Hurstville and Rockdale councils criticised the move but Kogarah Council declined to comment.

The government, has invited landowners to nominate land suitable for housing and has established a committee to assess proposals.

While none of the sites nominated so far are in St George, there is fear that this will change.

Hurstville and Rockdale Councils said planning controls belonged with the community which was most affected by planning decisions.

"The community elected us (councillors) to represent their interests and not have the NSW government swoop in and force council to approve developments in inappropriate areas," Hurstville mayor Steve McMahon said.

Hurstville Council already has a legal battle on its hands over a proposed development in Treacy Street whose concept plan was approved last year by the NSW Planning Assessment Commission despite it being inconsistent with the council's planning controls.

Cr McMahon said there were other sites in the Hurstville area which could appeal to developers, such as Hurstville Central which now had a two storey limit.

"Once they start building high rises over one railway station what's to save the others such as Riverwood, Penshurst and Oatley," he said.

"If anyone tried to build over Oatley Station World War III would break out."

Cr McMahon said Hurstville had a long-term plan in place to meet the housing target outlined in the draft South Subregional Strategy which did not impact on the suburbs.

"Council has worked hard to develop planning controls that allow for growth in Hurstville CBD. High density housing has no place in our local suburbs."

Rockdale mayor Bill Saravinovski said it was another backflip by NSW Liberal Party that gave a win to developers.

"The election promise they made was to give the powers back to local government," Cr Saravinovski said.

"The community should decide what they want and should be in surrounding areas."

Should developers be allowed to choose sites to be rezoned?