Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, has called for an urgent independent audit of the number of new dwellings proposed for the Ku-ring-gai Council area pursuant to the NSW Metropolitan Strategy. This follows the Sartor driven push for even more local areas to be zoned for higher density housing, as part of the Ku-ring-gai Town Centre plans.
Mr O’Dea made the call after addressing the final Planning Panel Community Consultative Forum for the region, which invited public comment and feedback on the proposed Town Centre plans. While last night’s forum particularly focused on Lindfield and Roseville, Mr O’Dea also attended parts of the two previous forums for St. Ives and for Gordon / Pymble.
Mr O’Dea said current draft proposals to push thousands of extra residents into the Ku-ring-gai Council area should be condemned.
“Ku-ring-gai should not be forced to take more than its fair share of development, agreed and confirmed at 10,000 new dwellings by 2031.
“I asked the Planning Panel how many dwellings in total have already been provided for, including those now approved, since the start of the process,” Mr O’Dea said.
“They appeared not to know, with the Chairperson indicating that the Panel would need to consider the matter. This highlights the need for an urgent independent audit to determine and verify the facts.
“Based on all the evidence and previously identified plans to date, I believe Ku-ring-gai would clearly already reach its target of 10,000 new dwellings, well before the Metropolitan Strategy deadline of 2031,” Mr O’Dea said.
“I am very concerned at Planning Minister Frank Sartor’s drive, through his appointed Planning Panel, to impose even more housing density than previously proposed in the various Ku-ring-gai Town Centre areas.
“Any new development must also be accompanied by appropriate infrastructure investment to meet increased demand for essential services and cater for increased traffic flow and public transport demand. It should also have regard to the area’s traditional lifestyle, historic characteristics and environmental value,” Mr O’Dea said.
“It is clear there is widespread apprehension and opposition from residents to the arrogant and insensitive push by Labor to impose over-development on our area. The Government must hear their concerns and respond appropriately,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
