More than 200 people shared their concerns about the declaration of Bardwell Park and Turrella as priority precincts at a meeting on Monday evening this week.
“The level of feeling in the meeting was palpable,” said Peter Stevens, of the Wolli Creek Preservation Society, which called the meeting.
“Many were alarmed about the implications for their homes and neighbourhoods, but the general focus was on community-wide matters.”
Mr Stevens said the meeting hall was “full to its licensed capacity, with an impromptu overflow meeting held outside, despite the dropping temperatures”.
Issues had been grouped around themes including the natural environment, transport, infrastructure and the consultation process.
“A large number of speakers were given a minute or so each to add to or comment on a list of concerns already distributed,” he said.
“Concerns were expressed about the absence of detailed information, the poor consultation processes seen with other major projects, and the much-disliked outcomes in places such as Wolli Creek (the suburb) and the Canterbury station area.
“Despite the strong feelings, the meeting was a very civil affair with mutual respect shown by all.”
State Labor MPs Sophie Cotsis and Steve Kamper, spoke at the meeting, opposing the increase in density.
Past and candidate councillors from the Greens – Brent Heber, Linda Eisler and Greta Werner – and Independent Barbara Coorey also spoke against the proposal.
The Department of Planning and Environment is holding a drop-in community information session on the Bardwell Park and Turrella priority precincts on July 24, from 4.30pm ro 7.30pm at Rockdale Town Hall.
A spokeswoman for the department said the session was to have been held in the library, but was moved to the town hall to cater for the large number of people expected to attend.
The department’s executive director, urban renewal, Brendan O’Brien, has given the Leader an extensive interview on the precinct plans, which will be published online on Friday, July 21, and in the next print edition.
