Fernhill Estate: Government unveils plans for new uses
Plans for new uses of Fernhill Estate, Mulgoa, are on public exhibition until March, 2020.
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The state government has unveiled plans for the future use of Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa.
The government acquired the property in 2018 along with two adjacent properties, and has “undertaken essential repairs to the existing homestead and fencing while developing measures to restore the estate for current and future generations”.
The plans are now on public exhibition and the community can have its say on the suggested uses, which include arts and cultural activities such as a museum or gallery, medium-scale events and boutique accommodation, agricultural uses and not-for-profit uses such as a wildlife sanctuary or research and education facility.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes said this was a rare opportunity to participate in shaping iconic open space for generations to come.
“At 412 hectares, Fernhill Estate is the largest contribution to open space in western Sydney since the Western Sydney Parklands were established in 2008,” he said.
“Fernhill will be a signature public parkland for the Western Parkland City, and we want to hear how the community want to see it restored and re-imagined.”
Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres said it was time for the community to capitalise on the estate’s potential.
“Fernhill will be a wonderful asset for the people of western Sydney for generations to come,” he said.
“It’s critical that the community shapes the future use of this public asset.”
Mulgoa state Liberal MP Tanya Davies said community feedback would help shape the final Plan of Management.
“From tourism and recreational ideas to equestrian and cultural uses, we want to make sure the people of western Sydney get the most out of this historic estate,” she said.
The project will be on exhibition until March 20, 2020. For more information, visit planning.nsw.gov.au/fernhillestate.