A decision to block a controversial proposal for high rise apartments at Woodward Park is a win for residents, say two local MPs.
Nathan Hagarty, the Member for Leppington and Charishma Kaliyanda, the Member for Liverpool, have welcomed the decision by the Strategic Planning Panel of the Sydney Western City.
The panel voted unanimously to block the proposed rezoning of Woodward Park last week, citing there was no strategic merit in the proposal.
Earlier this year, Canterbury Leagues Club chose to bypass the local council and apply for NSW Planning Department approval for a multimillion-dollar hotel, residential and commercial development at the location.
This comes after Liverpool Council voted unanimously to not support the planning proposal and not refer it to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment for determination in March last year.
“Woodward Park is one of the few remaining large public open spaces in Liverpool,” Mr Hagarty said.
“It is a unique public space that is close to the Liverpool CBD and has served the community for centuries.
“Once it’s lost to high rise apartments it’s lost forever.
“I welcome the decision to reject the rezoning.
“The preservation of our open space for public amenity should be the priority,” Mr Hagarty said.
Ms Kaliyanda, who like Mr Hagarty is still a Liverpool councillor after their respective state election wins on March 25, also supported the panel’s decision.
“People living in the Liverpool CBD deserve to access open and green spaces close to where they live,” Ms Kaliyanda said.
“Covid showed us just how much our community really needs such public spaces in close proximity.
“I’m glad to see that common sense prevailed to ensure that we do not put the benefit of a few over the community good,” she said.
The two MPs are pictured above on site at Woodward Park.
