Auburn Council has actively undertaken the preparation of a range of studies and planning projects to plan for this anticipated growth. These projects include the following.
Urban Planning Projects
Council has developed local growth strategies for the whole LGA and the Auburn and Lidcombe Town Centres.
The Draft Auburn Town Centre Strategy incorporates a detailed economic analysis, development costs of land and 3D computer modelling defining the look and feel of Auburn in 2030.
A new comprehensive local environmental plan called the Draft Auburn Local Environmental Plan 2009 (Draft ALEP 2009) has been completed and addresses the predicted dwelling growth for the subregion. Supporting studies that have examined and analysed in more detail likely local trends in housing capacity and the management of future growth include the Auburn Employment Lands Study (June 2008) and a Dwelling Target Analysis.
Social Infrastructure Planning and Needs Assessment
In relation to additional new community facilities for its rapidly growing community, Council has completed a Community Facility Needs Assessment and Development Study 2007. Findings included that existing community facilities will need to be expanded to meet best practice requirements and provide a range of spaces suitable for the key targets groups in the LGA.
The Auburn Cultural Plan 2007–2017 also included an audit of cultural assets and resources, and identified the need for appropriate venues and facilities for cultural and arts activities or events, particularly for the performing arts and visual arts.
Consolidated Developer Contributions Plan
A new 10 year Auburn Development Contributions Plan 2007 has been developed which has consolidated previous plans into one document. The plan includes revised projections to accommodate new growth to ensure Auburn is well managed and financially accountable with a more comprehensive and consistent approach in the levying of future section 94 contributions across the whole LGA. This plan includes a number of new projects in a revised works program with new local open space acquisitions, the embellishment of existing parks, recreation facilities and town centre civic spaces, new community facilities, accessibility and traffic works, representing a total value of approximately $73 million over the life of the Plan (2006–2016).
Accessibility, Traffic and Roads
Council aims to make the area safer for children, pedestrians and motorists, as well as improving accessibility in and out of town centres.
Like other councils in Sydney, Auburn Council faces increased new high density residential development and large scale commercial and industrial development. This trend has resulted in more vehicles using the road network causing increased pollution, noise, congestion, accidents and erosion of the road surfaces. The increase of new development has also led to a greater need for parking, especially in the town centres.
Council is addressing these pressures by implementing general traffic control measures, such as roundabouts and traffic signs.
During 2007, Council approved plans for the following major projects:
- extension of the Auburn Town Centre Car
Park to meet the demand for additional parking in Auburn Town Centre - the Regents Park Traffic Management project
- widening of the Auburn Eastern Railway
Bridge to improve traffic flow in and out of
the Auburn Town Centre.
