Draft Eastern District Plan

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1 Powered by TCPDF ( Draft Eastern District Plan Submission_id: Date of Lodgment: 22 Nov 2017 Origin of Submission: Online Organisation name: North Strathfield Residents Group Organisation type: Community Group First name: N/A Last name: N/A Suburb: 2137 Submission content: We submit our response to the Draft Eastern City District Plan (the "Plan"). The submission covers the area bounded by Allen Street, Conway Avenue, George Street, and Powells Creek, within the Homebush Priority Precinct ("North Strathfield"). We ask that the final Plan explicitly include North Strathfield for urban renewal through upzoning. We request that the Plan direct the State Government and the Local Government area of Canada Bay to include us for upzoning in their Land Use and Infrastructure Plans, and Local Strategic Planning Statements. We believe that the upzoning of North Strathfield aligns fully with the priorities as set out in the Plan, and that this upzoning would benefit both the government, business and the community, and this will be shown throughout our submission. Number of attachments: 1

2 Submission form - Draft Eastern City District Plan Please enter your submission under the Planning priorities for the Draft Eastern City District Plan First name: North Strathfield Residents Group (Represented by ) Last name: As above Postcode: 2137 Organisation: North Strathfield Residents Group General comments We submit our response to the Draft Eastern City District Plan (the "Plan"). The submission covers the area bounded by Allen Street, Conway Avenue, George Street, and Powells Creek, within the Homebush Priority Precinct ("North Strathfield"). We ask that the final Plan explicitly include North Strathfield for urban renewal through upzoning. We request that the Plan direct the State Government and the Local Government area of Canada Bay to include us for upzoning in their Land Use and Infrastructure Plans, and Local Strategic Planning Statements. We believe that the upzoning of North Strathfield aligns fully with the priorities as set out in the Plan, and that this upzoning would benefit both the government, business and the community, and this will be shown throughout our submission. There is overwhelming positive support from the residents of North Strathfield for a short term rezone. We have collated responses from the public in two instances regarding the rezone and in both instances the overwhelming majority were in favour of a short term rezone. We appreciate the opportunity to make this submission and would be happy to participate in any further collaboration.

3 Infrastructure and collaboration Planning Priority E1: Planning for a city supported by infrastructure Objective 1: Infrastructure that supports the three cities, Objective 2: Infrastructure that aligns with forecast growth growth infrastructure compact; Objective 3: Infrastructure that adapts to meet future needs and Objective 4: Infrastructure that is optimised We agree with the priorities of the GSC, being that infrastructure should support the three cities model. North Strathfield is strategically placed as the mid-point between the City and Parramatta and falls on the western boundary of the Eastern District. Its close proximity to two of the three cities makes it strategically important. The site is well serviced by four heavy rail stations (North Strathfield, Concord West, Homebush and Strathfield) and the potential addition of the Metro would only enhance the existing significant levels of public transport. The site has easy access to east and west centres via its direct access to WestConnex / M4 and Parramatta Road, and access to north and south centres via the A3 / Homebush Bay Drive. This diversity in transport options and close proximity to business centres of Westmead, Parramatta CBD, Sydney CBD, Sydney Olympic Park, Rhodes and Burwood makes it ideal for development uplift and urban revitalisation. We support the potential addition of the Metro in the area, with a stop at North Strathfield or Concord. Our strategic location would make this an ideal location for additional rail coverage to support the existing infrastructure noted above. A Metro service in this area would meet the demands of the forecast growth and optimise service to the area. North Strathfield should be upzoned as it supports the GSC's planning priority of planning supported by infrastructure.

