NSW Department of Planning and Environment will be responsible for assessing three significant planning proposals in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area, which could unlock about 19,000 new homes.

While planning proposals are ordinarily lodged with councils in the first instance, Minister Roberts has indicated that DPE will assess these proposals given their combined significance, complexity and strong housing and environmental benefits.

DPE will still work very closely with council and other State government agencies to resolve key issues.

The fast-tracking of these proposals is part of the NSW government’s $2.8 billion package to improve housing supply in NSW.

The proposals include:
1. Walker Corp’s 1284-hectare site to support around 12,900 new homes, including affordable housing and help secure new koala corridors.

2. Ingham’s 300-hectare site for up to 3,000 new homes, including help to secure a koala corridor along Ousedale Creek.

3. Lendlease’s 876-hectare site for up to 3,300 new homes, a school, public open space and environmental conservation land, and land that all implement the advice of the NSW Chief Scientist.