Mulgoa Progress Association calls for upgrades to village
The State Government has big plans for the historic Fernhill Estate, but one resident’s group believes the upgrades should be far more reaching.
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The Mulgoa Progress Association has called for upgrades to Mulgoa Village to go hand-in-hand with planned upgrades to the historic Fernhill Estate.
The State Government unveiled plans for the future use of the estate in December, with suggested uses including art and cultural activities, medium-scale events and boutique accommodation, agricultural uses and not-for-profit uses.
President Tim Hawkins said the progress association supports the “activation” of Fernhill Estate, and sees four main areas that could be used: equine based business and community groups, an event/wedding business, hospitality businesses, and tourism opportunities.
However, he said it seemed “impossible” to have Fernhill running as a “unique feature while it’s actual village home does not resemble any of its characteristics”.
“We believe the success of Fernhill is largely dependent upon a significant upgrade to Mulgoa Village,” he said.
“We can’t see either Mulgoa or Fernhill being successful into the future without both having the same style and feel.
“They need to be considered as one when planning for a future Fernhill.”
In the draft submission, the association has detailed ideas for Mulgoa Village that include features like stone welcome signs, extended kerbs and guttering throughout the village, shoulder clearing of scrub, tree-lined streets, old English street lights/lamps, timber park benches, licensed premises, early settlement style venues, cafes, restaurants, and general business stores.
“I believe we need to signpost Mulgoa as a rural community,” Mr Hawkins said.
“Turning Mulgoa into a quaint, rural village that is impossible to ignore and also impossible to be swept away with overdevelopment is important.”
Mr Hawkins believes Mulgoa is entering a period of “great change” with the incoming Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
“The change is not of our doing, but if ignored, does put Mulgoa at risk of losing its rural character,” he said.
“Mulgoa needs a village centre, it needs to have decent money spent on it to make it more presentable.
“Fernhill presents a great opportunity to give western Sydney a world-class historical Green Park within the confines of a rural community, all within a stone’s throw of what will become Australia sixth largest city.”