Third-party lobbyist

The Anglican Schools Corporation (TASC) provided an overview of Mamre Anglican School, which accommodates approximately 800 students across kindergarten to Year 12 but is anticipated to grow to 1,200 student places.

TASC is concerned the recent rezoning of Mamre Road Precinct introduces incompatible surrounding land uses and limits the future expansion of the school. TASC is also concerned about the impact construction activity on adjacent land is having on the safety of school children.

Separately, TASC has been approached by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) regarding the potential acquisition of land to support the development of an intermodal terminal west of the school site.

In response, TASC proposes to relocate the school to Sydney Science Park located within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. TASC confirmed they are also seeking compensation from the NSW Government to help fund the school’s relocation.

The Planning Concierge confirmed the department can provide guidance for future planning proposals and state significant development application processes to support the delivery of the new school, noting initial discussions are already underway.

Landmark discussed their vision for the Vicinity Shopping Centre in Bankstown, which is subject to a current planning proposal.

They said that they were working well with Transport for NSW and Council to resolve remaining issues.

Amanda Harvey indicated that with the site forming part of the identified Transport Orientated Development Precinct (recently announced by the Minister), there was an option to be included in this propose or continue on with the current planning proposal – both as a means of rezoning the site in accordance with Council’s masterplan.

Landmark outlined their proposed changes to their development application scheme in the Macquarie Park and indicated that Council has provided some indication of support.

David Gainsford (Deputy Secretary) agreed to follow up with his team on approach to the changes.

Landmark also outlined their planning proposal to rezone their site at Edgecliff, saying that they have been working with Council on this scheme for a number of years.

Amanda Harvey confirmed that the department had recently received their Rezoning Review request and will proceed to request the Panel to meet to undertake this review once the payment of the fees was made.

Proposal for development of the site directly adjacent to and over the Kogarah Station

In the meeting the proponent had attempted previously to rezone the site through a planning proposal but later withdrew this and hadn’t progressed a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) either.

Department’s advice in the meeting was to resolve the landowner consent matter as the land to which the proposal is situated in owned by State Government, before progressing a rezoning or development application proposal if agreeable to Government.

Department staff then advised a proposal for rezoning or SSDA could be progressed with that consent. If a planning proposal for rezoning is sought, advice was given to talk to Georges River Council and come back to the Department for any SSDA that may be sought.

Sites 2A and 2B, Sydney Olympic Park

Discussed the challenges in redeveloping the site. The Department noted that SOPA’s owners’ consent would be required for any development application. 

17 George Street, North Strathfield

Ecove outlined proposal to rezone this site. The department confirmed the site is in a TOD Accelerated Precinct and a TOD SEPP area, is working with council on a strategic pathway for rezoning of these areas and would likely be contact with Ecove on this matter at an appropriate time in the TOD process.

15-17 and 25-27 Blaxland Road and 440-442 Concord Road, Rhodes 

Ecove outlined concerns that the current planning controls and infrastructure arrangements in the LEP hampered feasibility to develop the site.  The Department said that any amendments to these controls would require an LEP amendment and that more info was needed, so requested that Ecove write to Department to better explain issues and proposed solutions.

Future Redevelopment of Hymix Plant at Blackwattle Bay

Hymix presented alternative development options for its site to develop an integrated batching plant and mixed-use development and indicated that redevelopment of the site under the current FSR and planning controls is currently not feasible.

Hymix representatives noted that land swap options have been presented to INSW and Hymix is awaiting a response from INSW.

The department advised that any change to the current controls and permissibility to accommodate the options presented required LEP amendments, which would require reconsideration of environmental, amenity and traffic impacts.

Proponent outlined background, evolution of proposal, and their original proposal for site at 5.8:1 floor space ratio (FSR). Proponent sought advice on a pathway to progress their original proposal.

The department noted the current proposal under assessment for Gateway determination seeks 3:1 FSR and amending to 5.8:1 is not appropriate through Gateway determination. Should the proponent wish to seek to progress the original proposal, the Department suggested the proponent engage with Council on a new proposal and its merits

Discussed the potential for redevelopment of the industrial precinct in Turrella, which has the potential to deliver green grid, housing supply, jobs, public infrastructure, community support services. Advice sought now that Turrella is a Transport Oriented Development State Environmental Planning Policy (TOD SEPP).

