THE global financial crisis has officially reached the shire with construction of facilities at Bingara Gorge put on hold until the tough times have passed.
One family is furious over the ``broken promises'' but Bingara Gorge estate project director Paul Gerlach said careful decisions would mean the company could deliver on its vision.
Residents Shane and Tina Darley bought their property at Bingara in 2007 but now believe the prestigious lifestyle of their dreams was fading away.
Mrs Darley said her family was upset the construction of the golf course, scheduled to begin last year, was put on hold. ``By 2010 we were supposed to have a completed golf course and country club, primary school, child-care centre and village centre,'' she said.
``And by now we should also have been connected to natural gas and have recycled water but that hasn't happened either.''
Mr Gerlach said since Delfin announced its intentions last August the world has experienced unprecedented economic turmoil.
``As a result, prudent management of cash and careful decision-making has been required that's affected timing decisions on the delivery of the golf course,'' he said.
``In doing this we'll be able to deliver on our vision for Bingara Gorge.''
Mr and Mrs Darley said they were concerned that the value of their property dropped when the golf and leisure facilities were put on hold.
``We bought our block for $230,000 in 2007 and next door, which is the same size, is now on the market for $185,000,'' Mrs Darley said.
``We bought here for the prestigious lifestyle and now they're pushing three-bedroom, single-garage homes for first-home buyers.''
Mr Gerlach said the team at Bingara Gorge launched its marketing campaign to raise awareness of the community and boost land sales.
``Today's property market is very different to 18 months ago when initial sales on the project commenced and we've seen even greater changes over the past six to nine months with the impact of the global financial crisis affecting consumer confidence,'' he said. ``Like most businesses, Delfin is responding to these challenging times by ensuring it has the correct product and pricing structures for the market.
``The campaign has paid off and the past four months has seen growing interest and sales at Bingara Gorge, which will benefit the growth of the whole community.''
Mrs Darley was also upset that building requirements had changed since her family built their home.
``When we moved here there were no single garages allowed on our street,'' she said. ``We also had to follow strict building and site requirements which are now just guidelines for the new-home buyers.''
Mr Gerlach said very minor amendments had been made to clarify guidelines but the high standard of building expected at the community remained unchanged.
``And Delfin Lend Lease has provided this resident with a golf and leisure package in good faith for free.''
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