HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 111 September 2024 | Page 4

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Disclaimer : The comments of columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Independent magazine group . The Independent nor any person acting on their behalf , may be held responsible for the use to which the information contained in this publication may be put , or for any errors which , despite careful preparation and checking , may appear .

LOCAL LIFE

Hills Shire Council urges NSW Government to stop rushing ‘ mini city ’ plans for Bella Vista-Kellyville

The Hills Shire Council has officially submitted its feedback on the proposed ‘ mini city ’ development at Bella Vista and Kellyville Metro Stations , urging the NSW Government to reconsider its rushed plans and adopt a more measured approach to ensure the project ’ s success .

During the Council Meeting on August 13 , Councillors unanimously backed a submission to the NSW Department of Planning , Housing , and Infrastructure , raising significant concerns about the proposed rezoning of land around the Kellyville and Bella Vista Metro Stations .

This submission was prompted by the Department ’ s exhibition of its Transport Oriented Development ( TOD ) plan for the Bella Vista and Kellyville Metro Stations , which are open for public comment until Friday , August 23 , 2024 .

Council ’ s submission highlights serious issues with the proposal , including inadequate infrastructure , insufficient road upgrades , environmental impacts , and increased flooding risks . These concerns are particularly pressing given that if these plans are approved , these precincts would have the capacity to be home

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to 100,000 additional people . This population is more than some of Sydney ’ s Local Government Areas .

General Manager of The Hills Shire Council , Michael Edgar , emphasised the importance of thoroughly planning these precincts .

“ These suburbs will become highly congested if these plans are implemented ,” Mr Edgar said .

“ TODs should ensure that the walkable catchment from residents ’ homes to services and public transport are safe , accessible , and inviting . However , the current plan relies on the Metro and a very busy road for commuting to work , school , playing fields , and essential services .

“ The impact on Old Windsor Road , which runs through the centre of the walkable area , cannot be ignored . It ’ s hard to see how this plan does anything but worsen the situation . The proposed public domain for urban outcomes must be exceptional .

“ Council sees fundamental gaps in the proposed plans and the conclusions made about critical infrastructure , including road upgrades , sports fields , playgrounds , and essential services like SES , Police , and Fire & Rescue , is a long way short of what is needed .

“ Given the scale of the project , the plan should be publicly displayed along with comprehensive infrastructure plans and future development standards and be exhibited as an entire package .

“ Council ’ s concern is that the Department ’ s TODs deviate from longestablished benchmarks for major road performance and other essential infrastructure that government agencies have long upheld .

“ These precincts can only succeed if the NSW Government delivers a well-planned , liveable community that genuinely enhances the quality of life . Pushing large-scale development without necessary infrastructure is unacceptable .

“ Unless revised , these plans will leave our current and future residents with a precinct that feels overdeveloped and inadequate , leading to widespread dissatisfaction .”

Mr Edgar encouraged residents to review the plans and submit their own feedback , just as the Council has done . “ Now is the time to let the NSW Government hear what you think ; once this plan is made , it will be difficult it to be rewound .”

“ Our submission reflects Council ’ s deep concerns about the impacts

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4 ISSUE 111 // SEPTEMBER 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT