Plans to rezone land at Menangle for a business park that could produce more than 4500 local jobs have moved one step closer to approval.
At last week’s meeting, Wollondilly Shire Council voted to support a draft planning proposal from developer Mirvac to rezone the land near the Hume Highway, subject to a number of amendments to address community concerns.
When the proposal went to public exhibition it received 44 submissions from the community, with many objecting to rezoning, as well as a number of submissions with mixed or supportive views.
Thirteen submissions were received from public agencies with no objections, although several issues requiring attention were raised.
Council says its conditional approval responds to and addresses the issues raised in the submissions.
“We are looking for jobs in the Shire, and we really need to get this balance right to ensure infrastructure is in place and our environment is protected,” says deputy mayor Matthew Deeth.
‘On the advice of the Local Planning Panel, council has given conditional support for the draft planning proposal subject to a number of amendments being completed prior to it being submitted to the department of planning, housing and infrastructure for gateway determination.
“We need to have protection in place for heritage items such as the Gilbulla Estate, and we have recommended the implementation of a minimum buffer of 390 metres between the eastern rezoning boundary and the Nepean River to protect the koala corridor.
“We want to see a commitment to the funding of the associated infrastructure for the proposal including the proposed Hume Highway interchange,’’ he said.
“Council is also seeking confirmation of funding, delivery timeframe and scope of works for water and wastewater infrastructure works required to connect the land to the Sydney Water network.’’
The proposed rezoning would facilitate the development of a business park housing large warehouse and distribution buildings, communal spaces and recreational facilities.
It would maintain the existing rural zone on land adjoining the Nepean River, which has been identified for conservation under the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.
The business park is expected to provide 113 hectares of employment space at Moreton Park Road.
According to the economic impact assessment, it would create approximately 4600 jobs, including 2500 direct jobs specifically associated with the future uses like manufacturing and 2100 indirect jobs, such as transport.
An assessment has shown that the proposal would bring significant positive benefits to the community, including the expected delivery of critical regional infrastructure such as access to the Hume Highway via a proposed northern interchange, a realignment and upgrade of Moreton Park Road, and water and interim waste water servicing.
