‘Over-development’ rally against Crows Nest, St Leonards apartments
They call it “over-development” — increasing numbers of skyscrapers and unit blocks planned for their suburbs — and north shore residents will gather to rally against it.
- Crowie overdevelopment protest call
- 23 things to do in Sydney this weekend
- Mosman vaccination levels Sydney’s lowest: Report
They call it “over-development” — increasing numbers of skyscrapers and unit blocks planned for their suburbs — and north shore residents will gather to rally against it.
As many as 1,000 people have been touted to attend the “stop over-development” rally at Ernest Place, Crows Nest, on Saturday at 1pm.
They say poorly-planned building development, particularly around Crows Nest and St Leonards, will result in traffic congestion, more overshadowing and put more demand on schools and parks.
The group organising the rally is called “Overdevelopment — We’re Over It” and has former North Sydney mayor Genia McCaffery among its members.
She wants the government to ease off its plans for high density buildings in the area, starting with those proposed above the Sydney Metro underground train station at Crows Nest.
Two 27-storey residential towers, a 17-storey hotel and eight-storey office building are proposed.
“The government is proposing gross overdevelopment there,” Ms McCaffery said.
“They are using the planning powers given to them to build railways, and misusing them to provide private development above the site.”
She also wants the government to abandon “spot rezonings” — in which planning rules can be rewritten on a site-specific basis.
The Metro station has been the catalyst for the government to declare the St Leonards and Crows Nest area a “priority precinct” which will accommodate 7,525 more homes by 2036.
The government says this is only 4,700 more homes than allowed by councils in that region.
Developers would pay a special infrastructure contribution to help fund roads, paths and parks.
A spokeswoman for the government said its draft St Leonards and Crows Nest 2036 plan provided more green space, including an expanded Hume Street Park and a foreshore link between River Road and the Pacific Highway.
Speakers include North Shore state candidates Carolyn Corrigan (independent) and Andrew Zbik (Labor).
Lane Cove state candidate Richard Quinn (independent) and Greens state MP David Shoebridge will also speak.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Planning Minister Anthony Roberts and North Shore state Liberal MP Felicity Wilson were invited but are not expected to attend.
The state election is on March 23.
The over-development group held a similar rally in November which it claims drew 800 people.
‘Little purple patch’: Aussie SailGP crew dodge drama as storm looms
Record penalties, flying starts, close calls and cheeky moves - day one of the Sydney SailGP had it all and more. including one very happy Australian team.
Meet the talented young artists from ARTEXPRESS 2025
The annual art exhibition which shows some of the most outstanding and exemplary artworks across NSW by HSC visual arts students has opened. Meet the students and see their amazing works.