Waterfall Way CLT Update 🏡

[Kerry Pearse]

Dear CLT Friends

 

Please see our newsletter for an update on the establishment of Waterfall Way CLT Ltd.  We are thrilled that Bellingen Shire Council have committed to start the process to consider transferring Lot 1, Ferry St Urunga to us for a demonstration site.

 

We also have our inaugural AGM on Friday next week and will be moving to the tri-partite Board structure. This bakes in CLT resident and general community member decision making.

 

Please see the newsletter and links for more info.

 

Here’s to all of our collective work – and movement building.

 

Warmly, Kerry

 

Kerry Pearse

Executive Officer

Waterfall Way CLT Ltd

 

 

From: Housing Matters Action Group <ro...@housingmatters.org.au>
Sent: Friday, 21 November 2025 4:25 PM
To: Kerry Pearse <ke...@housingmatters.org.au>
Subject: Waterfall Way CLT & Housing Matters Updates 🏡

 

Waterfall Way CLT & Housing Matters     Dear Housing Friends It’s been a busy few weeks across the Waterfall Way Community Land Trust Ltd. (WWCLT) and Housing Matters Action Group Inc. (HMAG) as we continue pushing forward on permanently affordable homes for locals. We’re pleased to share several important updates — including progress on the Urunga demonstration site scenarios, a brief note on Council’s recent decision regarding Ferry Street, our formal response to the recent Bellingen Shire News article, and a friendly reminder about the WWCLT Annual General Meeting. Thank you for staying engaged and for your ongoing support as we work collectively towards a fairer housing system across Bellingen Shire. The WWCLT & HMAG Team.     Updated Site Scenarios for Lot 1 Ferry Street, Urunga We have now released two example site scenarios that illustrate how Lot 1 Ferry Street could support a small demonstration project of forever-affordable homes for local workers. Click here to view.  These scenarios explore: Six- and seven-home layouts using modular construction Low-impact site design, avoiding concrete slabs and favouring permeable surfaces Protection of significant trees, based on detailed surveys by an ecologist and arborist Minimal disturbance to the landscape through pad and strip footings North-facing homes designed for passive solar performance Communal outdoor space and areas for native regeneration These scenarios were shaped by expert advice, historical tree analysis, flood and acoustic constraints, and community feedback. They demonstrate what may be possible — but no final design work will occur until after Council’s process and a co-design phase with residents and neighbours. Special thanks to Dustin Leaney, Homes and Architecture, for his detailed site assessment and conceptual work. For more information: 0494 331 821 | clt@housingmatters.org.au     Council Decision on Ferry Street At this week's Council meeting, a rescission motion relating to last month’s “Additional land suitable for an innovative affordable housing model” resolution was passed (attached here). This rescinds the earlier decision that listed both Ferry Street (Urunga) and Fern/Pine Streets (Dorrigo) as preferred sites. Council then considered the alternate motion outlined therein. During the debate phase, Cr Shephard introduced two key changes to part 2 and 4 of the motion. These amendments mean that: (2) The requirement to identify an additional preferred site in January has been removed. (4) References to considering multiple “preferred sites” were removed. Council then adopted the amended motion. This outcome gives much-needed clarity for the next stage of work. It enables Council to concentrate its due diligence and community engagement specifically on the Urunga site. It also provides us with a clearer pathway forward — we look forward to the next phase of work and consultation still ahead.     Our Response to the Recent Bellingen Shire News Article Following the recent Bellingen Shire News piece, WWCLT has issued a factual, constructive response addressing issues and summarising the status of the project, our community consultation to date, and the technical work undertaken so far. You can read the full statement here.     WWCLT Annual General Meeting The WWCLT Ltd Annual General Meeting will be held on: Friday 28 November 2025 at 5:00-6:30PM at the Bellingen Youth Hub, 2 William Street, Bellingen. Click here for notice and use the button below to RSVP - please include any dietary requirements.  We hope you can join us for a brief update on progress this year,  the Urunga demonstration site, and information about getting involved in 2026. All supporters and community partners are warmly invited. For more information: 0494 331 821 | clt@housingmatters.org.au   RSVP     Copyright © 2025 Housing Matters Action Group Inc, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have expressed interest in our work, have opted in via our website or at one of our events. Please unsubscribe if you no longer wish to hear from the Housing Matters Action Group. Our mailing address is: Housing Matters Action Group Inc Room 7, 1A Oak Street, Bellingen, NSW 2454 Australia Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.