Hands off our industrial land say locals, pollies

"Just in the area near us, around Carrington Road, there are panel beaters, clothing producers, people who make things for your bathroom, food, brewing - you name it they do it," said Paul Mortimer, a member of resident action group Save Marrickville South.

"The Greater Sydney Commission and the government had a really good line on this, that it was really important to preserve what industrial land was left. I don't know why they have said all of a sudden that they want to water down those provisions on protecting industrial land. It's a mystery to me."

The Greater Sydney Commission is currently reviewing the policy it adopted in 2018 to "retain and manage" most of Sydney's industrial land for factories, freight and other urban services. That review, to be released later this month, could see more industrial land in the inner west sacrificed for residential development.

Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen, presented her concerns about the review before NSW Parliament late last month saying she feels the Greater Sydney Commission is "raising the white flag" on preserving industrial lands.

"We can't be a community that makes things unless we preserve the spaces where those things are made," Ms Haylen told Inner West Review.

"Our 67 hectares of industrial lands in South Marrickville aren't just a crucial part of our local economy, their proximity to the port and airport make them a crucial part of our national economy too. If we lose them, we lose local jobs and skills."

Built over swampland, the Carrington Road area of South Marrickville has more than 100 years of industrial history. In the 1920s, tens of thousands of cars rolled off assembly lines at the old General Motors plant at 10 Carrington Road.

Pool chemicals manufacturer Lo-Chlor Chemicals is one local manufacturer that has been creating employment in Marrickville's industrial area for decades. Founded by pharmacist Andrew Simons in a small factory in Marrickville in 1979, the company quickly outgrew its space, moving to a larger facility just up the road. They are now considered a world leader in pool and spa chemical production.

"The majority of our factory staff and office staff have been with us between 10 and 20 years - some even longer. Hardly anybody leaves, they enjoy working with us. Even though we've grown we try to keep that personal touch," said National Sales Manager Jeff Feldman.

Mr Feldman said the industrial area, and Marrickville in general, have become significantly more cosmopolitan since Lo-Chlor started out.

"There are some issues with traffic - there are so many more factories here now, it gets really busy for the trucks to get around - but we wouldn't have stayed here so long if it wasn't satisfactory for us," he said.

It's not only traditional manufacturers like Lo-Chlor who rely on industrial land to operate.

"There are a huge number of small businesses and small manufacturing - new and emerging - that really rely on that land too," said Mr Mortimer.

"You can't really have anything that makes noise or smoke plonked in the middle of a residential area."

Ceramics designer and maker Louise Martiensen, who lives in Hurlstone Park, is one micro business owner who relies on the industrial zoning. She started LouiseM studio 10 years ago out of a small space upstairs in a warehouse on Renwick Street.

"When I first started looking for a space there wasn't really much available for people making on a smaller scale, when you're starting out you don't really need much space, but I managed to find a spot upstairs from where I am now. The building was mostly empty when I first moved in but now it's totally full," she said.

"I've been really lucky to have stayed in the building for 10 years. It's a really nice atmosphere and it's nice to have other creatives around."

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