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Wollondilly councillors believe state government plans for 40,000 homes between Campbelltown, Appin and Menangle will bring ‘slums’ to Wollondilly. The Greater Macarthur Growth Area document sets out a strategic plan for the future of the growing region. Wollondilly mayor Judith Hannan voiced her concern about the plan at last night’s council meeting. She asked council staff to prepare a response to the state government’s proposal. “They want to put 40,000 homes here – it’s just insane and the state government is proud of it,” Cr Hannan said. “There are no trains, we have no knowledge of where these residents will get their water and we don’t know where these people will work. “Will this create a heat island effect? And where is our hospital? “We don’t have the infrastructure for the people who live here now, let alone 40,000 new families.” The state government is seeking feedback on the Greater Macarthur Growth Area plan with submissions set to close on February 8. Cr Hannan said the council would push for the state government to extend the consultation period so that residents had more time to look at the plan. “If people don’t have their say the state government will just do what they want,” she said. “Let’s get together and make enough noise so that we can retain our rural culture and everything that we stand for.” Councillor Matt Gould said the plan was “outrageous”. “I thought Wilton was poorly planned but this makes Wilton look brilliant,” he said. “They want to build as many homes as possible with no planning for infrastructure in place. “Some of these houses will be built on koala habitat – it’s a mess.” Cr Gould said the Greater Macarthur proposal could result in ‘slum-like’ conditions. “If they don’t put in the infrastructure, if they don’t provide employment or adequate transport it will seriously affect the livability of this area,” he said. “And that is no fault of the people who will be living there, that is squarely on the state government.” Cr Gould said he was disappointed in the lack of community consultation on this proposal. “This is a game changer for the eastern part of the shire,” he said. “It could fundamentally change Wollondilly and the ethos of rural living. “[The proposal] is a threat to that in many ways. “I know it’s boring to read and there is a lot of planning jargon but I urge residents to take the time to understand it and have their say.” To make a submission and read the plan, visit the Depart of Planning website. ​Residents can all send their submissions to Wollondilly Council at: greatermacarthur@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au.

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