The NSW State Government announced yesterday that it plans to develop a community precinct around Macquarie University Station, which has drawn criticism from the City of Ryde Mayor.
The plan aims to redevelop the suburb into a high-density community and create 5800 new homes.
Mayor Cr Jerome Laxale said yesterday that the plan lacks adequate levels of social infrastructure.
“The State Government announced that they would develop an area with the developmental potential the size of Albury-Wodonga, without the necessary funding for infrastructure to enable our City to cope.
“The $5 million for new infrastructure announced today, is the same $5 million that was announced in 2014. Back then we said that it was only a drop in the ocean and the Government has ignored us.
“A community this size will need new parks, child care, schools, transport interchanges and roads. This announcement shows how out of touch this Government is with Ryde. Our residents understand the need to grow, but not without the social infrastructure that our City has been crying out for.
“While our residents are willing to accept growth, our ratepayers can no longer shoulder the burden of providing larger scale, regional infrastructure.”
Elsewhere in New South Wales, where the State Government has announced the creation of new growth areas, it has been accompanied by the provision of the necessary State and Regional infrastructure and services to support the new population.
Residents of the Ivanhoe Estate will have to find other accommodation while the upgrade takes place.
“Today is a sad day for this tight-knit community. Over the past three years I have formed close friendships with many tenants, and today’s announcement has hit them hard,” the Mayor said.
“I would stress to our State Member and to relevant Ministers: Do everything you can to ensure that tenants in the Ivanhoe Estate are cared for and their needs are met.
“Today, you’ve announced the displacement of their homes and their community. The Government must ensure a smooth transition period and the option for these tenants to return to Macquarie Park when appropriate.”
