Media Release

21 February 2021

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NSW Labor is demanding the Planning Minister Rob Stokes take a stand against overdevelopment and reject controversial modifications sought by the developer of the Ivanhoe Estate in Ryde.

If the proposal to modify the 3,300 dwelling housing project is approved, a number of critical local infrastructure projects may be impacted by the loss of millions in s7.11 contributions, including:

• A new library and Creative Hub in Macquarie Park
• A new Multipurpose Indoor, Recreation, Community and Youth Hub Centre
• Upgrades along Waterloo road
• Upgrades to local parks and the delivery of new synthetic fields

Section 7.11 contributions are levied to help pay for the infrastructure needed by additional development and population growth, including roads, drainage, libraries, open spaces.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and Shadow Minister for Planning and Better Living, Adam Searle, said it’s another example of Liberal Government overdevelopment.

“Buildings continue to be inflicted on suburbs without sufficient health, education and transport infrastructure. This is a massive issue in areas such as Ryde, Parramatta, Canterbury, Riverstone and Camden, among other areas” – Adam Searle MLC, Shadow Minister for Planning and Better Living

“Over the last two decades, just five of 15 planning regions have received well over half of all development in Sydney. Those parts of Sydney have development fatigue,” Mr Searle said.

Under the Berejiklian Government’s fast-tracked approval, the $45 million local infrastructure contribution under s7.11 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, levied to ensure developers are contributing to the cost of infrastructure to support their developments, will be effectively removed by the application of offsetting credits.

The planning modification before Planning Minister Rob Stokes could see the local contributions payable by the developer reduced or removed altogether. This would impact a number of local infrastructure projects that would support both existing and new residents.

In December last year, the NSW Productivity Commissioner delivered a report on reforming the current complex and inconsistent system of developer contributions.

“For the last decade, the Liberals have allowed rampant development across parts of Sydney without ensuring the timely provision of the infrastructure that growing communities need for a decent and comfortable life” — Adam Searle MLC, Shadow Minister for Planning and Better Living

“What is happening on Ryde with the Ivanhoe Estate is just the latest example,” Mr Searle said.

“Planning Minister Rob Stokes should insist the local community gets the infrastructure it needs as a result of the 3,300 new dwellings being approved.

“While the Labor Opposition welcomes the discussion about reforming the existing unsatisfactory system of developer contributions, applications like this destroy community acceptance of further development.

“The outcome of this matter will tell the Ryde and the wider community whether the Berejiklian Government is on their side or in the developers’ pocket,” Mr Searle said.