Bayside Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s new Transport Oriented Development Program, but says any development must be backed by the necessary infrastructure including sufficient open space.
The NSW Government development program includes the area around four Bayside railway stations.
“Council is largely supportive of the State Government’s program to help house our growing population,” said Mayor, Bill Saravinovski.
“However, Council will continue to advocate for the necessary supporting infrastructure to support these growing communities, as well as extensive stakeholder engagement to confirm the feasibility of any proposed development,” he said.
The Government announced its Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program, designed to assist in delivering additional homes around 39 transport hubs, at the end of last year. Part two of the program includes four Bayside stations: Banksia, Kogarah, Rockdale and Turrella.
A new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), expected to start in April, will allow for increased development around these four stations.
Council says it is largely supportive of the program, but is determined to ensure:
- boundaries of the areas where controls apply are well defined;
- robust stakeholder consultation prior to development;
- support for an affordable housing contribution;
- minimal impact on the local character of the area;
- necessary supporting infrastructure is in place including sufficient open space.
Council’s draft submission will now go its February Council Meeting for consideration before a final submission is made.
