At least 1000 new jobs could be on the way for Picton.
Wollondilly Shire Council has supported a draft planning proposal for employment lands in Picton that would ultimately deliver much needed jobs if it gets the green light.
Council says local jobs are a priority for them.
Data from National Institute of Economic and Industry Research show an estimated 3500 additional jobs created in the last five years, a 25 percent increase, and an 8 percent increase in the ratio of jobs to residents.
Council agreed that the proponent-led proposal involving multiple properties in Argyle Street, Stilton Lane and Wonga Road demonstrated strategic merit and should be supported, with conditions.
“Supporting local business to create local jobs is a key priority because it gives our residents opportunities and can reduce the daily grind for those keen to work close to home,’’ Mayor Matt Gould said.
“While there remains more work to do, we’ve made some good progress in recent years, and this is another step in the right direction.
“Council has decided to progress this planning proposal to support well-located jobs for our residents, with some further analysis and amendments required to address some outstanding issues.
“Any development in this location needs to have high regard for heritage, landscape and environmental outcomes.
“We have included the protection of views and heritage homes through the process, as well as maximum building height controls. Of course, the proposal would be dependent on Sydney Water having a clear delivery plan for wastewater,” Mayor Gould said.
“We need to encourage employment opportunities locally, so if the outstanding matters are addressed this would be a great outcome for the shire.”
To get the green light, the proposal requires a change in the Wollondilly Local Environmental Plan of 2011.
The plan was subject to preliminary community consultation earlier this year.
Council received a combination of positive, negative and mixed responses, with the impact of increasing traffic congestion raised as a major focus.
Preliminary consultation was also undertaken with relevant public agencies, with none of them opposing the draft proposal.
Council will now forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, along with a request for the following conditions:
a. The need for a Contributions Plan, site specific Development Control Plan and any Planning Agreement letter of offer to concurrently accompany the public exhibition of the planning proposal.
b. To incorporate an update to the Traffic Impact Assessment with Transport for NSW’s most current modelling data (G3M) for the Picton Bypass and wider precinct to ensure assumptions remain applicable
c. The need to undertake further consultation with local knowledge holders, in the absence of a comprehensive Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment being completed for all properties.