Huge plot of residual WestConnex land ‘should be for the community’
It’s the bit of land in Homebush that has caused controversy over fears developers will swoop in — and eight months after committing to not selling it off, the State Government is still considering the best ‘public use’ for the plot.
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The State Government is still “undecided” on the fate of 6000sqm of unused WestConnex land, though has confirmed it is looking into how to find the best public use for the Hyde Park-sized plot leftover from the $16.8 billion infrastructure project.
Before the state election in March, WestConnex minister Stuart Ayres told the Inner West Courier the land between Underwood Rd and Ismary Ave in Homebush was “not being considered for sale” amid community concerns the lot would be sold off to developers.
Eight months later, the Department of Planning said it was still considering the best “public use” for the land.
“The department has now received the residual land management plan from Transport for NSW (RMS) for the M4 East project which identifies the future use of the vacant blocks near Ismay Reserve as undecided,” a department spokeswoman said.
“The department will work closely with Strathfield Council to identify the best public use of this land, including incorporating it into the recently opened 2.5-hectare Ismay Reserve.”
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Strathfield MP Jodi McKay was still concerned the land would not go back to the public.
Speaking yesterday, the NSW opposition leader called for a “concrete commitment” from the State Government to ensure high-rises do not occupy the site.
Ms McKay and Strathfield councillors Karen Pensabene and Maryanne Duggan yesterday met with community members over their concerns.
“My point is the government needs to make a clear decision,” Ms McKay said.
“It could be used for a park, it could be a community centre, it could be a basketball court or it could be a preschool – what residents don’t want is a massive high-rise.
“It should be for community use the public are desperate and (the government) needs to make a determination and stop the anxiety.”
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