A key issue in this new year will be the Minns Labor Government’s concerning approach to development and infrastructure especially in our local area. 

The State Government has announced it will seize control of planning from local communities to impose high density rezoning within 1.2km of Crows Nest Metro station as well as within 800m of Roseville station. It will also allow duplexes, terraces and townhouses in low density zones where they are currently not allowed. Concerningly, the new planning controls will apply within the area’s heritage conservation areas. The heritage and character of our area including Crows Nest and large parts of Roseville, St Leonards, Naremburn and Cammeray are now at risk.

There is an acceptance that we require more housing, but it must be accompanied by sufficient infrastructure investment, respect for our heritage and with the meaningful input of our community. It must be well planned, not a developer’s free for all. The government must also demonstrate where it will put the new parks and open space, where the new community facilities will be built and how it will improve local roads to cater for increased traffic. With the government cancelling projects such as Beaches Link and declining to invest in projects such as the Gore Hill Indoor Sports Centre it has much to do to provide confidence this will happen. I welcome your thoughts on the government’s approach to planning so I can continue to fiercely advocate to ensure development is done right.

The Willoughby Road and Penshurst Street corridor is relied upon by so many of us every day, but the road is full of potholes and surface fatigue is now affecting large areas. It’s a hazard to safety and potentially damaging to our vehicles. I’ve begun a petition to resurface these roads at timjamesmp.com.au/roadpetition. Please sign to send the government a message that our community expects this essential road corridor to be resurfaced and appropriately maintained.

My priorities this year are pressuring the government to acknowledge and address the high cost of living, minimising disruption from the construction of local infrastructure projects, ensuring our bus services are fully restored and the new Sydney Metro rail line is opened, and that planning on the two new schools and new ambulance station are advanced.

I look forward to seeing you out and about in our community in 2024. As always please contact my office if I may assist you on a state issue at willoughby@parliament.nsw.gov.au or 9439 4199.