Not just housing – jobs too

Housing in the right place at the right time, supported with infrastructure and inextricably linked to jobs. This is the message conveyed in Penrith City Council’s newly released Housing Position Paper.

Penrith has a significant pipeline of housing and Council is undertaking extensive strategic work to inform this growth. The Penrith Local Housing Strategy (LHS) demonstrates that there is existing capacity within Penrith’s residential and mixed use zonings to accommodate approximately 23,300 to 32,000 dwellings.

With its direct Metro connection to the Western Sydney International Airport, St Marys has particular significance as an emerging strategic centre in Western Sydney. Council is undertaking a Master Plan for the St Marys Town Centre which is evidence based and founded in stakeholder engagement.

Whilst the Master Plan is still in progress, the St Marys Structure Plan provides insights into the approach that Council is taking whereby housing targets are considered in tandem with local job creation.

The Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program proposed by the NSW Government has the potential to undermine this work and will not accelerate the delivery of housing in St Marys. Council is calling on the Government to exempt the Penrith LGA from the application of the TOD Program given there is a sufficient pipeline of housing currently zoned.

Penrith’s planning is nuanced to local conditions, founded in evidence. It offers a balanced solution, linking housing provision to increased employment opportunities and infrastructure to support our growing population.

Click here to read the Penrith Housing Position Paper in full.