Fears the rapid population growth will push schools, public transport, and health services to breaking point.
Released yesterday, the Homebush Transport Oriented Development zone will see over 18,000 new residences jammed into Homebush, Strathfield, and North Strathfield, which falls partly within the City of Canada Bay.
“Our population is already expected to increase by over 50% from other State-government led plans,” City of Canada Bay Mayor Michael Megna said.
“Our community is already bearing the brunt of many of the new Sydney housing reforms, and the Homebush plans will only serve to supercharge this growth.”
Earlier this year, the City of Canada Bay made detailed submissions to the State Government on the proposed planning reforms, stating they failed to consider the impact rapid, immense population growth will have on infrastructure and essential public services.
“We wholeheartedly support plans for new housing but not at the expense of critical infrastructure,” Mayor Megna.
“Our community deserves somewhere to live where they can get in and out of easily, where their kids can go to school, and where they access adequate local healthcare services.”
In particular, the City of Canada Bay is concerned about the impact the new housing reforms will have on access to local primary and secondary education.
"While the housing plans for North Strathfield will create demand for at least two new primary schools, the State Government has provided no certainty that this infrastructure will ever be delivered,” said Mayor Megna.
Council will continue to advocate for State Government housing reforms to meet the needs of its existing and future residents.
More information about the City of Canada Bay’s response to the State Housing reforms can be found here.