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SPOTLIGHT ON RIVERSTONE
How much more can we take ?
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Ask just about any business if they ’ d like a 318 per cent increase in customers and you ’ d get a resounding yes ; then point out that they must service this increase in demand with the same resources as they currently have , and you ’ d probably get a different reaction .
This is the situation facing the businesses in Riverstone and Schofields , two suburbs already stretched to breaking point by the growth they ’ ve experienced over the last 10 years . Also , according to newly released ABS data , Riverstone is expected to grow by a whopping 318 per cent over the next decade .
Astonishingly , the state Government has confirmed they do not foresee any major road or rail infrastructure upgrades to cope with the burgeoning population .
318 per cent - to put that into perspective , imagine you have invited 100 people to a party , fully catered with drinks included , then each of your guests decided to bring a partner and a friend . A few even bring along their kids . Now , instead of catering for 100 you have 318 hungry mouths to feed , and you ’ ve only got 100 sets of cutlery , plates , and glasses . The streets surrounding your home would become filled with partygoers , meaning your neighbours are impacted . A 318 per cent increase in partygoers changes the opportunity for a good night out into chaos and everyone has a bad time .
It ’ s hard to comprehend how much impact this kind of growth will have on the community , especially when there is no infrastructure to support the incoming tsunami of new residents .
Riverstone is already drowning in traffic and bursting at the seams which is impacting the surrounding suburbs .
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But traffic is just one issue . Do we have the schools for 318 per cent more children ? Can we park 318 per cent more cars ? Do we have the health facilities for 318 per cent more patients ? Is there adequate social support for 318 per cent more aged and disabled clients ? And critically , do we have 318 per cent more jobs ?
On a suburban scale an increase in population of 318 per cent without the necessary infrastructure turns a potential business and employment epicentre into an environment that makes it difficult for businesses to even survive .
Potential new customers are encouraged to shop out of the area because it ’ s too difficult to access local business .
Riverstone is already feeling the pain of growth without investment . Local business in Riverstone struggle , new residents aren ’ t becoming new customers and the redevelopment of the town centre has been imminent for years .
Riverstone and Schofields businesses are as desperate for supporting infrastructure as the residents they serve . Adding another 318 per cent to an already struggling system would turn opportunity into chaos .
But it is not all doom and gloom , chaos can still become opportunity . This is an exciting time for the area ; if they are well-executed the coming changes that will bring the 318 per cent could revitalise the area , improving the lives of everyone . We have the time , but we need to engage now . Riverstone needs a plan . Riverstone needs investment and most importantly , Riverstone needs the Government that will listen to our concerns .
We encourage the community to take the time to write to the local State MP , Kevin Conolly riverstone @ parliament . gov . au , asking for his support to deliver a plan for Riverstone .
For further information please visit our website www . riverstoneschofieldschamber . com . au / or on our Facebook page , Riverstone Have Your Say .
FOR PERFECT CRACKLING EVERY TIME
Reheat the oven to 220 ° C Cut the crackling from the roast Cover the roast in foil & set it aside Lay the crackling on foil & into the oven and watch it carefully Your crackling should puff & crisp up Serve it to accolades of your family & friends
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24 ISSUE 143 // APRIL 2022 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT