On November 28 last year, the Minns Government announced reforms to expedite housing construction near transport hubs such as railway stations.
The changes would allow two storey apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R2 low density residential zones.
Also, mid-rise apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R3 medium density zones and appropriate employment zones.
This will help provide more housing just a short 10-minute walk (800m) from transport hubs, shops and amenities.
The aim is to create compact, walkable, mixed-use communities with high-quality public transport as their central focus.
Mayor of Campbelltown George Greiss, who has supported the housing initiatives of the NSW Government so far, says there are several problems with this style of development, mainly when it is done as a blanket approach without proper planning.
“One major issue is that it ignores community concerns under the cover of stopping NIMBYism,’’ he wrote in his final Mayoral Minute for 2023.
“Despite the Campbelltown Local Government Area being serviced by seven electrified railway stations, these services operate beyond their capacity.
“The latest peak utilisation data shows that trains on the T8 Airport line operated at 148 percent capacity during the morning peak.
“Also, the services from Campbelltown to Parramatta are not direct. This historical connection now requires train passengers to change trains at Glenfield.’’
Mayor Greiss also pointed out that many Campbelltown residents cannot reach their nearest railway station within 30 minutes using public transportation, which is necessary for commuting to metropolitan or strategic centres.
“This is especially true for 35% of the population in Campbelltown, as they live more than 400m away from a regular 30-minute weekday public transport service,’’ he said.
Mayor Greiss also express concern his residents would not gain public transport access to the new international airport under construction at Badgerys Creek.
“The Metro connection from Glenfield to Western Sydney International Airport, which is relatively short, has not been confirmed for implementation,’’ he said.
“Similarly, the North-South Metro rail from Western Sydney International Airport to Campbelltown-Macarthur has also not been committed for development.
“Without these connections, our community cannot access the new Western Sydney International Airport via public transport.
“The government is introducing policies to force councils to increase the number and diversity of housing to accommodate the varying demographics around public transport hubs,’’ Cr Greiss said.
“However, there needs to be a more explicit commitment to improving our public transport system, which is significantly lagging.’’
