UDIA NSW responds to proposal for flood mitigation on exhibition by NSW Government
Today’s announcement by Minister Ayers of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposal to raise the Warragamba Dam wall for flood mitigation, was enthusiastically welcomed by UDIA NSW and our Members.
“UDIA has long advocated for a clear strategy to reduce flood risk in the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley and improve evacuation infrastructure, including for Marsden Park North, as outlined in our Policy paper in February 2019 where key risks were identified.”
“As the recent flood showed, the current level of flood risk is too high and so it is absolutely right that the government explores the best processes to reduce or mitigate the flood risk.
Solving this issue, which has been ongoing for some years, will enable the delivery of future developments and local amenities, including more than 25,000 new homes in the areas of Penrith CBD, Schofield West and Marsden Park North, which will help to improve housing affordability.“ said Steve Mann, CEO, UDIA NSW.
UDIAs Greenfield Land Supply Pipeline Report – May 2021 shows how important rezonings are for continued housing supply in Western Sydney. This EIS for raising the Dam wall needs to pave the way for a comprehensive solution to unfreeze rezonings in the North West, which currently accounts for 47% of new detached housing completions in Sydney and there is only 5 years of currently zoned land still to be developed.
With new development taking many years to complete infrastructure, it is now urgent to complete these rezonings, some of which have been on-foot now for 8 years plus.
“UDIA recognises the NSW Government’s efforts in providing a detailed assessment of the potential effect the proposal will have on the surrounding environment and the areas both upstream and downstream of the dam and we look forward to providing our submission.” Mr. Mann added.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Deanna Lane 0416 295 898 or dlane@udiansw.com.au.
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