The New South Wales government has dramatically reduced the rezoning of land as "open space" by almost half around the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, following community outcry and a public inquiry. The impact on land values and the danger of widespread compulsory acquisition have both had a role to play in the change of direction around the rezoning of land in the Aerotropolis.
Of the original 400 properties planned to be acquired, only around 244 will now be acquired, either partially or in full under the proposed changes.
In October last year, the state government rezoned lands surrounding the airport at Badgerys Creek.
In May 2021, Professor Roberta Ryan was appointed Independent Community Commissioner by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. After being appointed Professor Ryan made a number of recommendations in her report after consulting with property owners and residents, whose main concern was the effect of rezoning on the value of their land.
Community distress over zoning was acknowledged by Planning Minister Rob Stokes. The minister recognizes that “Planning a new city is an incredibly complex process” but is confident that the vision for a Western Sydney Parkland will still be achieved under the proposed changes "while allowing landowners to use their property as they do now.”
Document relating to planning for the Aerotropolis are on public exhibition and open for submissions until November 5.
This is welcome news for those who will no longer live under the shadow of having to fight for just compensation for their land.
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