The draft Priority Precinct Plan for Rhodes East has the potential for up to 3,600 new homes, including affordable housing close to transport, a new school, community facilities, shops, cafes and new pedestrian and cycling paths along the Parramatta River foreshore.
Mr Roberts and Local Member, John Sidoti, are encouraging members of the community to give feedback on the draft plan to help shape the final vision for revitalising the area.
“Our global city is growing and we need to address this by providing new homes, in a variety of price brackets, close to public transport,” Mr Roberts said.
“The government’s priority is to address housing supply, but we also want to create lively communities that have good access to transport connections, activities, shops and cafes, as well as jobs and schools.
“This 20-year plan for Rhodes East is to create a range of housing types to suit different needs, including the delivery of affordable housing for our key workers.”
“We want our essential workers such as police, teachers, nurses, ambulance and fire officers, cleaners and child carers to be able to afford to live where they want, near their jobs, their families, and not just where they can afford,” Mr Roberts said.
The Department of Planning and Environment has been working in close collaboration with City of Canada Bay Council on the draft plan. The area includes land on the eastern side of the rail line and within walking distance of Rhodes Train Station.
Up to $5M in Precinct Support Scheme funding will be provided for new infrastructure in the area such as upgrades to local parks, developing new community facilities or improving streetscapes when the plans are finalised.
The community is encouraged to attend drop-in sessions to talk to expert planners from the Department and Council about the revitalisation of the area.
The sessions are at Rhodes Community Centre on Wednesday 18 October and Saturday 21 October from 9.30am-12.30pm and at The Connection on Thursday 2 November from 4.30-7.30pm.
Community feedback will be taken into consideration before the detailed vision is finalised. The draft precinct plan we be on exhibition until November 10.
