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The Department of Planning has revealed details about what is to be built in first in Wilton New Town and wants feedback on its plans. Top of the priority list is a police station, a fire station, a bus service, a public high school, three primary schools and a health precinct. Wilton New Town residents will also have access to a mutli-purpose community centre, a library, a childcare centre, indoor sports facility and an aquatic centre. Not to mention parks, cycleways and sportsgrounds. These details were made public in a draft report last week (The Interim Land Use and Infrastructure Implementation Plan for Wilton) which is now on public exhibition. As is another proposal for 3000 homes with a neighbourhood centre, new primary school, other facilities and infrastructure, submitted by developer Walker Corporation. Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell welcomed the opportunity for residents to make a submission. However, Wollondilly Council senior staff are angry about the release of the draft report and say it is flawed with many of council’s concerns not addressed. A statement released by the council last week said “a number of issues concerning the provision of critical infrastructure were yet to be resolved”. Wollondilly mayor Judith Hannan added it was inappropriate to exhibit Walker Corporation’s proposal before the department’s land use plan was finalised. “Pressing on ahead with the exhibition despite the council’s concerns once again reflects a narrow focus on housing delivery without adequate consideration of critical infrastructure and planning issues,” she said. Wollondilly Council’s general manager Luke Johnson said agrees with Cr Hannan. “Creating a new town from scratch is an outstanding opportunity and an inter-generational responsibility,” he said. “We particularly need to ensure that the process of finalising the Land Use and Infrastructure Plan is thorough and robust.” The council’s senior staff want no decision to be made on Walker Corporation’s proposal until the other planned precincts have also been exhibited and public submissions on all three are considered collectively. Mr Rowell does not understand why the council is making such a fuss. “The report on exhibition demonstrate the infrastructure projects that are proposed,” Mr Rowell said. “The infrastructure schedule is clear. No land will rezoned without supporting infrastructure in place, which has been highlighted to the council and developers.” A Department of Planning spokeswoman said the Department had worked closely with the council and landowners to resolve extensive planning issues in the area including public transport needs, mining, vegetation and roads and traffic upgrades. “Experts have also given advice on traffic and transport, utilities, water quality, biodiversity, social infrastructure, housing, economic development, employment and retail analysis, and urban design,” she said. Wilton New Town is a 20 to 30 year development project and is expected to be the size of Port Macquarie once complete. Now residents get to have their say on what they want to see in the new town, which is expected to be the size of Port Macquarie. The department and Wollondilly Council will hold information sessions about the reports: To view the reports and to make a submission by Wednesday, September 20, visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-your-area/Priority-Growth-Areas-and-Precincts/Wilton and www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-your-area/Priority-Growth-Areas-and-Precincts/Wilton/Wilton-South-East

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