DPHI advice clarified that the TOD programme will not deliver an outcome for this land. The department is looking to retain and manage policy for employment lands as part of its work to finalise the new Region and City Plans.

The City of Sydney's planning proposal regarding dwelling retention was discussed.

There is a current DA on the site that may be adversely impacted by the planning proposal.

The department advised that a gateway determination has been issued and that the landowner should review the department's assessment report and conditions available on the Portal.

The City of Sydney is the relevant planning proposal authority and detailed submissions should be made to Council during exhibition.

The department will be the local plan making authority for the PP and will make the final decision on the plan.

Delays impacting Moore Pont Planning Proposal, Liverpool

• The department confirmed previous advice on matters to be resolved prior to public exhibition - being flood evacuation strategy and infrastructure required to support evacuation and open space provision being the key issues.
• Action now with the Joint Landowner Group to address these matters and re-submit the planning proposal to Liverpool for assessment.
• The landowner representatives emphasised the benefits of the proposal, in particular how the 12,000+ new homes will help NSW Government respond to the housing challenge.

Leamac - owned site in Turrella

• Leamac own an industrial - zoned site in Turrella that in their view is suitable for mixed uses, given its proximity.
• The department offered to meet with Leamac in the future to hear more about their proposal in the context of the department's review of industry lands policy.

Cameron Bush outlined the AJ Bush business, including history of the Riverstone Site, comparison between NSW and QLD operations, product lines and waste water treatment practices.

Cameron Bush also outlined the process taken to date to find an alternative site in NSW. Need a site approx. 2hrs drive from Sydney. Due to challenges with high land prices in the Sydney Basin, sites in Eastern Creek and Western Sydney are not economical for their business. Aerotropolis is not serviced, and cost of infrastructure too high. Have looked at a site in Kemps Creek (co location with Sydney Water) but discussions have been ongoing for 5yrs and not progressing.

Sites in SAPs (Parkes, Wagga) too far – rail transfer of product not practical. They are in discussions regarding a site in Goulburn – this is the most likely option.

Reiterated that want to stay in the rendering business, as there is a strong market for their product. Raised the idea of a green hub but acknowledged no precincts have been identified in the Sydney basin.

Presented a paper titled ‘A Sustainable and Circular Green Hub Precinct’.

AJ Bush have taken the decision to close their Riverstone site. The operations are 70yrs old, and not modern. The decision to close is not new, AJ Bush have been planning this for a while as urban development has encroached on their site. Outlined that AJ Bush are committed to exiting and remediating the Riverstone site. They currently have 100 million litres of waste water to irrigate. It will take 4-5yrs to discharge this water via the trade waste system.

Have requested from OSL they be allowed to irrigate as per current practices, but OSL have refused this claiming that past environmental performance is the reason for the refusal. AJ Bush have taken offense to this, and have asked the Minister to intervene. Gino asked for documentation.

Cameron Bush briefly outlined the arrangement they have with their neighbour, Birds and OSL to acquire the land. AJ Bush outlined the next steps for developing a new site in Goulburn, including current council discussions, and the work they have done on feasibility.

Attendees primarily sought advice from the department on how to progress the Planning Progress at Kurnell Peninsula.

Attendees raised that the issues which Council have with the Proposal have alredy largely been resolved and therefore are wanting to see how the Proposal can progress.

The department will conduct a light touch re-evaluation to see where this Proposal may fit in the rezoning pathways framework.

Eleanor Group primarily sought advice from the department on how to progress the Fairfield Stage 2 Planning Proposal.

Prioritisation of State-wide flood mitigation response and evacuation issues at the Fairfield site were discussed.

The department advised Eleanor that Council will need to complete an evacuation study and develop a plan based on the modelling work they have completed.

Flood risk at a site in Queanbeyan was briefly discussed.

Timing of the Bankstown Transport Oriented Development (TOD) was briefly discussed. The department advised announcements will be made in due course.