4 Planning Priority E2: Working through collaboration Objective 5: Benefits of growth realised by collaboration of governments, community and business The upzone of North Strathfield would benefit government, the community, and the business community. Government As can be seen through this submission the upzone of North Strathfield meets all of the Planning priorities set by the GSC. The site's uplift will bring continuity to the area and have an advantage over sites already undergoing revitalisation and development to realise greater potential for value capture through mechanisms such as the Special Infrastructure Contribution (SIC) levy, further supporting infrastructure investments. The rezoning will present an opportunity to boost the target of affordable rental housing in the area, and accomplish Canada Bay 0-5 yr housing targets. Community The local community are in favour of the rezone of North Strathfield. The community have been petitioned on two occasions in relation to rezone and in both instances the results were overwhelmingly in favour of rezone. Results of the most recent petition, conducted in late 2016 were: 78% of contactable property owners signed the submission in favour of rezoning 391 owners/residents signed the submission Of the 277 properties in the affected area, 227 were contacted and 177 of these properties owners are in favour of rezoning 14% of total property owners are against rezoning Business The Bakehouse Quarter located in the suburb of North Strathfield hosts offices, three grocery stores, and amenities such as long-stay parking, health care services, specialty stores and other services, as well as an entertainment, cafe and dining hub. The Bakehouse Quarter was purchased in 2017 by the Yuhu Group ( also developers of the Pymble Corporate Centre an Eastwood shopping Centre). According to the The Australian Financial Review Yuhu said that " that they were attracted to the Quarter because of its mix of strong tenancies including Aldi, IGA and Fitness First as well as potential development opportunities to convert the site into a new hub or township on the back of the NSW government s Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation. " Upzoning would benefit the existing businesses and allow for expansion. In addition North Strathfield is centrally located and easily accessable to many significant business districts: Olympic Park - 1.8km Concord Hospital (proposed Concord Medical Precinct) -2.9km Rhodes Business Park - 2.7km Burwood Business District - 2.8km Parramatta - 11km Sydney CBD - 14km Macquarie Park - 11km North Strathfield should be upzoned as it supports the GSC's planning priority of benefits for government, the community and business.

5 Liveability Planning Priority E3: Providing services and social infrastructure to meet people s changing needs Objective 6: Providing services and infrastructure to meet communities changing needs (co-located schools, health services, aged care, community and cultural facilities, parks and recreation facilities, and accessible walking and cycling connections). Schools North Strathfield is within the catchment of two relatively new schools, not yet at capacity, Victoria Avenue Public School (K-6) and Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Primary School (K-6), as well as three established schools, St. Ambrose Catholic Primary School and North Strathfield Public (both K-6), and The McDonald College (3-12) all of which are within walking distance for residents. There's also four child care centres spread along George Street, making it ideal to support a growing population. North Strathfield is also within easy access to a large number of public and private high schools: Public - Homebush Boys High (1.8km), Strathfield Girls High (1.7km), Concord High School (2.3km) Private -McDonald College (in North Strathfield), St Patricks College Strathfield (1.9km), Meriden (2.3km), Santa Sabina College (2.3km) In addition the Australian Catholic University is located only 2km away, and the University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney are only 20 minutes away by train. Health Services and Aged Care North Strathfield is already serviced by a large number of doctors and dental surgeries located in both North Strathfield, Concord and Strathfield. It is also located approx 2.0km from Concord Hospital and the proposed Medical Precinct. This close location to significant medical infrastructure makes it the ideal location for both young families and an ageing population. Its close location to the proposed Concord Medical Precinct, and both private and public schools would also make it an ideal location for the staff of the Concord Medical Precinct to reside. Parks and Recreation and Cultural Facilities North Strathfield is located next to Bicentennial Park - 40 hectares of parkland including wetlands, lake, playgrounds, bicycle tracks, picnic shelters, BBQ's, bike hire, Cafe, function centre, bird watching and monuments. The Bakehouse Quarter located in North Strathfield hosts offices, three grocery stores, and amenities such as long-stay parking, health care services, specialty stores and other services, as well as an entertainment, cafe and dining hub. North Strathfield and its neighbouring suburb of Concord has access to some of the best social and cultural facilities in Sydney. Located within North Strathfield and a 2km radius are the following facilities just to name a few: Bakehouse Quarter (located in North Strathfield) - restaurants, pub, cafe's supermarkets, offices, WOTSO workspace, entertainment facilities Bressington Park - sports fields and cultural rememberance area Sports Fields and Clubs - Edwards Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Briars Sports Club, Powells Creek Tennis Centre, 4 gyms Olympic Park - concerts, events, sporting and cultural Canada Bay Library and Five Dock Library - hosts authors evenings and speakers Majors Bay Rd - shops, restaurants and cafes' and banking Churches - 13 Churches of different denominations Concord Farmers Market North Strathfield Mens Shed Kokoda Track and Memorial Walkway McDonald College - Australia's Leading Performing Arts College Planned pedestrian bridges over Powells Creek and cycleways will further enhance the liveability of the area giving residents easier access to more open space and adding to the transport option for commuting short to medium distances. North Strathfield should be upzoned as it provides the services and infrastructure to support a changing community.

