NSW Government withdraws funding for vital Council project
NSW Government cancels critical transport infrastructure while calling on Council to increase housing
Ku-ring-gai Council has expressed its shock at the state government’s withdrawal of funding for commuter parking at the Lindfield Village Hub amid calls for the Council to increase housing in the local area.
The NSW Government has called on all councils to urgently fast-track and deliver additional apartments and townhouses to achieve an additional 377,000 homes across NSW by 2029.
Responding to the government’s request through a Mayoral Minute tabled at this month’s Council meeting on Tuesday 21 November, Mayor Sam Ngai said that the state government must provide appropriate infrastructure and a public consultation process before changing Ku-ring-gai’s planning controls or zoning.
“While each council needs to play their part, we believe that the community must be consulted to identify the best location for these homes and this process cannot be rushed”.
“There is increased interest in townhouses in Ku-ring-gai, but these need to be sensibly located near transport hubs, shops, schools and other amenities otherwise they will further add to already congested roads”.
Mayor Ngai went on to say that the Council had received ‘completely unexpected news yesterday that the government was withdrawing $9.8 million funding for parking in the Lindfield Village Hub project’.
The funding would have provided 135 commuter parking spaces as part of the Hub. The project also includes a new library, community facilities, open space, playground and additional residential apartments next to the train station.
The Council had planned to announce a development partner after this week’s Council meeting but according to Mayor Ngai, the government’s announcement ‘has put the project in jeopardy’.
“At a time when the government is calling each council to increase housing, it is disappointing to see they are simultaneously cutting funds for much-needed infrastructure”.
Mayor Ngai added that he would be seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister for Transport to discuss the funding.
ends
Media enquiries: Sally Williams Ku-ring-gai Council Ph: 9424 0000