Ashurst Risk Advisory

• Michael Duggan - Risk Advisory Partner
• Matthew Dunn - Partner

• Landmark provided an overview of their stance regarding the Lachlan’s Line site.
• The department clarified that the Lachlan’s Line site is not part of the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precinct.
• The department provided an overview on Macquarie Park TOD.
• Discussion took place regarding alternative planning pathways through the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway.
• Landmark has been informed by the department that submitting an amending application is a viable option. However, Landmark has not discussed this option with the Department since February, as they have been focused on pursuing the TOD option.

• Ecove outlined background on planning for their site at Blaxland and Concord Road, Rhodes.
• Ecove noted the 2021 rezoning provided an incentive floorspace provision where certain infrastructure is provided.
• Ecove have lodged a SSD (state significant development) for their site following the rezoning.
• Ecove noted engagement with Fire and Rescue NSW and Transport for NSW regarding infrastructure. Ecove suggest both agency confirmed need for the infrastructure but not committed funding.
• Ecove noted concern that cost to the developer of providing infrastructure would not be offset by the incentives provided.
• Ecove noted correspondence to the Department which proposed an increase to incentive provisions.
• DPHI to review correspondence and provide response to Ecove.
• DPHI confirmed the dwelling cap is calculated based on development consents issued.

• Legacy Property (the proponent) provided an overview of the project’s history and status and advised they have initiated a rezoning review process.
• The proponent is concerned the Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) 2020 recommendation that the site of the proposal be considered for urban development and inclusion in the Central City District Plan has not been actioned. 
• The proponent requested the department clarify its position on the IPC recommendation and the strategic merits of the project with the Strategic Planning Panel that will consider the rezoning review.
• The department advised it will review the matter. 

Time and Place raised an issue around a City of Sydney planning proposal which seeks to amend the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 to include a dwelling retention provision. Time and Place were concerned about the impacts of this planning proposal on its project at Pott Points which seeks to replace old stock studio apartments with new market and affordable housing managed by a community housing provider.

Time and Place requested that the Department consider the proposed savings and transitional provisions to allow this project to proceed.

The Department outlined that it is yet to receive the planning proposal from Council for finalisation and that it will consider the proposal against the Gateway conditions and undertake an assessment before finalising the proposal.

• BAI Communications presented an overview of its organisation, which provides national broadcast infrastructure. BAI Communications has a landholding at the corner of Watch House Road and Reservoir Road, Prospect, that will be surplus to its needs within the next 5-10 years.
• The site is subject to a compulsory acquisition right in favour of Western Sydney Parklands Trust. BAI Communications is concerned this right is an obstacle to ‘meanwhile use’ and efficient disposal of the site.
• BAI Communications engaged with the Western Sydney Parklands Trust regarding the ongoing appetite for and likely timing of the acquisition. Western Sydney Parklands Trust confirmed it intends to acquire the site but cannot confirm timing due to funding uncertainty.
• In response, BAI Communications requests DPHI provide further advice about acquisition funding and options to amend the boundary of the Western Sydney Parklands to exclude its site.
• The Planning Concierge agreed to seek preliminary advice and encouraged BAI Communications to continue to engage with WSPT.

Green Gravity are proposing energy storage using technology in disused mine sites using dropping and raising a 30 tonne weight in a disused underground mine shafts but developing technology for open cut.

Green Gravity are:

• looking at a number of regions - Illawarra, Broken Hill, Hunter, Western, Orange. More potential in deeper mines (eg around Cobar / Broken Hill ) noting that less than 300m mine shafts are challenging but there is best potential in operating mines near end of life or just closed
• proposing technology that may be able to provide 12 hours storage for deeper mines and needs more than one shaft
• progressing a demonstration site with Yancoal at Austar Site but are yet to confirm the planning pathway.
• will revert with further information regarding pathways required in short term for SSD for trials and demonstrations.

Department noted potential issues for how rehabilitation works at the mine site with existing rehabilitation requirements for mines, and potential for noise impacts, transport impacts.

This meeting was requested by the Flood Advisory Panel (Panel) so that the Proponent for 150 Lismore Road Bangalow could provide an overview of the planning proposal and discuss the submitted documents relating to flood matters.