6 Planning Priority E4: Fostering healthy, creative, culturally rich and socially connected communities Objective 7: communities that are healthy, resilient and socially connected; Objective 8: Greater Sydney s communities are culturally rich with diverse neighbourhoods and Objective 9: Greater Sydney celebrates the arts and supports creative industries and innovation North Strathfield and its neighboring suburb of Concord has access to some of the best social and cultural facilities in Sydney. Located within North Strathfield and a 2km radius are the following facilities just to name a few: Bakehouse Quarter (located in North Strathfield) - restaurants, pub, cafe's supermarkets, offices, WOTSO workspace, entertainment facilities Bressington Park - sports fields and cultural remembrance area Sports Fields and Clubs - Edwards Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Briars Sports Club, Powells Creek Tennis Centre, 4 gyms Olympic Park - concerts, events, sporting and cultural Canada Bay Library and Five Dock Library - hosts authors evenings and speakers Majors Bay Rd - shops, restaurants and cafes' and banking Churches - 13 Churches of different denominations Concord Farmers Market North Strathfield Mens Shed Kokoda Track and Memorial Walkway McDonald College - Australia's Leading Performing Arts College North Strathfield should be upzoned as its social and cultural facilities support a socially connected community.

7 Planning Priority E5: Providing housing supply, choice and affordability, with access to jobs and services Objective 10: Greater housing supply; and Objective 11: Housing is more diverse and affordable Canada Bay council has a 0-5 yr housing target of 2,150. North Strathfield falls withing the Homebush Priority Precinct and was initially included within the Paramatta Rd Urban Transformation Plan (one of the reasons cited for excluding North Strathfield from the final plan was the unknown route of the Light Rail. The proposed route has now been announced and no longer impacts North Strathfield). The upzone of North Strathfield would assist Canada Bay council in meeting its short term housing targets. We are aware that East Rhodes, which falls within the Canada Bay Council area is also being considered for upzone. We note however that the East Rhodes development has been criticised by both the public and senior politicians due to the lack of transport and schools in the area. Refer ( y-precincts-as-mps-hit-back-at-overdevelopment/news-story/7bee37e07bc2bb ceb2d3aaf475) The upzone of North Strathfield is supported by the local community. As noted above 78% of contactable property owners signed the submission in favour of rezoning (391 owners/residents signed the submission). A very small number of local residents oppose the rezone. In addition North Strathfield is walking distance to 4 train stations ( North Strathfield, Concord West, Homebush and Strathfield). As noted in "Liveability" above, access to schools is also excellent. Due to these reasons North Strathfield would be a better short term option for upzone than East Rhodes. North Strathfield should be upzoned as it supports the objectives of greater housing supply in Canada Bay, and is supported by the local residents.

