Council has been working to urgently address Sydney's housing crisis.
In the last two years we have created capacity for an additional 12,000 dwellings throughout Willoughby LGA. This includes growth provided by Council's new Local Environmental Plan (6,500 dwellings), the St Leonards and Crows Nest TOD, and the Low and Mid Rise Housing Reforms. Applications with over 2,700 proposed dwellings in the Chatswood CBD are currently under assessment, and further opportunities for housing are being actively pursued by Council.
This has been undertaken on the basis that the infrastructure promised by the NSW Government to support the growth will be delivered. The decision not to proceed with the new school at the Chatswood Dive Site undermines years of strategic planning for Chatswood and its surrounds, and removes a critical piece of infrastructure from this strategic growth hub.
The Chatswood Dive Site is one of very few parcels of government owned land that is well suited to providing supporting infrastructure in a high growth location. There is ample land available for residential growth in Chatswood, what's rare is land for community infrastructure to support new residents moving into the area. The land should be used for a mix of community purposes to support growth, not just education but also public recreation.
This community owned site is essential to supporting the current and future community, which is already under pressure from growing enrolments and lack of open space.
Chatswood High School is at capacity, and there is limited capacity at Chatswood Public Primary School. Given the anticipated growth, planning and development of new educational facilities should already be underway to ensure they are available when new residents move in.
It is critical that the State government review its decision, and outline its plan for supporting growth with infrastructure in Willoughby.
Mayoral quote:
We are deeply disappointed to hear the government is backing out of its promise to deliver the critical infrastructure required in Chatswood. The Chatswood Dive Site is one of very few parcels of government owned land well suited to providing supporting infrastructure in a high growth location. There is ample land available for residential growth in Chatswood, what's rare is land for community infrastructure to support new residents moving into the area. The land should be used for a mix of community purposes to support growth, not just education but also public recreation.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Media at Willoughby City Council
E: media@willoughby.nsw.gov.au
M: 0459 915 293
