Alliance forms to protect character of rail corridor from state urban renewal plans
AN alliance of community groups along the Sydenham to Bankstown line are fighting against what they believe are plans for 25 storey apartment towers in low density residential areas.
The Express
Don't miss out on the headlines from The Express. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Priority precincts named for the Sydenham to Bankstown urban renewal corridor
- Urban renewal for Sydenham to Bankstown rail corridor causes concern among Hurlstone Park residents
- Steep rise in passengers prompts safety fears
- Report on ‘black hole’ in western Sydney public transport
EX-CANTERBURY deputy mayor Barbara Coorey says the State Government wants to to build up to 36,000 units along the Sydenham to Bankstown line with towers up to 25-storeys high in low density areas and she’s a member of a new alliance of community groups trying to stop them.
Ms Coorey said Belmore, Campsie and Canterbury had been earmarked for high-rise development.
The Sydenham to Bankstown Alliance has vowed to lobby to protect the character of heritage suburbs and existing rail stations along the 13km rail corridor.
It is made up of the Hurlstone Park Association, Save Dully Action Group, Marrickville Residents’ Association and Keep Our Area Suburban but they want other community groups to join.
Alliance spokesman Peter Olive, said they were calling for a “sensible, respectful and community-led” approach to the NSW Government’s urban renewal plans.
“This is a historic corridor, first created in the late 1890s, which is being treated like a Green Square-style urban renewal zone by the NSW Government,” Mr Olive said.
Last year the State Government revealed urban renewal plans for the Sydenham to Bankstown line would include 36,000 new homes over 20 years.
But the alliance believe the Government is planning to propose a much more dramatic change, rezoning low-density streets for high-rise units up to 25 storeys high.
Ms Coorey, said she hopes the alliance will help people understand the “magnitude” of the government’s plans.
“It just doesn’t make any sense, to demolish in excess of 5000 good-quality homes to build 36,000 units, in towers up to 25 levels, soaring 75m in the sky ... it’s unheard of in Australia,” she said.
Alleged armed bandits accused of stealing $275k in violent hold ups
Two alleged firearm-wielding robbers accused of terrorising staff and stealing $275,000 across pubs in Sydney and the Mid North Coast have been arrested with balaclavas. One of the accused will soon make a bid for bail.
Man allegedly kissed toddler on lips at Sydney supermarket
An elderly man charged with sexually touching a toddler in a western Sydney supermarket has denied allegations he kissed the child – claiming it was the other way around.