I think there is demand for high-class housing for older people, with one to two bedrooms,” he said.
2009 Dubbo Citizen of the Year Margaret Green also mentioned housing, as well as recreation.
“It would be a wonderful place to live, for older people or anyone,” she said.
“It would be ideal for sporting facilities, in the centre of town and easy to access.”