Talk Appin

Frequently Asked Questions

Lifestyle

How will the existing Appin community benefit from further development?

Under the amended Proposal, Walker Corporation has given a commitment to spend $9,550,000 on community infrastructure in Appin to upgrade Appin and Macquariedale road, create a Community Chest, a “Green Fund”, enhance the Gordon Lewis Oval and facilities and create a network of cycle ways.

Separate to the VPA, Walker Corporation is committed to undertake the $1,200,000 restoration of the Appin Inn.

Amended VPA Works

What is the average size of the proposed new lots?

In keeping with the desire to maintain the Shire’s rural character and promote diversity of housing, the amended proposal has increased the minimum lot size in R2 residential land to reflect the same outcome achieved at Appin Valley. Namely 70% of all lots to be 700m² or greater and a maximum 30% of lots to be between 450m² and 699m².

How many blocks are included in the development?

By offering larger blocks as a main part of the residential mix, the overall yield of blocks will be reduced by approximately 40 blocks.

The overall number of blocks has been reduced from approximately 282 to 242.

How does the zoning impact Gordon Lewis Oval?

The amended proposal removes the bypass (special use) zoning and transfers approximately 800m² from Walker Corporation land to the Oval increase the land available at Gordon Lewis Oval.

This, coupled with the proposed $1,200,000 upgrades of the facilities around the oval will see Gordon Lewis Oval protected for future generations.

Roads and Infrastructure

Has the need for additional infrastructure been identified?

Yes. Additional roads, drainage, open space, water, sewer and community infrastructure is proposed based upon the size of the site and Council’s planning for public amenities and services. The capacity of Appin Primary School was also considered.

Water

Sydney Water is modelling the water network to determine the upgrades needed to deliver the additional water without impacting on existing services. Water for firefighting and the impact on water pressure for existing residents is being considered.

A number of questions have been put forward to Sydney Water as a result of concerns raised by residents at the Information Forum. The questions and responses from Sydney Water are as follows:

Does the existing Appin village receive treated water from the Macarthur Filtration Plant?

Yes, the existing Appin village receives treated water from the Macarthur Water Filtration Plant.

Is the existing Appin village water supply sourced from the Appin Reservoir?

Yes, the existing Appin village water supply is sourced from Appin Reservoir, which receives treated water from Macarthur Water Filtration Plant.

Will Sydney Water ensure there will be no significant reduction in water pressure to existing residents as a result of the planning proposal?

Sydney Water assesses planning proposals and carries out network upgrades, if required, to ensure we meet customer requirements as outlined in the Operating Licence.

Will Sydney Water require upgrades to the water supply network to address the additional demand from housing created as a result of the planning proposal?

Network upgrades will be required to service additional growth from Macquariedale Road. Sydney Water is currently in a detailed planning phase investigating the scope and timing of this upgrade.

Roads

Are the trees along Appin Road going to be removed?

The upgrade of the main street may result in one or two existing trees in front of the shops being replaced as well as new trees being added.

The final design for the main street would be subject to Council approval.

What is Walker Corporation doing to ensure extra resident traffic from the new development won’t block up main intersections in and out of Appin?

Walker Corporation is proposing upgrades to Macquariedale and Appin Road, to better manage traffic flow in and out of the proposed new development as well as adding safe cycle routes. In addition, Walker is working with the local council and NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to ensure that any impact from the development is minimised.

Walker Corporation understands the existing Macquariedale Road and Appin Road intersection is narrow and needs to be improved and that conflicts occur with traffic entering the shops.

Appin Road has been deemed NSW most dangerous road. What is Walker Corporation doing to help ensure the safety of more drivers using Appin Road from their developments?

Realistically, Walker Corporation cannot fund the reconstruction of Appin Road from a small development such as this one, but we can fund significant improvements.

Walker Corporation proposes to spend $2,500,000 on works to upgrade intersections onto Appin Road between Church Street and Market Street with the aim to improve intersection performance, pedestrian safety and traffic speeds through the village along Appin Road.

In addition, Walker Corporation will undertake streetscape works to the main street which aims to reduce speeds through Appin and potentially reduce the attractiveness of Appin Road as a thru route for heavy vehicles.

As part of the revision of the residential mix, Walker Corporation has limited the residential traffic on Macquariedale Road. This amended design removes the major intersection from Macquariedale Road and reduces the number of new lots accessing the road.

It has been stated that no further development will be approved for Appin until the Appin Road issue is resolved. Why should Walker Corporation be exempt from this?

Roads and Maritime Services do not object to the small increase in traffic cause by this proposal.

Land and Environment

How close will development be to Ousedale Creek?

The closest distance between Ousedale Creek and the proposed residential land is 200 metres while the average distance is 350 metres. The distance from the creek has been designed to protect the water quality, which will also be protected by pollution control devices constructed as part of future subdivision works.

Has the impact on wildlife and bushland been properly considered?

54 hectares of bushland will be managed in indefinitely, as an offset to the cleared 13 hectares. Two areas have been identified for conservation – land adjoining Ousedale Creek and land in Elladale Road. The conservation area has been assessed to ensure it contains the same plant and animal types. Under an agreement with the NSW Minister for Environment, the land will have a covenant title to ensure it remains protected in perpetuity.

Additionally, Walker has committed to provide $500,000 to create a ‘Green Fund’ supporting community led environmental projects in Appin including animal crossings for Appin Road, revegetation projects and community garden projects.

Are the trees along Appin Road going to be removed?

No trees along Appin Road are going to be removed as part of the residential development.

The upgrade of the main street may result in one or two existing trees in front of the shops being replaced as well as new trees being added.

The final design for the main street would be subject to Council approval.

Historical Preservation

Is the Appin Inn going to be restored and what will it be used for?

Appin Inn is an important piece of Appin history and as such Walker Corporation has committed to restore Appin Inn at an estimated cost of $1,200,000. This restoration project is estimated to commence within three months and be completed in close association with the Appin Historical Society and highly experienced archaeologists.

The restoration is no longer associated with the Macquariedale Road planning proposal and will be wholly funded by Walker Corporation.