NORTH WEST SYDNEY NEEDS QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES – NOT JUST MASSIVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Media Release

30 May 2020

NSW Labor is calling on the Government to deliver critical infrastructure needed for sustainable development across Western Sydney, after the Berejiklian Government fast-tracked Mirvac’s proposed 600 dwelling residential development at 55 Coonara Avenue, West Pennant Hills.

Despite rapid population growth throughout North West and Western Sydney, the Government’s failed to provide essential health and education services required for growing communities.

Labor Leader in the Legislative Council and Shadow Minister for Planning and Better Living, Adam Searle MLC said “The Berejiklian Government continues to approve massive residential developments, despite the fact local schools are bursting at the seams.”

  • Cherrybrook Public has an enrolment capacity of 509 students, but has 903 students
  • West Pennant Hills public has an enrolment capacity of 532 students, but has 638 students
  • Cherrybrook Technology has an enrolment capacity of 1,460 students, but has 2,000 students

More than 6,000 people signed an online petition objecting to the Coonara Avenue development proposal, which was repeatedly knocked back by the Hills Shire Council.

“The Berejiklian Government seems to have all the time in the world to listen to developers. But they’re not listening to local communities” — Adam Searle MLC, Shadow Minister for Planning and Better Living

“Health services in North Western Sydney are lagging too. The Liberals promised to deliver Rouse Hill Hospital in the lead up to the 2015 NSW State Election, then took a full term in Government to announce a site before promising it again during the 2019 NSW state election campaign. The only funding for Rouse Hill Hospital in the budget is for the NSW Government to purchase the land,” Mr Searle said.

“Labor knows communities are more than just bricks and mortar. Liveable communities can’t exist without quality public services and public infrastructure.

“Everyone wants to see more construction. Everyone knows that we need to see more jobs growth. But building communities without the services and infrastructure needed is a recipe for disaster.”