Fairfield City residents deserve to have a say in the decisions that shape their neighbourhoods and their future. Yet under proposed NSW Government planning changes, that voice is being weakened.
Right now, Council ensures residents are notified about developments and given time to provide feedback. But under the State Government's draft Community Participation Plan, communities could be shut out entirely from decisions on developments like shop-top housing, group homes and mid-rise apartments. In some cases, residents may not even know a project is happening until construction is about to begin.
That is not genuine consultation. It risks sidelining the very people these decisions affect most, particularly in a diverse community like ours. It also limits Council's ability to extend consultation where a proposal may have significant local impact.
At the same time, we have seen a partial step forward in Horsley Park, where changes linked to the Western Sydney International Airport will again allow secondary dwellings in some affected areas. This is welcome after years of advocacy, but it does not go far enough.
For more than five years, residents have faced restrictions that prevented them from fairly using their own land. While this adjustment is positive, families should also have the opportunity to subdivide and pursue dual occupancies where appropriate.
Planning decisions must be fair, consistent and based on evidence. They must also respect established communities and support housing opportunities.
Council will continue to advocate strongly-protecting your right to be heard and pushing for balanced planning outcomes that support our growing City while keeping local communities at the heart of every decision.
