Wollondilly Shire will tonight vote on the latest Macquariedale Road planning proposal by Walker Corporation – a week after a community forum on the issue.
Walker Corporation is seeking a council approval for the consideration and public exhibition of changes to the Macquariedale Road planning proposal.
Walker has extensively revised previous plans to include larger lot sizes, new cycleways, upgrades to Gordon Lewis Oval as well as a commitment to a Community Chest program. It also includes funds to upgrade Appin Road, a Green Fund and preservation of bio-diversity land.
The plan was approved by council and sent to the Planning Minister for deliberation in October 2011, but because of the considerable changes submitted by Walker Corporation since then, councillors are required to consider whether the developer can resubmit their proposal at the next council meeting, which is scheduled for tonight, Monday, April 18.
If there is a green light tonight, council will be required to follow a series of steps.
These include submitting Walker Corporation’s revised proposal to the Minister for Planning for an alteration to the Gateway Determination, referral to state agencies and undertaking formal public exhibition and community consultation prior to any further recommendations in relation to the rezoning being made.
Last week’s community forum was attended by councillors, residents both for and against the development and representatives of Walker Corporation.
Tim Solan, development manager for Walker Corporation explained the changes to the plans.
“We have done extensive updates to the planning proposal based on community and council feedback,’’ Mr Solan told the forum.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The new proposal extensively addresses many of the issues raised after the previous round of public exhibition.[/social_quote]
“We have listened to you, the residents and council, and remain committed to Appin,” Mr Solan said.
Walker Corporation is also largely responsible for recent upgrades in services and amenity for the local Appin community, he told the forum.
The Supa IGA, medical practice and the preservation of bio-diversity lands are all a result of Walker’s development of Appin Valley and future planned development.
“We have supported and funded many community events, initiatives and clubs,’’ Mr Solan said.
“This demonstrates Walker’s long term commitment to Appin and we believe it is a genuine response to community issues,” Mr Solan said.
When given the opportunity to respond to Walker’s presentation, local residents raised a number of concerns.
But safety on Appin Road and low water pressure for Appin were the two main worries.
Walker Corporation supports the upgrade of Appin Road and has committed $2.5m in the revised proposal for Appin Road upgrades which will directly impact and benefit Appin town.
