Councillors raise concerns over Wilton New Town development

Wollondilly councillors have raised concerns about a lack of employment and infrastructure for the future residents of Wilton New Town, and say they want greater commitment from developers.

Part of the Wilton countryside, which will be home to a town the size of Port Macquarie.

Wollondilly councillors have raised concerns about a lack of employment and infrastructure for the future residents of Wilton New Town, and say they want greater commitment from developers.

In a comprehensive discussion at Tuesday night’s meeting, councillors discussed the planning proposal for the new town, which would see 12,000 new homes built.

Councillor Matthew Deeth put forward an alternate motion, which laid out his main concerns regarding the current development proposal, including a foreseeable lack of employment opportunities, education, medical facilities and public transport.

“I think there are some valid points made in this planning proposal but I just want to raise my concerns,” Cr Deeth said.

“I’m concerned with the infrastructure or lack thereof; there has been no commitment to health facilities, public transport or education.

“Bradcorp have indicated they will look at a new school when the development meets 5000 dwellings, but the need for a high school is now.

“I also think we really need to be lobbying the state government for public transport and investigating different options; this is the time to put pet to paper and make a long term plan.”

An artist’s impression of infrastructure to be built as part of the Wilton development.

Cr Deeth said he would like to see the project’s developers, Bradcorp, Walker Coroporation and Governors Hill, commit to providing more infrastructure and planning.

Councillors unanimously threw their support behind Cr Deeth’s motion, and will put together an amended submission with their concerns, which will then be sent to the Department of Planning and Environment.

The new submission includes requests for Bradcorp to identify opportunities to build social infrastructure, and for the threshold that will trigger the provision of a new High School to be significantly lowered.

Council will again write to the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Anthony Roberts MP to request an urgent meeting to discuss employment targets for the area and the potential for new rail and public health services, including a hospital.

“I commend Cr Deeth’s alternate motion because he’s obviously put a lot of work into it and addressed a number of concerns,” Cr Blair Briggs said.

“Wilton was sold on the basis that the employment was going to be there, that’s what the shire was promised and it seems to be disappearing like a mirage.

“I’m not seeing any rail guaranteed and none of the proponents seem to be taking it as something serious.”

Councillors say they hold concerns about local employment for the new residents.

Cr Ray Law said that while rail would be essential for the area, it was beyond the scope of developers and would be up to the government.

Councillors also commended the three developers for teaming up on the project, and agreed council would continue to work closely with the proponents.

“We want Wilton New Town, I think that’s unanimous,” Cr Judy Hannan said.

“But we want people to look back and say this council got it right.”

Bradcorp Chief Executive Peter Brennan said concerns raised by Wollondilly Councillors had been addressed in the rezoning proposal and in undertakings presented to the NSW Government.

“With a project of such scale we would expect the council to want assurance that essential

infrastructure and amenity are properly considered, ”Mr Brennan said.

“Wilton New Town has been proposed as a private sector growth centre with infrastructure funded by the proponents; it is envisaged as a self-supporting garden city providing homes, employment and facilities that represent the very best town planning and place-making principles.”

Wilton Junction, South West growth corridor, greater macarthur land release, Walker, Bradcorp. Artists impression

Mr Brennan said safeguards were in place to ensure timely and upfront delivery of infrastructure to support the new community, and the provision of rail was a matter for the government.

Bradcorp’s Wilton North West development was estimated to create 5500 jobs for approximately 15,000 new residents, as well as 1000 construction jobs over the life of the project.

“A large development project such as Wilton North West not only generates jobs directly but has a multiplier effect that will see allied industries and small businesses benefit,” Mr Brennan said.

“Once the seeds of the community are in place new opportunities arise. People need shops, doctors, accountants, restaurants, cafes, motor mechanics, schools and teachers, aged care workers, hairdressers, beauticians, but it doesn’t happen instantly; it is an incremental process that we have considered and planned for, having consulted widely with the community and Council.

“We will continue the consultation process so that this community, which Bradcorp has been a part of for many years, can feel confident that Wilton North West will deliver the jobs and infrastructure that is promised as well as preserving the natural beauty of this region.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2018.

Walker Corporation and Governor’s Hill were also contacted for comment.

The Chronicle will publish a second article on their plans for the site.