Fairfield City Council is raising serious concerns about proposed NSW Government planning reforms that could significantly reduce community input on local developments.
Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said the draft Community Participation Plan (CPP) would limit opportunities for residents to have their say on developments in their neighbourhoods.
"This isn't a community participation plan, it's a non-participation plan," Mayor Carbone said.
Changes Could Reduce Public Notification
Under the proposed changes, a range of developments may no longer be publicly exhibited, including:
- Shop-top housing
- Group homes
- Mid-rise residential apartments
- Changes of use to commercial premises
Mayor Carbone said residents may only learn about these developments shortly before construction begins.
"The first you may hear about it is when a notice appears advising construction will start within a week," he said.
Less Time to Have Your Say
Currently, Fairfield City Council provides:
- A minimum of 14 days' notice for many development applications
- At least 21 days' exhibition for more significant proposals
However, under the draft CPP:
- Some developments may receive no public exhibition
- Exhibition periods for other developments could be reduced to 14 days
- Councils would lose the ability to extend exhibition periods for complex or high-impact proposals
"Council is currently able to ensure residents are informed and given time to respond, but under these new rules we would be prohibited from doing so. That is simply unacceptable," Mayor Carbone said.
Impact on Local Communities
Mayor Carbone said the proposed changes would have a disproportionate impact on diverse and growing communities like Fairfield City.
"The State Government is effectively taking away residents' right to speak up and express concerns about developments that affect their homes, neighbourhoods and way of life," he said.
"It removes meaningful community input and limits Council's ability to respond to the needs of our local community."
Council to Make Formal Submission
Fairfield City Council will prepare a submission to the NSW Government outlining its concerns about the proposed Community Participation Plan.
"I will always stand up for our residents and local families, and their right to have a say on developments that impact their community," Mayor Carbone said.
