South West. New development

A new railway station, a 150-hectare regional park, seven playing fields and a bustling town centre are planned for Edmondson Park, the first precinct released for development in the South-West Growth Centre. The first development within Edmondson Park is Talana Estate, whose 170 lots almost sold out in 12 months, bringing the developer, Landcom, a $60 million windfall. Robert Sullivan, the general manager of corporate marketing for Landcom, said Landcom is now working on transforming the Old Ingleburn Army site into Edmondson Park South. He said work is about to start on the first stage of development, comprising 206 residential lots and 15 rural residential lots.

Region. Comments sought on plan

The NSW Government is seeking comments on a plan to protect nationally significant environmental lands while ensuring new homes can be built in Sydney’s North West and South West Growth Centres, which will accommodate around 500,000 people over the next 30 years. The Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly, said the growth areas contained areas of high environmental value which needed to be secured.

Parramatta. Commission now part of DOP

The Parramatta-based Growth Centres Commission, established in 2005, will merge with the Department of Planning in a bid to streamline rezoning and the release of land for new housing. “The Growth Centres Commission has been useful in kickstarting planning and development in Sydney’s north-west and south-west, but it is only helping to provide 28 per cent of Sydney’s land supply,” said Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally. The NSW executive director, of the Property Council of Australia, Ken Morrison, welcomed the initiative.