The NSW Government looks set to implement at least some of the recommendations of a report from the Independent Community Commissioner for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
There are 40 recommendations from the Commissioner on how the government could better support local landowners.
Key recommendations supported by the government include:
- Establishing the Independent Community Commissioner as an ongoing role to improve communication with landowners;
- Creating a Community Consultative Committee to provide an engagement forum for the community and improve communication with landowners;
- Investigating adjustment of zoning boundaries and other changes as recommended in the report.
Minister for planning and public spaces Rob Stokes appointed Professor Roberta Ryan to the role of Independent Community Commissioner in May to address the concerns of landowners in the area.
“The planning and delivery of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis is one of the biggest projects in the state’s history and as a result is incredibly complex,” Mr Stokes said.
“We wanted to ensure that all voices were heard and Professor Ryan has done an outstanding job over the last few months by meeting with more than 100 landowners potentially affected by the rezoning plans.
“We’ve released an initial response to the Commissioner’s findings that commits to supporting most recommendations and we will provide a more detailed whole-of-government response in the next couple of months.”
Some recommendations require changes to planning controls and these will be considered as the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment finalises the planning framework, due to be completed by the end of this year.
Minister for jobs, investment, tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said it was critical for the government to listen to the community and respond to their concerns.
“A vital part of the response right now is improving the way we communicate with landowners,” Mr Ayres said.
“We’ve extended the Commissioner’s role so Professor Ryan can continue to provide support to landowners.
“We’re also developing a community participation plan and implementing other measures to provide a better pathway for the people of Western Sydney to participate in planning this new, world-class city.”
More information about the Independent Community Commissioner’s report, and the preliminary responses from the NSW Government is available here: https://bit.ly/3zkC007
