WMAA is calling on the NSW Planning Minister to give a higher priority to the waste management infrastructure that will be needed to service the businesses and residents that occupy the newly-announced Western Sydney Priority Growth Area.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes today (Thursday 8 October) announced the creation of the new Priority Growth Area around the planned future airport at Badgerys Creek.
Minister Stokes said a new strategic framework will be set out to plan for new homes, jobs and infrastructure required to establish this development.
A statement from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) said it will prepare a Land Use and Infrastructure Strategy to guide new infrastructure investment; identify new homes and jobs close to transport; and coordinate services in the area. The document did not include any specific reference to waste management planning.
Commenting on the announcement, WMAA Chief Executive Officer Martin Tolar said: “It is essential that waste management becomes an upfront consideration when governments and councils in NSW embark upon new planning initiatives.
“While we welcome the announcement by the Minister to progress the development of the Badgerys Creek precinct, WMAA believes that the management of waste that will be generated by this significant development precinct should be recognised as an essential consideration in the infrastructure planning that will be required to support the region as it develops.”
WMAA is now looking to secure a meeting with the Minister in coming days to discuss the matter.
The DPE says the new Badgerys Creek Airport will bring around 60,000 jobs to the region over the next three decades. Preliminary planning and investigations are already underway into future transport links, housing supply and social infrastructure.
“Too often the management of waste from new developments is given little consideration when the critical initial planning decisions are made. This leads to problems that over time add to the cost of waste and recovery management services. These costs are then ultimately borne by residents and business,” added Mr Tolar.
“WMAA believes that the Badgerys Creek announcement provides the NSW government with the perfect opportunity to give the waste management industry a seat at the planning table to produce a world class solution to waste and resource recovery for this new Western Sydney community.”