The Proponent provided an overview of the planning proposal and the flood impact assessment undertaken for the site. The proponent then responded to Panel questions on the flood impact assessment and modelling. Finally, the Panel provided a brief update on stakeholder meetings held to date and provided an indication of timing and the next steps for the Flood Advisory Panel process.

St Leonards BTR Project

Notes taken by: Elise Crameri, A/Director Metro East (PDU)

Home Apartments provided an overview of other Build To Rent projects and the status of negotiations on the public benefit offer.

DPE advised it had reviewed the current public benefit offer

DPE advised it will provide guidance to Home Apartments about exceptional public benefit.

• Ingham Property Group proposal for a Works in Kind with TfNSW for substantial works on Badgerys Creek Road.
• The Eastern Ring Road alignment.
• The Technical Assurance Panel process, and that agencies and the proponent are working together to develop the masterplans.
• The Ingham Property Group proposal in North Appin, their investments into the site, and the delivery of department funding to sites in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area.
• Lendlease's relationship to the sites, and the Review of Environmental Factors.

• Probity advice received from O’Conner Marsden as a result of the request from Ecove to convert part of proposed development at 2A/2B Australia Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park, into residential development including 15% affordable housing.
• The meeting was for Ecove to clarify the points arising out of the probity advice received by SOPA and not to debate the merits of the advice.
• Primary Outcome: probity advice (background information and assumptions) to be updated based on clarifications received.

• GPT outlined concerns about the proposed controls in The Hills Shire Council’s draft Rouse Hill Precinct Plan which details a minimum of 110,000sqm employment floor space, 3500 jobs and identifies 771 dwellings for their site.
• GPT seeking to ensure the planning framework will enable:
  • employment to be more sustainable,
  • housing potential for the site to be realised,
  • flexible and not prescriptive planning controls.
• Department encouraged GPT to continue to work with Council.
• Department noted that Council is responsible for the development of the precinct plans and the Department would be responsible for assessing any future planning proposal.

DPE provided an update on the progress of the business case development of the Kings Hill Interchange and associated drainage channel.

DPE have proposed to established an inter-agency Project Control Group (PCG) to resolve project issues highlighted by a recent independent review on the business case.

The Proponents provided an update on the concept development application.

DPE to refer to the PCG to decide on how best to manage ongoing communication with proponents and other landowners in Kings Hill Urban Release Area.

• The Planning Concierge & Vicinity ran through Vicinity’s development portfolio.
• The Planning Concierge offered to discuss with Vicinity establishing a clear planning pathway for projects in the pre-planning phase. next meeting for January/February, then meet every couple of months.
• Ongoing infrastructure contributions team to attend the next meeting.

Wee Hur gave a short presentation about their business, advising that they are providers of student housing in Australia, with two existing properties in Sydney and plans for expansion. Wee Hur also operate in other states. No development applications or future development sites were discussed.

The main area of discussion was the draft SEPP and the lack of student housing-specific provisions. Wee Hur advised that the draft co-living provisions had the potential to limit their future development opportunities, with the main concern being the proposed rates of car parking. Wee Hur were also concerned about minimum room sizes proposed by the SEPP. It was noted that some councils have generous parking provisions for student accommodation, but Wee Hur would prefer the certainty that comes with SEPP controls rather than relying on council DCPs.

Murray Irrigation have a number of projects that are at various stages of concept development and planning. The Barmah Millewa Choke optimisation project is furthest progressed.

Water Infrastructure NSW (WINSW) noted that there are opportunities for funding through the National Water Grid Authority (NWGA) for both Strategic and Final Business Cases, and for Construction. WINSW discussed the NWGA process including timing of applications, need for the State to be the proponent of both the funding application and the funding agreement, and funding percentage agreements.

WINSW noted that the Commonwealth are open to bringing forward projects that result in efficiencies, and that we would support the Barmah Choke project being further scoped. WINSW confirmed that we can assist Murray Irrigation through providing templates from NWGA and providing support and advice to Murray Irrigation when filling in the applications.

Murray Irrigation agreed to provide further information to WINSW on proposed projects.

