Walker Corporation respond after project rejected

One of Australia’s largest development companies remains optimistic about the future of a controversial Appin project, despite a rezoning proposal for the site being rejected.

An artist’s impression of an upgraded Appin Rd, which would’ve taken place alongside the Macquariedale Rd proposal.

• Campbelltown’s and top police prosecutor blows nearly three times over legal limit
• Gregory Hills Town Centre opening date revealed
• More homes for rural Appin

One of Australia’s biggest development companies remains optimistic about the future of a controversial Appin project, despite Wollondilly Council rejecting a rezoning proposal for the site on Monday night.

Walker Corporation, the majority landowner of a 60ha site bordering Appin and Macquariedale roads, has spent a dozen years working on making its housing vision for the land a reality.

An Appin rezoning proposal has been rejected by Wollondilly Council.

The rezoning, if approved, would have paved the way for 220 houses on the site. About 40ha of vegetation would have been preserved.

Councillors did not support the rezoning for fears it would sterilise future growth opportunities, the absence of a koala plan of management, traffic concerns and public feedback.

An artist’s impression of proposed upgrades for Appin as part of Walker Corporation's Macquariedale Rd development.

Mayor Matthew Deeth, whose casting vote rejected the rezoning, said he believed the rezoning was “premature” in light of the recently announced Greater Macarthur 2040 plan.

“I would hate to see we are sterilising our future Appin Bypass or a future piece of infrastructure corridor by moving ahead with this at this stage,” he said.

Walker Corporation chief executive Lang Walker with former Socceroo Brett Emerton – supported the Macarthur South West A-League bid. Picture: Robert Pozo

A Walker Corporation spokeswoman said despite the council’s opposition the project wasn’t dead and had “strong merit”.

“We are disappointed with the decision but we remain very committed to the southwest and to the Appin community,” the spokeswoman said.

“We will need to review the report when it comes from the council but we took a lot of positives out of Monday night’s meeting.

“We were pleased that all councillors were very complimentary of our proposal and they recognised the many positives this proposal will bring to Appin.

“Four councillors of eight voted in favour of the proposal and all recognised the improvements to local business, the positive impacts our contributions would have to the Appin community and to our extensive environmental initiatives.”

Wollondilly Mayor Matthew Deeth said there is currently an infrastructure shortfall in Appin.

Walker Corporation had tabled a rich $9.5 million infrastructure commitment, or Voluntary Planning Agreement, alongside the Macquariedale Rd proposal which was described by Cr Simon Landow as “the most generous” he had seen during his 16 years on council.

Cr Briggs, who supported the rezoning, said the community had to be front of mind.

“Lets make it quite clear, this is going to occur,” he said. “It happens with our involvement or it happens without. We need to remain engaged.”

The Walker Corporation spokeswoman said the company would look to address the issues raised at the council meeting.