Willoughby City Council is calling on the NSW Government to confirm its commitment to delivering essential community infrastructure at the Chatswood Dive Site, amid growing concern that long-anticipated public benefits may no longer be part of the site's future.
The Chatswood Dive Site has long been identified for redevelopment that would support housing growth with essential community infrastructure, including a new school and public open space.
In a letter to the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor said she was deeply concerned that long-anticipated public benefits may no longer be part of the site's future.
"This is one of very few parcels of land that can genuinely meet long-term community needs in a high-growth location," Mayor Taylor said. "Our planning must keep pace to support these new homes, and the site should be used for a mix of community purposes, not just education, but also public recreation."
While Metro has confirmed that remediation works are underway and the site's future use is still under investigation, Council has not received any clear commitment regarding the final purpose of the land or how the community will be involved in the process.
Council has requested urgent clarification from the NSW Government on three key points:
- Whether public benefit outcomes, particularly a school and open space, remain part of the plan
- What role Council and the community will have in the planning and decision-making process
- The timeline for approvals and consultation.
With decisions about the site still to be made, Council is calling for a plan that meets the real needs of the growing Chatswood community.
"Chatswood is experiencing rapid growth, and we simply can't afford to lose this rare opportunity to plan responsibly for our future," Mayor Taylor said.
"We are urging the NSW Government to ensure infrastructure planning keeps pace with development, and to give Council and our community a seat at the table in shaping how this site delivers tangible benefits for our residents."
