Development Manager’s Update - October 2022

The Vale Stage 4

Stage 4 has been a hub of activity with cranes and large articulated vehicles mobilised on site to deliver large precast drainage pipes and pits.  Some of these precast pits weigh between 4 and 5 tonnes each and provide connections for what will be an impressive stormwater network once complete.  By using precast pits, the construction team can install the key pieces of infrastructure within a single day of clear weather.  If the pits had been cast in-situ, each pit would have taken a week to build and be highly affected by any wet weather.  Given the inordinate amount of wet weather over the past 12 months we are making sure to consider steps such as this to reduce the impact that any wet weather may have on progress. 

One other change in our approach is that in Stages 4 – 6 we will defer the planting of street trees until most of the homes are built.  This will minimise the risk of street trees being damaged during home construction.  

The Vale Stage 5&6

It won’t come as a surprise to you that over half the month of October has been affected by wet weather. 

While the wet weather hampered progress on site, we’ve made use of the time to progress the approval to undertake work within the riparian corridor and we anticipate that that approval is now imminent.  The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) are the regulatory body responsible for ensuring works on waterfront land are done legally and in accordance with the relevant legislation and regulations.  As we are conducting works within the 40m buffer along Forest Creek tributary, we are required to seek and obtain a controlled activity approval before revegetation works are undertaken.  In due course, we will ensure that all exotic plants, noxious weeds and dead trees will be removed and native plants planted so that the creek is restored to its original state.   

On the construction front, the construction team has been working on the main sewer line that follows Lots 513 to 528 and is 2m to 3m deep in some sections.  

Bankbook Terraces

This month we lodged the subdivision certificate application with Wollongong City Council.  Council approved the application on the 18th of October 2022, and we promptly proceeded to lodge the endorsed plan for registration with the Land Registry Service. Once the plan registers, our purchasers will be able to settle and take full ownership of their homes.  In the background, the builder (MJH Multi) has been working on finishing touches to complete the minor defects recorded in the last inspection.  Prior to settlement, we will hold a pre-settlement inspection to go over the dwelling and present each purchaser with a handover pack including keys, controls, warranties, and manuals. We’re almost there folks!