The Post has received a media release from Ku-ring-gai Council today off the back of yet another extraordinary Council Meeting held last night. Council has now unanimously voted last night to act against the NSW Government’s transport-oriented development (TOD) housing policy.

The extraordinary meeting was called by five councillors to consider the Council’s response to the transport-oriented development (TOD) policy, which impacts the Gordon, Killara, Lindfield and Roseville station precincts.

According to a Mayoral Minute, the TOD program will see new developments between 22 and 24 metres in height, along with floor space ratios that fatally weaken local controls on heritage, setbacks and urban canopy.

Whilst the State government maintains that the revised SEPP will revise planning regulations surrounding 37 strategically positioned metro and rail stations, with immediate implementation for 18 locations. The government asserts that this initiative aims to foster the creation of well-designed residences in prime locations.

The State government maintains it is recognising the urgency of addressing the housing crisis, the NSW Government emphasises the imperative to expand housing options to retain residents, particularly for the younger demographic; Ku-ring-gai is no exception.

Speaking after the meeting Mayor Sam Ngai said the Council had taken the decision to mount a legal case against the government ‘because of the ambiguity that is inherent in these new planning controls.’

“We are keen to provide new homes, but they also need to be appropriately supported by infrastructure.”

The Mayor added that the state-imposed policy would come into effect on 13 May, despite multiple requests from Ku-ring-gai Council since November last year to collaborate on infrastructure outcomes and establish a 12-month extension for appropriate planning.

“It is of great concern to us that that most other councils received 12-month planning extensions when we were denied that opportunity by the Minister for Planning”.

“The TOD means 20,000 new dwellings in Ku-ring-gai with residents paying $210 million in housing contributions to the NSW Government. But not a single cent has been committed to local infrastructure and future residents are getting ripped off”.

“These changes have already cost Ku-ring-gai over tens of millions in value destruction. Had the government responded to our earlier requests for appropriate planning, this would not have been the case.”

Mayor Ngai said the Councillors had received a briefing from legal advisors before the meeting which reinforced the Council’s decision.

“We have not taken this decision lightly, but we owe it to residents to fight for our environment and quality of life. Based on our legal advice, we believe we have a strong case and the financial benefits to ratepayers far outweigh the cost.”

Ku-ring-gai Council believe they are better placed to decide where the housing should go, what infrastructure to build and how to minimise impacts on the natural environment and heritage.

Today the Sydney Morning Herald features another full-page advertisement titled “An open letter NSW residents” calling for them to “WAKE UP.”

The Minns government maintains that the TOD’s have been developed in close collaboration with councils and industry stakeholders, the SEPP introduces several key planning adjustments, including permitting residential developments in designated zones, establishing floor space ratios, defining building heights, and setting standards for lot size and street frontages.

The Post is keen to hear your views. Write to editor@hkpost.com.au