8 Planning Priority E6: Creating and renewing great places and local centres, and respecting the District s heritage Objective 12: Great places that bring people together and Objective 13: Environmental heritage is conserved and enhanced and the corresponding strategies. The North Strathfields Resdient's Group agree with the GSC that the movement and place framework is relevant. Movement North Strathfield is located next to the start of the new WestConnext tunnel and as such will have access to Sydney's motorway system, and quick vehicular access to the CBD and Parramatta. Bus routes are easily accessable via Underwood Rd and Concord Rd. Bike and walking paths through Bicentennial Park link North Strathfield easily with Olympic Park and the proposed new Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2. As already noted North Strathfield is walking distance to 4 train stations. Places In addition to the social and cultural facilities noted in E4 above it should also be noted that the Bakehouse Quarter (40,000 sqm of commercial, retail and entertainment uses located in North Strathfield) is also proposed for significant redevelopment. The Bakehouse Quarter was purchased in 2017 by the Yuhu Group (also developers of the Pymble Corporate Centre an Eastwood shopping Centre). According to the The Australian Financial Review Yuhu said that " that they were attracted to the Quarter because of its mix of strong tenancies including Aldi, IGA and Fitness First as well as potential development opportunities to convert the site into a new hub or township on the back of the NSW government s Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation. " The Bakehouse Quarter now provides for employment and social opportunities and any redevelopment of the area will only add to the existing local centre. Heritage North Strathfield is not within a heritage conservation area and the perceived character is comparable to the blocks to the west of Powells Creek and the block bounded by Underwood Road, Pomeroy Street, Wentworth Road South and Bellona Avenue which are to be up-zoned. The extent of change both proposed and currently ongoing around North Strathfield is so significant that the any perceived existing character has already been subject to transformation. North Strathfield should be upzoned as it meets the objectives of creating and renewing locals centres, and makes logical sense under the movement and place framework.

9 Productivity Planning Priority E7: Growing a stronger and more competitive Harbour CBD Objective 18: Harbour CBD is stronger and more competitive and Objective 15: The Eastern Economic Corridor is better connected and more competitive North Strathfield is located approximately km of the proposed innovation corridor (Camperdown to Pyrmont). This area is easily accessable from North Strathfield by public transport or car. Improvements to transport links through the addition of a Metro and completion of WestConnex will improve the already short transit times to these areas. North Strathfield should be upzoned as it supports the objectives of housing for a more competitive and connected Eastern Economic Corridor.

10 Planning Priority E8: Growing and investing in health and education precincts and the innovation corridor Objective 21: Internationally competitive health, education, research and innovation precincts North Strathfield is located approx 2km from Concord Hospital and the proposed Medical Precinct. This close location to significant medical infrastructure makes it the ideal location for both young families and an ageing population. Its close location to the proposed Concord Medical Precinct, and both private and public schools would also make it an ideal location for the staff of the Concord Medical Precinct to reside.

11 Planning Priority E9: Growing international trade gateways Objective 16: Freight and logistics network is competitive and efficient N/A to North Strathfield

12 Planning Priority E10: Delivering integrated land use and transport planning and a 30-minute city Objective 14: A metropolis of three cities integrated land use and transport create walkable and 30-minute cities; and Objective 16: Freight and logistics network is competitive and efficient North Strathfield is located within easy access (< 30 minutes) to the identified major business centres under the plan being Rhodes, Olympic Park and Burwood, and is only approx minutes by train to the CBD. It is also strategically located on the western edge of the Eastern District, allowing access to two strategic districts. North Strathfield should be upzoned as it meets the objectives of achieving 30 minute cities.

13 Planning Priority E11: Growing investment, business opportunities and jobs in strategic centres Objective 22: Investment and business activity in centres The North Strathfield Residents Group is in favour of the identification of Rhodes and Burwood as Strategic Centres for business and investment activity. North Strathfield is located within easy access (< 20 minutes) to the identified major business centres under the plan being Rhodes, Olympic Park and Burwood, and is only approx minutes by train to the CBD. North Strathfield should be upzoned due to its close proximity to identified Strategic Centres.

14 Planning Priority E12: Protecting industrial and urban services land Objective 23: Industrial and urban services land is planned, protected and managed N/A to North Strathfield

15 Planning Priority E13: Supporting growth of targeted industry sectors Objective 24: Economic sectors targeted for more success N/A to North Strathfield

16 Sustainability Planning Priority E14: Protecting and improving the health and enjoyment of Sydney Harbour and the District s waterways Objective 25: The coast and waterways are protected and healthier N/A to North Strathfield

17 Planning Priority E15: Protecting and enhancing bushland and biodiversity Objective 27: Biodiversity is protected, urban bushland and remnant vegetation is enhanced North Strathfield closer to public transport than other sites that are proposed to be rezoned. This does not make sense from a planning nor environmental standpoint as residents of rezoned areas further from the train stations will need to drive to access the stations, however residents of the area (bounded by Allen Street, Conway Avenue, George Street, and Powells Creek) can easily walk to 4 train stations. In addition the North Strathfield Residents Group supports the addition of cycleways, walking paths etc into the planning and design of a revitalised North Strathfield. North Strathfield should be upzoned as it makes logical sense from an environmental standpoint that sites closest to public transport should have higher densities.

