A NSW Government plan for an expanded precinct between the Kellyville and Bella Vista Metro stations with more homes than Box Hill or Green Square must spark significant investment in state infrastructure, such as schools and roads, which are already buckling under pressure.
The Minns Government today unveiled a vision for an additional 20,700 homes between the Kellyville and Bella Vista station precincts on top of existing homes and approvals, spanning The Hills Shire and Blacktown local government areas.
The plans are part of the NSW Government's Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program, with only $520 million in regional infrastructure funding set aside across eight station precincts.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said the funding of major infrastructure remained a sticking point and residents only have until 9 August to share their views with the NSW Government by making a submission.
"The proposal would see close to 100,000 people living in the Kellyville and Bella Vista Precincts, not supported by adequate infrastructure. Residents need to have their say on whether this is the type of future they want for our Shire," Mayor Gangemi said.
"Both Windsor Road and Old Windsor Roads are already a car park during the morning and afternoon peak, even without the additional growth being proposed.
"Intersections along Norwest Boulevard and Showground Road need urgent upgrades to improve traffic flow.
"The Hills is home to the most overcrowded schools in the state, and without a significant investment in new educational facilities – demountables will cover sporting fields at local primary and high schools."
This year more than 40 per cent of Hills schools had exceeded their enrolment cap by more than 100+ students.
New infrastructure required from Government includes:
- Road and Traffic
- Widening of Old Windsor Road from Celebration Drive to Windsor Road to 3 lanes in each direction.
- Widening of Windsor Road from Memorial Avenue to Showground Road to 3 lanes in each direction.
- Upgrade signalised intersection at Norwest Boulevard and Lexington Drive.
- Upgrade signalised intersection at Windsor Road and Showground Road.
- Upgrade signalised intersection at Showground Road, Victoria Avenue and Green Road.
- Upgrade several signalised intersections along Old Windsor Road at Celebration Drive, Balmoral Road and Samantha Riley Drive which lead into station precincts.
- Improve walking and cycling links from Glenwood and Stanhope Gardens to the Metro Stations.
- Implement bus priority measures to ensure that residents and workers can catch buses to the Metro Stations.
- Open Space
- Government to transfer land for the Caddies Creek Stage 2 expansion. This is an existing Government Commitment to accommodate planned growth from the Planned Precinct rezoning in 2017.
- 1-2 new playing fields (within The Hills Shire in addition to Caddies Creek Stage 2 expansion which will service existing planned growth).
- Education
- Government to fast-track the construction of new primary school on the Developable Government land with at least two needed in the long-term.
- Government to commit toward the delivery of a new High School site, on existing Government Land at Sanctuary Drive (near the Caddies Creek Sporting Complex).
- Community Facilities
- Government to provide additional contributions toward community centre floor space (such as the future Bella Vista Community Facility), which could include a new library.
"The infrastructure needed for our precincts will cost a lot more than the $520 million set aside for all TOD precincts, let alone the two in our Shire," Mayor Gangemi said.
"We look forward to working with Government to ensure that they commit to funding this vital state infrastructure should their proposal remain in this form."
Residents only have until 9 August to have their say via the NSW Government's Planning Portal https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/exhibition/kellyville-and-bella-vista-state-led-rezoning-proposal.
Above: Concept vision for Bella Vista Station Precinct. Image Credit: NSW Government.
Above: Concept vision for Kellyville Station Precinct. Image Credit: NSW Government.
