The importance of communities

It's no different anywhere else in Sydney, similar population increase have been projected right across the city.

I have to question the wisdom of just accepting these proposals. Without doubt it is going to have a major impact on communities throughout Sydney. The social cohesion that currently exists in most parts of the city will be diminished if not destroyed, with the probable consequence of higher crime rates and certainly people having less regard for one another.

Again looking at Lane Cove, the current developments have already destroyed one part of the municipality (Mowbray Precinct) with many people being forced out of their homes. We know people in this part of the municipality whose lives have been turned upside down and in some cases destroyed by the zoning changes wrought by the State Government that were against the wishes of the Council and community as a whole. This may be for the 'greater good' of the population as a whole, but most of the people who have been affected are deeply resentful of what has been done to them and feel powerless to do anything about it.

Few of the blocks of units being built in the Mowbray Precinct are occupied so we don't yet know what the community will look like when they are. However if we are to accommodate another 3500 dwellings in the municipality, I can't see a single area in Lane Cove that will remain unaffected- the whole suburb will be built out. It is also relevant to understand that every area in Sydney will be substantially affected by what is being proposed.

Also if the new planning proposals come into effect much of Lane Cove will be declared 'residential'. This means that if a development proposal is deemed to conform to certain planning norms it will be granted approval within twenty five days and there will be no right of objection from anyone. This means that there is no security for any householder since a three story block of units will be deemed to conform in areas that are now restricted to single houses. Also the minister will have the right to alter planning zones at will or even allow certain developments to proceed regardless of whether they exceed planning norms. That ghastly whiff of corruption is rearing its ugly head again!

The State Government appears to assume that the existing infrastructure will cope with what they are planning. It won't, so we are going to be stuck with traffic jams, inadequate parking facilities (even now, just try parking in Lane Cove most afternoons) more sewage leaks, insufficient school places etc. etc.

I am supportive of sensible development, but what is being forced on us is going to have a devastating effect on this City.

We really do need to think again. The current State Government is being driven solely by the development lobby and they are not listening to any other voices in the community.