18 Planning Priority E16: Protecting and enhancing scenic and cultural landscapes Objective 28: Scenic and cultural landscapes are protected Whilst North Strathfield has been recognised as having perceived character, many of the existing dwellings and the patterns of subdivision are comparable to those areas already proposed for R3 and R4 rezoning. As it is not clear why the area to the west of Powells Creek and Underwood Road in Homebush, which arguably presents similar architectural and built form characteristics as the North Strathfield, yet is further away from North Strathfield and Concord West Railway Stations, has been proposed to be rezoned, recognising the different jurisdictions and views of Canada Bay and Strathfield Councils, it is possible that inconsistency may result in future impacts to the perceived character. Recognising that considerable investment would be required to maintain the dwellings and their character over time, with such uncertainty about the future of their properties, landowners are reluctant to invest. A lack of investment will no doubt have a cumulative impact to the perceived character of the North Strathfield over time. North Strathfield should be upzoned to ensure consistency in design with surrounding areas and create to create a modern and flexible area.

19 Planning Priority E17: Increasing urban tree canopy cover and delivering Green Grid connections Objective 30: Urban tree canopy cover is increased and Objective 32: The Green Grid links parks, open spaces, bushland and walking and cycling paths The North Strathfield Residents Group agree that the Green Grid should link parks and open spaces, and the urban tree canopy should be increased. Connections between North Strathfield and Bicentennial Park already exist and are widely used by cyclists and walkers. Work has already commenced by Sydney Water to regenerate the banks of Powells Creek to more natural surroundings. North Strathfield should be upzoned to ensure an integrated and co-ordinated approach for the entire area, rather than a site-by-site approach, to ensure objectives are met and ad hoc planning outcomes are avoided.

20 Planning Priority E18: Delivering high quality open space Objective 31: Public open space is accessible, protected and enhanced The North Strathfield Residents Group agree that public space should be protected and enhanced. The North Strathfield area has existing access to public open space along is entire length as well as having easy access to Bicentennial Park. North Strathfield should be upzoned to ensure an integrated and co-ordinated approach for the entire area, rather than a site-by-site approach, to ensure objectives are met and ad hoc planning outcomes are avoided.

21 Planning Priority E19: Reducing carbon emissions and managing energy, water and waste efficiently Objective 33: A low-carbon city contributes to net-zero emissions by 2050 and mitigates climate change; Objective 34: Energy and water flows are captured, used and re-used; and Objective 35: More waste is re-used and recycled to support the development of a circular economy North Strathfield should be upzoned to ensure an intergrated and co-ordinated approach for the entire area, rather than a site-by-site approach, to ensure objectives are met and ad hoc planning outcomes are avoided.

22 Planning Priority E20: Adapting to the impacts of urban and natural hazards and climate change Objective 36: People and places adapt to climate change and future shocks and stresses; Objective 37: Exposure to natural and urban hazards is reduced; and Objective 38: Heatwaves and extreme heat are managed North Strathfield is not suseptable to any significant natural hazards - heatwaves, bushfires, etc. North Strathfield should be upzoned to ensure an intergrated and co-ordinated approach for the entire area, rather than a site-by-site approach, to ensure objectives are met and ad hoc planning outcomes are avoided.

23 Implementation We believe implementation of the Plan should be a State Government initiative to ensure consistent planning between council areas. North Strathfield should be upzoned to ensure an intergrated and co-ordinated approach for the entire area, rather than a site-by-site approach, to ensure objectives are met and ad hoc planning outcomes are avoided. We request the State Governement to upzone North Strathfield in the short term, as it meets the objectives and priorities as stated in this Plan.