Sydenham to Bankstown Urban Renewal Corridor back on the agenda
Thursday 29 June 2017
The State Government’s revised draft Sydenham to Bankstown Urban Renewal Corridor Strategy is under review by Inner West Council.
The Strategy would see major changes to planning and rezoning along 13km of the Bankstown rail line.
Under the plan, some existing low-rise streets would be rezoned from predominantly single storey homes to unit blocks up to eight storeys high.
The draft Strategy was first exhibited in late 2015. The Government received more than 1,800 submissions in response to the exhibition.
“Overdevelopment – particularly in Dulwich Hill – was the subject of many, many submissions. While Council is still reviewing the revised strategy, it seems there have been no significant changes to address this issue with the number of dwellings in Dulwich Hill still standing at 2000,” said Administrator of Inner West Council Richard Pearson.
In total, the revised draft Strategy has increased the number of new dwellings in the inner west by 2,500 to 8,500. That is:
• Marrickville Station Precinct: 6,000 new homes
• Dulwich Hill Station Precinct: 2,000 new homes
• Sydenham Station Precinct: 500 new homes
“Council is undertaking a thorough review of the revised strategy - especially the interface between high rise development and existing low rise heritage suburbs and how infrastructure will be provided and funded,” Mr Pearson said.
“The way in which infrastructure planning is being addressed is a critical concern given that 20,000 new residents will make the inner west home as a result of the strategy.
“Having a metro train line is one thing, but we will also need new schools, parks, health facilities, local roads, and stormwater services.
“The strategy contains an infrastructure list with some worthwhile items on it – but we will need much more to accommodate the growing population and a sustainable funding source for it.
“I’m calling on the State Government to partner with Council on developing this list and having it ready to implement concurrently with the final Strategy, along with a State Infrastructure Contribution levy to make it happen” Mr Pearson said.
One of the aspects of the initial draft that was supported by Council was the promise of new jobs.
“But the revised draft has 1,200 fewer jobs, with no explanation. This is disappointing, especially as it is inconsistent with the State Government’s own principle of jobs closer to home.”
“Council also considers a closing date for submissions of 3 September, six days out from Council elections to be inappropriate and is calling on the Government to extend the consultation period to at least mid-October so newly elected representatives can play a meaningful role in Council’s submission.
“Given the revised strategy has been in development since late 2015, an extra six weeks consultation is not too much to ask.”
Council will also hold a public meeting as well as drop in sessions at each station precinct to share relevant information from the revised draft strategy, and hear from local residents.
Details of the public meeting and drop in sessions will be announced shortly.