CT Group provided background on a proposal for land within the Somersby Regional Gateway, outlining the planning process to date, rationale and benefits of the proposal, and key considerations for its future planning. The key matter related to strategic alignment with the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036. CT Group sought advice regarding opportunities to collaborate and provide feedback through the scheduled review of the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036, specifically in relation to their clients’ land.

DPIE provided advice on:

• The status of the Central Coast Regional Plan review project which is in the a preliminary scoping stage.
• The directions of the current plan that would be considered for a potential planning proposal at Old Sydney Town. In particular direction 9, 10 and 11 noted the value of agricultural and resource land west of the M1 Pacific Motorway for the State economy.
• Importance of ensuring consistency with Ministerial Directions as well as the Central Coast Regional Plan.

The proponent agreed to continue to work with Council to ensure the proposal adequately considered the strategic planning framework and responded to site-specific matters.

NSW Government Architect (GA) advised proponent a design competition (national or international) would produce the best outcome for achieving design excellence.

GA would consider proponent partnering with an architect experienced in large scale projects in private consultation as an alternative to a design competition

(if Council agreed to the process). GA concerned that due to the complexity of the proposal that not having a design competition, design excellence would not be achieved.

GA advised design competition produces better design results compared to a design panel who assesses designs of one architect.

Council stated that they will be guided by GA advice for how to achieve design excellence because of the size and significance of the proposal on the local area.

DPIE advised they will be guided by the GA’s decision for the design process pathway

The proponent seeks an alternative design process pathway other than a design competition due to the cost and delay associated with holding a design competition and the potential risk of losing intellectual property incorporated in the design elements having to provide external architects access through a design competition process.

GA – providing proponent scenario’s acceptable to the GA to achieve design excellence.

DPIE provided an overview of strategic planning of the wider GPEC Investigation Area. Advice was that if the development were to proceed the likely planning pathway would be as Planning Proposal to be submitted to Blacktown Council.

Staff from Blacktown Council re-iterated previous advice issued to the proponent primarily related to site access and flooding.

• George Revay, Director, Platino
• Paula Mottek, Urban Planning Manager, Platino
• Sam Haddad, Principal, SG Haddad Advisory

Platino sought advice on status on reviewing the Parramatta Road Corridor Strategy.  The Coordinator General explained that the PDU’s roles was to facilitate progress, rather than acting as the project owner.

The Coordinator General agreed to:

• Discuss likely timing of finalising the transport study, with TNSW.
• Engage with relevant senior staff in DPIE about expediting the process towards decision for the proposal.
• Seek Clarification on the progress of the Parramatta Road Corridor Strategy.

The Coordinator General provided an overview of the Planning Delivery Unit, which has been established to work with agencies to remove blockages and resolve issues for identified planning projects already in the system and under assessment so that decisions on projects can be made more quickly.

Coordinator General to investigate process of the project within DPIE.

Water Utilities Australia (WUA) provided background on its organisation and ideas for investment in water infrastructure in NSW. WUA facilitates investment by superannuation funds in water utilities that receive a regulated return on assets/investment.

The department indicated that it would refer WUA’s proposal to the department’s reform division to determine whether it had merit or whether WUA should be referred to the unsolicited proposal process managed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The department noted that if the proposal merited further investigation it would be in the context of NSW Government policies, including procurement policies.

The department advised WUA that the government is committed to council owned local water utilities.

Regional NSW advised that the GLE Fund is currently paused and to check website and other communications for updates.

At the request of C2Hills and Council, Regional NSW will seek a contact point in the Housing Acceleration Fund (HAF).

Apart from the potential contact point, no further action will be undertaken in regard to this meeting

DPIE provided information on:

• The Energy Infrastructure unit’s work program,
• The NSW Electricity Strategy; and
• The NSW Government commitment to develop Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), starting with a 3000 MW Pilot Central-West REZ.

Tilt Renewables provided:

• A Company Profile;
• Information on key Tilt Renewables projects under development;
• Information on Tilt Renewables Stakeholder engagement and benefit sharing practices;
• Feedback on challenges and opportunities for renewable energy project developers; and
• Feedback on NSW REZ delivery model outlined in the NSW Electricity Strategy.