Encouraged to see so many register to attend Wednesday’s public information session on the State Government’s housing proposals.
800 had registered to attend but with a capacity of 150, Zoom was offered as a spillover. The slides plus video of the event are available here. krg.nsw.gov.au/housinginfosession
Ku-ring-gai’s diverse group of residents often disagree on big issues, but it is amazing how the State Government’s lack of public consultation, secrecy, and overzealous approach has brought those who usually disagree onto the same page.
Looking at the broader picture, I understand that some people in NSW see this as pure NIMBYism but from my perspective that is a gross oversimplification that does not truly account for what is happening on the ground. There are many residents who believe that more can be done to support housing diversity however the State Government’s approach does not achieve this in a realistic or appropriate manner.
Key concerns shared include the inadequacy of funding and support for existing and future infrastructure (existing traffic bottlenecks, future congestion, stormwater limitations, access to open space, etc.), the impact on tree canopy, biodiversity and climate resilience, and the loss of local heritage and character.
In the minority, there has also been the occasional YIMBY in Ku-ring-gai but my message to them is that while I understand the sentiments, it does not mean careful planning, modelling, procedure, consultation, and budgeting needs to be thrown out the window in an attempt to obtain a theoretical but unworkable outcome. To date there have been some pretty dismissive responses such as “developer contributions will fund everything” but if you look at the details and do the numbers, it’s clear that it will not be adequate given the LGA’s physical constraints and existing funding models.
All Ku-ring-gai residents are encouraged to read about the housing changes, let us know their thoughts via the survey, and make a submission to the State Government. For more information refer to krg.nsw.gov.au/housingchanges
p.s. I was late to the meeting, ironically due to traffic congestion from Roseville to Gordon.
Encouraged to see so many register to attend Wednesday’s public information session on the State Government’s housing proposals.
800 had registered to attend but with a capacity of 150, Zoom was offered as a spillover. The slides plus video of the event are available here. krg.nsw.gov.au/housinginfosession
Ku-ring-gai’s diverse group of residents often disagree on big issues, but it is amazing how the State Government’s lack of public consultation, secrecy, and overzealous approach has brought those who usually disagree onto the same page.
Looking at the broader picture, I understand that some people in NSW see this as pure NIMBYism but from my perspective that is a gross oversimplification that does not truly account for what is happening on the ground. There are many residents who believe that more can be done to support housing diversity however the State Government’s approach does not achieve this in a realistic or appropriate manner.
Key concerns shared include the inadequacy of funding and support for existing and future infrastructure (existing traffic bottlenecks, future congestion, stormwater limitations, access to open space, etc.), the impact on tree canopy, biodiversity and climate resilience, and the loss of local heritage and character.
In the minority, there has also been the occasional YIMBY in Ku-ring-gai but my message to them is that while I understand the sentiments, it does not mean careful planning, modelling, procedure, consultation, and budgeting needs to be thrown out the window in an attempt to obtain a theoretical but unworkable outcome. To date there have been some pretty dismissive responses such as “developer contributions will fund everything” but if you look at the details and do the numbers, it’s clear that it will not be adequate given the LGA’s physical constraints and existing funding models.
All Ku-ring-gai residents are encouraged to read about the housing changes, let us know their thoughts via the survey, and make a submission to the State Government. For more information refer to krg.nsw.gov.au/housingchanges
p.s. I was late to the meeting, ironically due to traffic congestion from Roseville to Gordon.
