Homebuyers in the Aspire Estate at Evanston South are reeling from the huge impact that a dispute between the Gawler Council and the developer, Lanser communities is having on their finances and emotional wellbeing.
Some of the homebuyers vented their anger at a community consultation organised by local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo.
Mr Piccolo arranged the community event in response to concerns raised by homebuyers due to the inordinate delay in having their titles issued, so they can start building their homes.
Mr Piccolo said this no ordinary dispute, with homebuyers overwhelmingly angry at the Council for using them as “pawns” in a dispute they have with the developer.
“One homebuyer said that the delays in granted final clearance and thus facilitating the issuing of a title has cost them $40,000 as building costs has skyrocketed over the past 18 months,” said Mr Piccolo.
The community consultation was attended by some of the affected homebuyers, their representatives, a representative of the developer and some councillors.
The community meeting heard from homebuyers who are angry that the Council cannot sit around the table and resolve their differences.
“This has been going on for over 18 months, and we just want to build our homes and get our lives back on track.” said one homebuyer.
The developer’s representative told the meeting that they had met all their infrastructure and financial obligations and that council was delaying final clearance of the project as a way of getting them to pay the council more.
Mr Piccolo said he was extremely saddened by the whole matter as it is the homebuyers who are hurting, and when home affordability is a critical issue the council’s actions, or inaction makes their campaign to improve home affordability look silly, if not hypocritical.
The developers told the onsite meeting that they were tired of council’s games and had instituted legal proceedings and would be seeking damages from the council by the unnecessary delays caused by their actions.
Mr Piccolo said that he understood that Council had put aside $100,000 to fight any legal action, but he could not confirm that as all discussions have been held in secret.
“I have made some independent enquiries and the advice I have received is that should Council lose the legal case it could cost ratepayers up to $500,000 in legal costs and damages.”
“Last time Gawler Council lost court action I understand they were advised the legal bill would be between 20-30,000 dollars and ended up costing ratepayers over $200,000,” said Mr Piccolo.
Councillors at the meeting were shocked with what they heard; with some stating this is the first time they had been told the full story about the dispute.
Mr Piccolo said the Council leadership, needs to demonstrate some leadership and quickly resolve this dispute and stop the hurt they are inflicting on homebuyers.