The state government has given the ‘‘go ahead’’ for a new housing development at West Menai, which will be much smaller than originally proposed.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes signed off on the rezoning of 23 hectares of land in the Heathcote Ridge site, which is within three kilometres of Menai town centre.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Planning and Environment said the development would be about 10 per cent of the size of the original Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council proposal.
The land council applied for rezoning to allow 236 hectares of residential land, to accommodate about 2700 homes, 70 hectares of employment land to provide up to 15,000 jobs, 514 hectares of conservation land new roads, bridges and community facilities.
In 2012, it modified the proposal to allow for 182 hectares of residential land, to provide 2400 homes, 51 hectares of employment land, to create 4700 jobs, 566 hectares of conservation land and 17 hectares of sports fields and other open space, plus new roads, bridges and community facilities.
“The Department did not support the original proposal because a guarantee had not been secured for substantial investment in regional roads that would have been required,” the spokeswoman said.
“This significantly smaller proposal will still allow for new homes without putting pressure on existing roads.
“Importantly, the approved smaller proposal minimises any impacts on important Aboriginal cultural heritage and the local environment – especially very sensitive native bushland.”
The spokesperson said Sutherland Shire Council had indicated its support for the smaller proposal.
“It’s a good location close to the shops, cafes and services that Menai town centre offers,” the spokesperson said.
“The amended proposal is a much more appropriate and responsible approach.
‘‘It better reflects the terrific local lifestyle Sutherland Shire residents expect.
“Locals have been consulted during the rezoning process, with a community reference group including councillors and land users meeting three times to assess the proposal.”
The spokeswoman said existing land use controls under the council’s local environmental plan would continue to apply to the land that had not been rezoned.
■ See the Leader on Tuesday for a full report including reaction.
Has the government made the right decision?
