Jo Haylen MP, Member for Summer Hill, today called on the community to defend the unique character of some of the inner west’s most iconic suburbs following the State Government’s release of the latest drafts of the Sydenham to Bankstown Corridor strategy.

While there has been some pull-back in Dulwich Hill from the initial plans, there has been only a very small reduction in the number of extra dwellings slated for the suburb.

Meanwhile, Marrickville will see a whopping 6,000 extra dwellings, far above the 4,000 proposed in the first drafts, with high-rise stretching from Petersham Road all the way down Carrington Road.

The Government promised the latest drafts of the strategy were a vision that accurately reflected community input given in the first round of consultation.

Instead, concerned residents and community groups, such as Save Dully, have been lumped with plans that still reach too high and too far into heritage suburbs. In the case of Marrickville, the proposed density is significantly worse.

The Government has failed to account for precisely how new schools, parks and transport upgrades will be provided to cope with the increased density.

The plans are on exhibition until 3 September for public comment.

Quotes attributable to Jo Haylen MP, Member for Summer Hill

“Residents have been patient and engaged with the Department of Planning in good faith, only to have their concerns ignored or in the case of Marrickville, thrown out the window altogether.

“Over 500 submissions were made in response to the first draft and residents attended countless information sessions and planning workshops. This was the highest number of submissions of any precinct along the line.

“Residents in the inner west have had a question mark hanging over their head for the past year waiting for these plans.

“Many have had the uncertainty of confusing options over their property, or have sustained persistent harassment and badgering from developers.   

“High rise buildings near a train station are one thing, but towers in the heart of Dulwich Hill or on one of Marrickville’s flood plains shows a complete disregard for the character and constraints of our Inner West neighbourhoods.

“This plan categorically fails to address already phenomenal pressures on our schools, health care facilities, child-care centres and open spaces.

“This is a plan for developers, not for our communities.”