Monday 18 November 2013

Urban Activation in Kensington and Kingsford – Time to act is now

When I first wrote to Kingsford and Kensington residents in May about the State Government’s so-called urban activation policies, I had based my concerns on the possibility of high-rise buildings of up to 16 storeys in these neighbourhoods. In response, the O’Farrell Government accused me and the Opposition of scaremongering.

Now it transpires I was wrong. Heights of 16 storeys are not the limit. The O’Farrell Government is set to allow developers to build up to 20 storeys right throughout Kingsford and Kensington.

And if you think I am kidding or scaremongering, I have included the proposed high rise development plans for your information. Have a read and you’ll be as concerned as I am.

The Government claims Urban Activation Precincts will deliver more homes in places with access to
infrastructure, transport, services and jobs . Sounds good but it’s not the case.

Our roads are already gridlocked, public transport is under pressure. There is no train line to move large groups of people quickly and efficiently . Our hospitals are under pressure, with wards and beds closing. Our open space is limited. Our homes will be overshadowed by the massive high-rise apartments and our daylight and privacy will disappear.

Using the Government’s guidelines for Urban Activation Precincts, there are better locations, such as Killara, Turramurra, Lindfield that have train stations and bus services on major roads that feed into the city. Why not there?

Why Kensington and Kingsford?

Unless we speak up now we will be forced to accept the Government’s plans for our community. The O’Farrell Liberal Government is banking on your silence. The impact of this scheme will not be felt until the developments begin and the up to 20 storey blocks begin to be constructed. This might be a year or two from now, but by then it will be too late. Please do not think this will not impact you. It will. 

I have and will continue to oppose it in Parliament but I need your support. Please join me in the fight to save our community. You can help by personally emailing the Liberal Minister for Planning at: office@hazzard.minister.nsw.gov.au or writing to him at: Level 31 Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, SYDNEY NSW 2000.hen I first wrote to Kingsford and Kensington residents in May about the State Government’s so-called urban activation policies, I had based my concerns on the possibility of high-rise buildings of up to 16 storeys in these neighbourhoods. In response, the O’Farrell Government accused me and the Opposition of scaremongering.

Now it transpires I was wrong. Heights of 16 storeys are not the limit. The O’Farrell Government is set to allow developers to build up to 20 storeys right throughout Kingsford and Kensington.

And if you think I am kidding or scaremongering, I have included the proposed high rise development plans for your information. Have a read and you’ll be as concerned as I am.

The Government claims Urban Activation Precincts will deliver more homes in places with access to
infrastructure, transport, services and jobs . Sounds good but it’s not the case.

Our roads are already gridlocked, public transport is under pressure. There is no train line to move large groups of people quickly and efficiently . Our hospitals are under pressure, with wards and beds closing. Our open space is limited. Our homes will be overshadowed by the massive high-rise apartments and our daylight and privacy will disappear.

Using the Government’s guidelines for Urban Activation Precincts, there are better locations, such as Killara, Turramurra, Lindfield that have train stations and bus services on major roads that feed into the city. Why not there?

Why Kensington and Kingsford?

Unless we speak up now we will be forced to accept the Government’s plans for our community. The O’Farrell Liberal Government is banking on your silence. The impact of this scheme will not be felt until the developments begin and the up to 20 storey blocks begin to be constructed. This might be a year or two from now, but by then it will be too late. Please do not think this will not impact you. It will. 

I have and will continue to oppose it in Parliament but I need your support. Please join me in the fight to save our community. You can help by personally emailing the Liberal Minister for Planning at: office@hazzard.minister.nsw.gov.au or writing to him at: Level 31 Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, SYDNEY NSW 2000.
Urban Activation Plan for Kingsford

Urban Activation Plan for Kensington Village

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