Since hosting our first Affordable Housing Forum in 2018, HMAG has worked to establish a Bellingen Shire Community Land Trust (CLT). Our CLT Working Group quickly recognised the need for strong support and resources to make this vision a reality.
A major breakthrough came when our advocacy led the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation of Councils (MNCJO) to commission a Proof of Concept (PoC) report on a regional CLT. Adopted by Bellingen Shire Council in March 2023, this pioneering report serves as a national roadmap for CLT development, already informing other communities. We especially thank Bellingen Shire Council for their leadership.
With the PoC report in place, the Siddle Family Foundation (SFF) provided crucial support to bring the Waterfall Way CLT to life. Initially guided by the WWCLT Advisory Group, chaired by Dr. Michael Darcy, several members transitioned to the inaugural WWCLT Board after incorporation, ensuring continued leadership in establishing the CLT in Bellingen Shire and beyond.
This timeline reflects both the passage of time and the immense dedication of our volunteers. From the early efforts of the WWCLT Working Group, to the specialist guidance of the WWCLT Advisory Group, and now the WWCLT Board leading implementation, this initiative has been driven by unwavering commitment.
With generous support from the Siddle Family Foundation, our volunteers bring persistence, expertise, and a shared vision—turning years of groundwork into lasting community impact.
