Lucy Turnbull of Greater Sydney Commission says more housing to come

LUCY Turnbull — the chief strategist for the planning of more housing in Sydney — has named two reasons why more housing must be built in the northern district.

Lucy Turnbull

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LUCY Turnbull — the chief strategist for the planning of more housing in Sydney — has named two reasons why more housing must be built in the northern district.

Mrs Turnbull is chief commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission, which plans the city’s growth and sets the number of homes to be built in each region.

The Commission set housing targets of 7600 for Ryde, and 150 homes for Hunters Hill for the five years to 2021. The zoning and planning for these homes has already been done.

These new homes at Macquarie Park’s Monika estate are just some of those being built across the area.

Mrs Turnbull was at West Ryde last week to see the sites of a proposed commercial precinct along Victoria Rd and new schools at Meadowbank TAFE.

While many residents say no more homes should be built as roads and schools are packed, Mrs Turnbull explained why that won’t happen.

“I know people who have young kids who are really worried about the price of housing and access to housing,” she said.

Many people can only stand and watch auctions, as they cannot afford to participate.

“We need to balance that need for people to get a foothold in the housing market and see a future for themselves in Sydney.

“We need a supply of housing but it has to be well organised and well co-ordinated with other services.”

The district’s two rail lines were another reason for more housing here. Mrs Turnbull said the planning system encouraged housing along transport corridors.

Train at Epping station

Asked about the growth of units in Epping, she said this was linked to the Sydney Metro Northwest rail service which is due to open next year and connect Rouse Hill to Chatswood via Epping.

Mrs Turnbull said these changes in Epping had been already zoned.

Ryde state Liberal MP Victor Dominello is touting commercial offices in the light industrial area along Victoria Rd, West Ryde as a means of providing jobs.