What we discussed at meeting four of the Wyee West Paper Subdivision Development Plan Reference Group

At this month’s meeting on 15 March, the group received a presentation from Habitat for Humanity – a not-for-profit organisation that helps low-income families achieve the dream of building and owning their own home. They also help disadvantaged families through their Brush with Kindness program.

Brush with Kindness mobilises teams of volunteers to conduct landscaping and minor repairs to the exterior of homes of people who may be disadvantaged, disabled or socially isolated. You can find out more about Habitat’s programs at their website, https://habitat.org.au/.

Habitat indicated they might be able to assist Wyee West paper subdivision residents in the future. A number of existing residents will require assistance either to bring their homes “up to code” or rebuild where the existing structures are not suitable for permanent occupation. Council will continue to explore this potential partnership over the coming months.

Council officers gave an update on other matters relevant to the paper subdivision, including recent meetings with Hunter Water Corporation and Landcom. Council requested that Hunter Water’s proposed Wyee Sewer Scheme be designed with the capacity to service the paper subdivision and other future development in the Gorokan Road area. Discussions were also held with the project team at Landcom working on developing the Riverstone Scheduled Lands – a paper subdivision in north west Sydney. Landcom agreed to share information with Council that may assist with the development of Wyee West.

The group was also advised that Council had recently engaged an ecological consulting firm who will commence fieldwork within the paper subdivision in late March. We will also soon appoint geotechnical and archaeological consultants to undertake studies for the area. These are the first of a number of studies being undertaken over the coming months that will form the basis for detailed engineering plans for roads and infrastructure. This work will allow us to accurately estimate construction costs.

In the coming weeks and months, we will be exploring how these infrastructure costs can be paid for by landowners in a way that is both equitable and affordable.

Our compliance staff are continuing to monitor the area for new unauthorised development. Council reiterated its position that the welfare and safety of its residents is its number one priority, and that restricting further development until essential services are in place reflects this position.