Wakehurst MP says infrastructure must be prioritised
Any increases to housing density on the Northern Beaches must take into account the ‘fundamental infrastructure constraints’ of the area, Wakehurst MP Michael Regan has said.
Mr Regan made the comments following the State Government’s announcement in late November that it would force councils to create more density in R2 zones, which currently allow low rise housing, in an effort to increase housing supply. Councils will no longer be able to refuse development applications for duplexes, and in addition, terraces and two-storey apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres. Some council areas will have to take on additional housing quotas, but the Northern Beaches has been exempt from this requirement.
Mr Regan told Peninsula Living that while he welcomed the State Government’s commitment to increase housing supply, “I don’t support the blanket application of density changes by the Government which do not take into account the fundamental infrastructure constraints of the Northern Beaches.”
His comments come as Northern Beaches Council finalised its strategic plan for Brookvale, which will see 1,350 new homes in the next 15 years. Mr Regan, who is still on the council after resigning as mayor when elected to State Parliament, said: “The critical piece here is the desire to work with the local councils to ensure they are not fudging their responsibility in delivering housing choice for their (area).”
Of particular concern for council for many years has been traffic congestion, with lack of bus drivers on the Beaches recently causing commuter chaos. Mr Regan said that with the Beaches Link cancelled, the capacity for Northern Beaches to increase housing was limited. This had caused a reduction in housing targets for areas including Frenchs Forest, with 6,000 homes originally planned around the Northern Beaches Hospital now down to 2,000.
“Any increase in population must come with detailed infrastructure planning to accommodate growth,” Mr Regan stated. The Wakehurst MP has been a long-time advocate for Beaches Link alternatives, such as an overpass or flyover at the Office Works intersection in Dee Why.
“The current proposal on exhibition is not without risks and together with council, I am engaging rigorously (with the Government) to negotiate a more strategic approach.” Public consultation on the R2changes closes 23 February. See the NSW Government’s planning portal for details.
