Recent changes to the NSW planning system have significantly shifted how planning decisions are made, reducing the role traditionally held by local councils.
Under these changes, the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority now has broad powers to progress major projects by declaring them State Significant. This places key planning decisions at the State level rather than within local communities.
The Rhodes Peninsula is one of the areas most affected. The precinct is experiencing extensive growth, with a number of major developments proposed or already underway.
Many of these projects are classified as State Significant Development, meaning they are assessed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure - not Council. In these cases, the final decision rests with the NSW Minister for Planning or their delegate.
There are currently eight State Significant Development applications across Rhodes which have been summarised on the map (below).
Several of these proposals go beyond what is permitted under the NSW Government's adopted Rhodes Place Strategy, including requests for additional building height and floor space. Some developers are seeking up to 30% additional density through the State's infill affordable housing bonus, while others are proposing changes to the existing planning controls altogether.
What can we do?
"As a Council we are standing up for our community and have a clear and unwavering message to the NSW Government: the principles of the Rhodes Place Strategy must be upheld and the infrastructure promised to residents must be delivered," Mayor Michael Megna said.
"When the Rhodes Place Strategy was adopted, it was on the basis that critical infrastructure would be delivered alongside development - including a new primary school, a ferry wharf, and upgrades to the T9 rail line and Rhodes Station."
"Growth without the right infrastructure puts enormous pressure on local roads, transport and services. Our community understands that Rhodes will continue to grow, but that growth must be properly planned and supported," he said.
"We will continue to strongly advocate for Rhodes residents and the broader Canada Bay community to make sure the services, transport and facilities our growing city needs are delivered - not left behind."
