Wilton Junction: new town is a step closer to reality

The Wilton Junction new town proposal has moved one step forward, following the release of the NSW Government’s Greater Macarthur Land Release Investigation Preliminary Strategy and Action Plan for public comment.

The Preliminary Strategy and Action Plan proposes a number of actions for the NSW Government to deliver growth in both Menangle Park/Mt Gilead and Wilton Junction.

The Wilton Junction proponents welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Planning Rob Stokes.

Spokesperson for the proponents, Brian Elton, said the Strategy and Action Plan recognises Wilton Junction as a priority growth precinct in the Macarthur region.

“We know that Sydney will grow by more than 1.6 million people by 2031 – this means more than 33,200 new homes are required annually to meet this growth.

“The NSW Government’s Greater Macarthur Land Release Investigation Strategy, an extension of the 2014 Plan for Growing Sydney, is an important step towards sustainably meeting Sydney’s growing population.

“Decades in the making, growth of the Greater Macarthur region was initially investigated and proposed in 1960. This is the fulfilment of a 60 year vision and five years of detailed planning for Wilton Junction.

“Surrounded by rivers and gorges, the natural geography of Wilton creates an opportunity for a sustainable new town within a rural setting.

“Our vision is to create a special community, where people are proud to live, work, play and call home.

“The town will provide a range of housing choices to meet the growing needs of our community – from first home buyers to retirees.

“Construction of Wilton Junction will result in a $7 billion investment in the Wollondilly economy.

“This investment will ensure prosperity in Wollondilly for more than 30 years.

“As a major centre, the town will also provide a variety of commercial, retail, small business and community opportunities – meaning more local jobs and facilities close to home”, Mr Elton said.

To-date, there has been an extensive engagement process with the local community, who have been actively involved and have shown their support for Wilton Junction.

In October landowners met with the Wilton Junction Community Reference Group (CRG) for its sixth meeting to discuss the exhibition of the Greater Macarthur Land Release Investigation Strategy.

“At the meeting, residents and stakeholders supported the announcement of the Growth Area and Strategy and strongly expressed the need to makes things happen at Wilton”, Mr Elton said.

Consultation on the Greater Macarthur Land Release Investigation Preliminary Strategy has been extended until this Wednesday, November 18.

WILTON JUNCTION FACT SHEET:

• Wilton Junction is a new community cradled in a unique landscape characterised by bushland, rivers, creeks, lakes and ridges set against the backdrop of the Razorback Range. By design, the place and the lives of its people are intertwined with the bush.

• Surrounded by rivers and gorges, the natural geography of the region will prevent it being encompassed by urban development – creating a regional city with a rural character.

• The community will respect the location’s rich bushland setting, engages with surrounding water features and embraces sustainability.

• Inclusive and welcoming of diversity, it’s a place to nurture relationships, grow a family – to put down roots.

• Founded on a 21st century interpretation of timeless “Garden City” principles, Wilton Junction combines the best features of our most loved country towns with the facilities, services and technologies found in Australia’s most successful, edgy, and vibrant town centres.

• A safe place to visit – a healthy place to live – a great place to learn – a rewarding place to work – the local community takes pride in the strength of its cultural and civic life and the role of their town in Wollondilly Shire and the region.

Local Jobs and Economic Development:

• 11,000 permanent jobs in retail, education, healthcare, social assistance and public administration

• 1,700 construction jobs for 30 years

• 200 hectares of town centre and enterprise lands, together with commercial retail and community floor space

• Supermarkets, discount department stores and neighbourhood retail centres

• $7b investment in Wollondilly over 30 years.

Housing Diversity:

• 12,000 houses across the site

• Housing diversity, from first home buyers to retirees

• Detached housing on a range of lot sizes, townhouses, villas, apartments and shop-tops

• A focus on affordable housing – meeting the needs of the region.

Connectivity:

• Fibre connection to the National Broadband Network

• “Work from home” and remote access to services.

Environment and Wellbeing:

• Harmony with the existing natural environment

• Healthy by design principles

• 100 kms of walking and cycling trails, almost half of which will be through open space and conservation lands

• Conserve ecological features and biodiversity

• Rehabilitate and retain 620ha of bushland

• Preservation of Aboriginal and early Australian heritage.

Health and Education:

• Two primary schools

• One public K-12

• One private K-12

• 4 Child care centres

• Space for medical practitioners and allied health services.

Community:

• Neighbourhood: the heart of every community

• Neighbourhoods will be connected and accessible by foot, cycle and public transport

• Multi-function lake and aquatic facilities

• Leisure centre, sports fields and recreation centres

• Library and community centre.

Transport and Infrastructure:

• $178.5m for roads, transport and social infrastructure

• Upgrade to Hume Highway and Picton Road interchange

• Upgrade of Picton Road

• New public transport interchange in the town centre and associates park n ride facilities.

♦ For more information about the proposal and upcoming community consultation events please visit the Wilton Junction website.