Greater Macarthur Growth Area

NSW Government Declared Growth Area

Greater Macarthur was declared a growth area by the NSW Government on 6 December 2019. An amendment was made to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Region Growth Centres) (2006) to identify the Greater Macarthur Growth Area which incorporates Glenfield to Macarthur as urban renewal precincts and Appin as a land release precinct.

The NSW Government has identified Greater Macarthur as a state-led strategic planning project that will involve early investigation and high level planning. This will be led by the NSW Government to inform future rezoning processes.

The Minister has committed to planning the growth area in collaboration with Wollondilly and Campbelltown Council. The declaration as a growth area seeks to spur on investment in education, jobs, recreation and housing while conserving key koala habitats.

The draft Greater Macarthur 2040: an interim plan for the Greater Macarthur Growth Area outlines the high level vision and principles for GM and includes a structure plan.

The Greater Macarthur 2040 Update brochure was provided by the Department of Planning and Environment in December 2021 which explains what has happened so far, indicative Koala corridors and Steps to finalise Greater Macarthur 2040.

This process is currently on track to be finalised mid 2022 with the following steps being undertaken concurrently with relevant stakeholders:

Aboriginal Cultural Values of Country
Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan finalisation
State Infrastructure Contributions
Further technical studies – based on what was heard so far; Bushfire study, employment lands study, land use safety study, transport network plan.
Greater Macarthur Precincts identified which includes Appin.

Council's Position on the Greater Macarthur Growth Area

Council sees development at Appin as a long-term prospect and will continue to advocate for Wilton as the priority growth area. Appin should not be developed before Wilton or before 2036 at the earliest.

Councillors have expressed concerned around the Technical Assurance Panel (TAP) process for Greater Macarthur and the non-disclosure that Council staff were requested to sign for the process.

The premature rezoning of Appin and the broader Greater Macarthur Growth Area will have a detrimental impact on the economic viability of the Wilton town centre and must be part of a broader sequencing and planning process for rezoning’s within the growth areas.

Any potential future development in Appin will require a major investment in transport and social infrastructure, footpaths, cycleways, public open spaces, access to jobs, education, health and better access to Wilton and Campbelltown.

Issues that need to be addressed by the State Government to manage sustainable growth in Appin include:

conservation of natural vegetation and protection of koalas
the making of the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan
commitment to the Outer Sydney Orbital Stage 2
water management.

We want to represent our community to protect what makes Appin unique, such as the natural and historical assets that characterise the village.

Current Status

The NSW Government’s Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has commenced a Technical Assurance Panel (TAP) pilot program for the West Appin precinct in the Greater Macarthur Growth area.

Council staff are currently participating in the Technical Assurance Panel TAP process, which involves strategic investigations for precincts with the aim of identifying and resolving key local, state and strategic issues for the area.

Our priority is to make sure the voice of Council and the community is central, setting the right planning framework for the future and securing a commitment for investment in critical infrastructure and sustainable outcomes.

In representing the community on the panel, we aim to protect what makes Appin unique. We want to celebrate the natural and historical assets that characterise the village and make sure they will not be lost.

We also want to see key local issues addressed; such as conservation of natural vegetation and protection of koalas, the draft Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan, the Outer Sydney Orbital Stage 2, and water management.

Any potential development for Appin would require a major investment in transport and social infrastructure, connected footpaths and cycleways, public open spaces and access to jobs, education, health and other services. Better connections to Wilton and Campbelltown would also be essential.

This is a State declared growth area; however Council is working hard to add value in the early stages with our local understanding, ensuring positive outcomes for our communities.

Council’s participation in the TAP program does not represent endorsement of the current development proposal and our clear position on Greater Macarthur as enshrined in Wollondilly 2040, our LSPS, is that Greater Macarthur should not be developed before appropriate infrastructure is in place.