The State Government has now released plans for the old Oxley Secondary College site and I want to encourage you to speak up and have your say. Consultation is open until midnight, 20 June 2018.
Key aspects of the plan are:
– 60% of the site to be kept as open space, recreation, bushland and community use including a community garden, community centre and new kindy; and
– 40% of the site for low density residential use.
You can view the plans here.
The really good news is that the State Government has agreed to my suggestion that the bushland and lower ovals be given to Council to form part of our protected bushland corridors and a green space for recreation and sporting purposes. I look forward to working with the community on the future of this site.
I am concerned about three things and urge you to think about these issues in addition to any of your own concerns if you make a submission.
1. The footprint of the residential development exceeds the current school building footprint putting significant vegetation at risk. I will argue to restrict any new lots to the existing built footprint to maximise vegetation retention.
2. The proposed retirement village site is medium density – five or six storeys. I believe this is too high and will argue that a more appropriate height is low to medium density – two to three storeys. This would better complement the adjoining low density and not block views.
3. Access to the residential area will be via Seventeen Mile Rocks Rd, which is good, but a detailed plan to upgrade the road entry to the site and manage traffic impacts should be developed and released for consultation.
The State is also seeking ideas for how the community space could be used and managed, so if you have ideas, do let them know. How do you think it should be activated?