Willoughby City Council is pressing the NSW Government to confirm its commitment to delivering essential community infrastructure at the Chatswood Dive Site, amid concerns long-promised public benefits may be under threat.
The site has been earmarked for redevelopment to support housing growth with the inclusion of a new school and public open space. However, Council has not received assurances these features will be included in the final plans.
In a letter to the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Mayor Tanya Taylor expressed alarm over the uncertainty, calling for greater transparency and community involvement.
“This is one of very few parcels of land that can genuinely meet long-term community needs in a high-growth location,” she said. “Our planning must keep pace to support these new homes, and the site should be used for a mix of community purposes, not just education, but also public recreation.”
While Sydney Metro has confirmed remediation works are underway and that the site’s future use remains under investigation, Council is seeking urgent clarification on whether public benefits remain part of the plan, the role of community consultation, and the timeline for decision-making.
“Chatswood is experiencing rapid growth,” Mayor Taylor said. “We simply can’t afford to lose this rare opportunity.”
