LIFE & STYLE
Western Sydney councils urge housing
plan meetings with government
The peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney , the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils ( WSROC ), is urging the NSW Government to rethink features of proposed planning changes that WSROC says will jeopardise the state ’ s ambitious housing targets .
“ WSROC is inviting the government to meet with councils to discuss issues such as parking access , domestic waste services and managing urban heat , to ensure that the government ’ s housing plan can be smoothly and effectively implemented ,” said WSROC President , Councillor Barry Calvert .
In December , the NSW Government released a document titled “ The Explanation of Intended Effect : Changes to create low and mid-rise housing ” outlining major changes to housing planning controls — such as floor space and building height allowances — intended to increase the development capacity of land located near to a “ station or town centre precinct ”.
WSROC quickly identified a host of problems with the housing plan that could push up land values , reduce quality of living , worsen traffic congestion — even cause garbage bins to pile up on footpaths and in streets creating safety and health hazards — among other things .
“ WSROC supports efforts by the government to increase housing availability and affordability , provided the outcome is well designed housing that is sustainable - including financially sustainable ,” said Councillor Calvert .
“ We are urging the government to sit down with councils to sort through important details of its plan , such as the government ’ s blanket approach to car spaces across the city .
“ Inadequate onsite resident parking will not result in fewer cars on our roads , but put further pressures on street parking , and the viability of other services such as waste collection .
“ Removing onsite access for waste services in new apartment buildings will see a weekly tsunami of bins into the streets surrounding our train stations , affecting pedestrian safety , parking , and movement of traffic during peak periods .
“ More bins and large waste items such as furniture at the kerbside block footpaths , contribute to local litter and amenity issues , and are difficult to collect without impacting traffic flow .
Western Sydney councils are also concerned that the government ’ s proposals don ’ t adequately address natural and man-made hazards .
“ For example , while the proposed
Waste collection bins outside a Western Sydney apartment complex .
reforms acknowledge the worsening flood risk in Greater Western Sydney , particularly in relation to the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley , they don ’ t address other hazards such as bushfire and heatwaves ,” said Councillor Calvert .
“ We are also concerned that the government ’ s proposals do not specify affordable housing delivery or developer contribution requirements — which is particularly concerning given the
inevitable uplift in land values within midrise housing vicinities .
“ WSROC urges the NSW Government to work with local councils to deliver a more nuanced and fit-for-purpose solution to the current housing crisis .
For full details , see WSROC ’ s submission in response to the plan online at the following link https :// wsroc . com . au / mediaa-resources / submissions ? task = download . send & id = 372 & catid = 2 & m = 0 .
137TH ANNUAL
HAWKESBURY SHOW 19-20-21 APRIL 2024
3 DAYS
OF FAMILY FUN !
From the very best in livestock , arts and crafts , horticulture , fruit , vegetables and local trade stands , to stunning fireworks and exhilarating carnival rides , the Hawkesbury Show offers a spectacular celebration of Australian cultural and rural traditions .
FRIDAY 19TH 9AM-11PM
Equestrian , Pavilion Displays , Agility Dogs , Rabbit Show , Charity Steer Auction , Airtime FX Motorbikes , Hot Wheels Monster Trucks , Side Show Rides , Fireworks + More !
SATURDAY 20TH 9AM-11PM
Livestock , Grand Parade , Equestrian , Flyball Dogs , Woodchop , Ultimate Crown Showdown Dance Comp , Side Show Rides , Main Arena Night Show Spectacular + More !
SUNDAY 21ST 9AM-4PM
Dog Show , Cat Show , Equestrian , Livestock , Alpaca Show , HDAA Auxiliary Raffle , Emergency Services Displays , Taste the Hawkesbury Tent , Poultry Show + More
Hawkesbury Showground Racecourse Road , Clarendon
Catch the train to Clarendon Station for quickest entry !
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Changed traffic conditions will be in place , delays may occur
Hawkesbury Show www . hawkesburyshowground . com . au / hawkesbury-show
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 37 // APRIL 2024 13