Australia’s largest ever standalone housing development application has been submitted for approval in Appin to bring 9000 homes into the Minns Government housing supply pipeline.
Walker Corporation’s Concept Plan and Stage 1 Development Application (DA) to Wollondilly Shire Council will be put on exhibition as a package later this year, alongside more than $2 billion in state and local infrastructure.
The DA draws on extensive studies and more than 5000 pages of reports from expert consultants to ensure the application addresses all requirements on bushfire protection, flooding, koala and conservation protection, along with significant infrastructure for road networks and public transport.
More than $10 million has been invested with specialist consultants to prepare independent technical studies and reports, ensuring the DA accommodates all the critical infrastructure required alongside housing.
The infrastructure offer provided by Walker will deliver water and wastewater facilities, fast NBN connections, 10,000 jobs in the $1.9b Macarthur Business Park, shops, community facilities, sports ovals and open spaces, as well as land for schools, roads and transport corridors.
Walker managing director and CEO David Gallant said the Walker team will continue its detailed consultation process with all levels of government to have the DA assessed and approved by June 2025.
This will help deliver on the Minns Government’s commitment to bring more housing forward for those who desperately need it.
“Through strong collaboration between Council and the relevant State Government Departments, Walker looks forward to delivering housing, jobs, services and infrastructure to this region, which has been earmarked for urban renewal for decades,” Mr Gallant said.
“This is an important stage in the process where we can demonstrate how our application has been informed by robust rezoning studies and insights from leading consultants in urban design, landscape architecture, engineering, heritage, ecology, floods, bushfire management, transport and planning.
“The wider Macarthur region is excited about our vision to create a high-quality community for families to grow and explore in one of the most unique natural settings in Australia with shops, cafes, schools, parks and public transport, all within walking distance to homes.”
Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren is keen to see the DA for new homes approved alongside the appropriate infrastructure.
“The NSW Government is serious about delivering quality housing for families in Sydney who are out of options to get on the housing ladder,” Mr Warren said.
“I look forward to seeing the plans that Walker has submitted identifying essential infrastructure that will be delivered alongside this critical housing supply,’’ he said.
“This Walker proposal will provide people with the ability to work, live and play in our wonderful Macarthur community.
“I will continue to work with all stakeholders, including the local council, to ensure that the right infrastructure outcomes are achieved for the people of this region.”
Walker is also dedicating 5,000,000 square metres of conservation land back to the people of NSW and a revegetation program for tens of thousands of new trees to be planted in and around Future Appin communities, helping to protect the local koala population
Walker has undertaken months of consultations with Wollondilly Shire Council and the NSW Government to ensure the DA aligns with key planning documents, including the Greater Macarthur Structure Plan, the Precinct Plan and the Development Control Plan.
The application includes a masterplan for Release Areas 1, 3, and 4, which will unlock 9,000 new homes for families. The plans provide context for approximately three-quarters of the urban land within Future Appin and explains the plans to integrate homes with the natural landscape, new infrastructure, and community amenities.
When approved, Walker will begin construction immediately on over 600 housing lots, generous open spaces, essential infrastructure and community amenities providing critical housing.
As the project progresses, additional Development Applications will be submitted to guide the design of open spaces and subsequent stages of development, ensuring a coordinated approach which aligns housing delivery with infrastructure development.
The community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the Precinct Structure Plan, Development Control Plan, Planning Agreements and DA in November.
