Al-anwar Newspaper English news in Australia
A mayor has come out swinging against the NSW government after it announced it would fast-track supply to build thousands of new homes in southwest Sydney.
Three large housing proposals – with 19,000 homes between them – will be lodged shortly as part of the government’s $2.8bn investment to tackle a shortage of homes exacerbated by slow council approvals and natural disasters.
Under the plan, Walker Corporation will set up almost 13,000 homes, including affordable housing, in Appin – sitting between Campbelltown CBD and the Illawarra’s coastline.
As house prices in Wollongong and surrounds hit record highs and councils in the north and east fail to act on housing targets – the Appin development will be an option for first-home buyers.
Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould slammed the NSW Government’s “destructive” plan and said he was bitterly disappointed at the rushed announcement.
“Once again we are seeing them rubber stamp massive residential developments in an area that completely lacks the most basic infrastructure to support it, and without any meaningful commitment to roads, public transport, schools, hospitals or other essential services,” he said.
“The state government has clearly learnt nothing from the mistakes it has made at Wilton.
“The government’s own plans show there is no strategy for infrastructure or jobs.
“It is way too early to start building houses at Appin, and it is counter-productive to have growth areas competing against each other for basic infrastructure.”
Housing Minister Anthony Roberts said the three new proposals would also secure the protection and creation of important koala corridors in the region.
“In addition to potentially providing much-needed housing, these proposals will improve outcomes for the area’s koala population, one of only a few disease-free populations in NSW,” he said.
“Setting up koala corridors is a key part of our conservation efforts to make sure koalas can safely move around, and these proposals could help secure and implement koala plans identified in the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.”
In addition to Appin, 3000 new homes will be built on a 300ha property in Ousedale Creek near Menangle by Ingham’s Property Group.
Another 3300 homes are planned for another 876ha site, along with a school and public open spaces.
Mr Roberts said while planning proposals were normally lodged with councils in the first instance, the state would assess these proposals given their combined significance, complexity, and strong housing and environmental benefits if approved.
“The Department of Planning and Environment will undertake the assessment of these proposals, which are all located in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area, so councils don’t need to,” he said.
“However, it will be required to work closely with councils and other agencies to resolve any potential issues.
“Nothing about the assessment process changes including the important need for community consultation.”
Mr Gould said opening up another massive development front at Appin would only result in growth areas competing for the same “inadequate bucket of money” to get schools, health and education in place.
