Dubbo Regional Council: Public backlash over 6000 home North-West Urban Release Area Dubbo Regional Council: Public backlash over 6000 home North-West Urban Release Area

Residents are outraged over a controversial proposal set to bring 6000 homes to a regional town. Here’s what it means for you.

Residents in the state’s central west have expressed their outrage with a regional council’s plan to create 6000 homes alongside new shopping and recreational hubs.

Dubbo Regional Council received 17 public and two state agency submissions of the North-West Urban Release Area (NWURA) development plan and the masterplan for the future vision of Dubbo.

The NWURA vision will include “high-quality and innovative housing” alongside retail and commercial services, new roads with transport connections, and open spaces, according to council planners.

North-West Urban Release Area.

“The NWURA will support diverse housing opportunities leveraged off quality green spaces such as the riverfront linear park network and will integrate and connect to the Dubbo Regional Airport, the CBD, the Macquarie River, and surrounding residential suburb,” council staff said.

“(It) will ultimately feature a village centre offering a range of commercial, mixed use, and potential educational (primary and secondary school) development opportunities designed to provide for the needs of local residents within walking and cycling distance from home.

“The mixed-use development located within the village centre will also incorporate seniors housing opportunities and associated medical support services.”

Despite opposing submissions, it is recommended that council adopt the plans, noting the amendment to remove the potential for direct vehicle access from the Precinct to Chifley Dr, making the street accessible by pedestrian and cyclist connection only.

The plans include a proposal for a park that will also provide pedestrian and bicycle connections through Chifley Dr and Thompson St to the Serisier Bridge and the Dubbo CBD, however public submissions raised a “number of concerns” with the connection point because of safety concerns.

North-West Urban Release Area

Many of those who objected with the plan expressed their concerns regarding safety and criminal activity, upkeep of maintenance, vandalism and increased foot traffic.

A Chifley Dr, Dubbo resident said many existing residents are “concerned about the possible anti-social behaviour and an increased crime level associated with walkways”.

Council staff have responded saying the future growth will “increase passive surveillance opportunities”, claiming the walkway is a vital connection to reduce walking distances.