The NSW Government is scaling back the proposed redevelopment of the Riverwood housing estate in south-west Sydney.
The initial plans proposed the delivery of close to 3,900 homes. The revised proposal has been scaled back to 420 homes, which guarantees delivery of supporting infrastructure via state and local contributions.
This will include 50 per cent social and affordable housing.
The decision will ensure better outcomes for social housing residents and better alignment with community expectations, the Department of Planning said.
This revised approach will ensure the renewal continues to meet the aspirations of the local community and that there are roads and infrastructure to match the community's growth.
Federal Member for Banks, David Coleman warned that the revised plans actually says explicitly that they will continue to work on the 'broader masterplan' for the site.
"You can see on the map (attached to the plans) shows that the rezoning only relates to a small portion of the site.
"So seems clear that this 420 is just the first instalment in what will be a much bigger number," he said.
Mr Coleman opposed the plans and first held a community meeting on the issue in January, 2018.
"The initial State Government proposal was for 5,000 units, which was subsequently revised down to 3,900. Both these proposals were obviously excessive given that there are about 1,000 units on the site now," he said.
Oatley MP, Mark Coure said the announcement of a revised proposal for the Riverwood Housing Estate is an example of community advocacy and common-sense prevailing.
"Before the 2023 NSW State Election, I fought alongside the community against the Land and Housing Corporation's inappropriate Riverwood Housing Plan on the basis that an influx of thousands of additional residents without upgraded traffic and road infrastructure would be a disaster for our community," Mr Coure said.
"I am extremely pleased to see that after listening to our community campaign, Homes NSW is now proposing 420 new homes instead of the previously proposed 3,900 homes, a much more appropriate number for our current infrastructure to cope with.
"This revised proposal of 420 new homes will pursue a mixed-tenure development, with a 50-50 ratio between social and affordable housing, and building heights lowered from over 20 storeys to a maximum of 12 storeys.
"This is set to take place over a five-to-six-year period. The NSW Government has also guaranteed that this revised proposal will allow the delivery of supporting infrastructure via state and local contributions.
"For years the community has been calling for this kind of common-sense approach to planning in our local area. Any increase in population must be matched with the necessary investments in our local infrastructure," he said.
Details of the revised plans for the Riverwood Housing Estate can be seen at:
Community drop-in sessions to learn more about the proposal will be held at
Riverwood Community Centre - 151 Belmore Road, Riverwood
Dates: Wednesday 20th March 2024 and Saturday 23rd March 2024
Time: Drop in on either day from 11.00am to 1.00pm.
No registrations are required, and everyone is welcome.
If you have any questions or concerns you can email CommunityEngagement@homes.nsw.gov.au or leave a voice message for our Community Engagement team to call you back on 1800 738 718.
