Developers still being hit by big council fees – even in the bush

Crighton Properties has been hit with a $700,000 fee by Mudgee Council (NSW) for street and footpath work to accompany their $65 million retirement village development. This is a significant fee. If Stage One has a value of $10 million, this equates to 7% - a heavy cash flow impost, especially given villages provide a community service and provide their own roads, lights, and other services while still paying rates.