11 minute read
Doonside Festival
Artist impressions of the Aerotropolis.
Community voices for Aerotropolis
THE final planning package to unlock the potential of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis is a step closer to completion, with proposed changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) now on public exhibition.
The changes include large reductions to the size of the Aerotropolis’ open space network and environment and recreation zone, responding directly to community feedback and following a comprehensive review of open space needs.
“Planning a new city is an incredibly complex task, and this process proves that nothing is fi nalised without community consultation,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’ve listened to the community and the recommendations of the Independent Community Commissioner Professor Roberta Ryan, and reduced the amount of land earmarked for open space or an environment and recreation zoning.
“We will still achieve our vision for a Western Parkland City under these proposed changes, while allowing landowners to continue using their property as they do now. This means fewer properties needing to be acquired while still ensuring 95 per cent of homes in the Aerotropolis will be within fi ve-minutes’ walk of open space.”
The revised open space network will see 16 per cent of land in the initial precincts (869 hectares) acquired for parks and public spaces.
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the vision included an exciting network of green spaces.
“The future Aerotropolis won’t just be a great place to work and do business, it will also be home to some of Sydney’s best parks,” Mr Ayres said.
“The feedback from the community has created a better balanced Aerotropolis plan, that will create more jobs closer to where people live and ensure a green network of parks in the parkland city.”
Under the proposed SEPP amendments, the environment and recreation zone at Wianamatta-South Creek will be reduced by a third and a rural zoning re-applied.
Previously permitted land uses would also be reintroduced in the Aerotropolis and the Government will consider options for the future of Luddenham.
The public exhibition includes proposed changes to the Aerotropolis SEPP; the draft Phase 2 Development Control Plan; and the Luddenham Village Discussion Paper. Submissions will be accepted from 8 October until 5 November 2021.
These accompany the ‘Responding to the Issues’ report, which outlines the Government’s response to Professor Ryan’s recommendations and Precinct Plan submissions; the Open Space Needs Study and Community Guidelines on Existing Use Rights and Permissible Land Uses.
For more information, visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/aerotropolis
2021 DOONSIDE Christmas Market
v pWe ha e artnered with We have partnered with the Doonside Festival Committee the Doonside Festival Committee and Blacktown Lions Club and Blacktown Lions Club to bring you the 2021 Doonside to bring you the 2021 Doonside Christmas Market.Christmas Market. When
SUNDAY, 12 December 2021 09:00 AM–02:00 PM Doonside CBD, 1 Hill End Rd, Doonside 2767
Celebrate your community spirit and pick up C some last-minute gifts at the Doonside Christmas Market. s The market will feature free kids rides as well as food trucks and market stalls. T
MAYOR AND MP TOUR CITY Blacktown is back to business
RECOVERY | DALLS SHERRINGHAM
THE sounds of the city have returned to downtown Blacktown as the city gets back to business after 15 weeks of severe lockdown.
And City Mayor Tony Bleasdale has declared Blacktown “back open for business” after the Covid-19 Delta variant threw Western Sydney LGA’s into disarray.
Blacktown City businesses, including shops, cafes, restaurants and gyms, reopened on Monday following more than 100 challenging days under COVID-19 stayat-home orders.
Mayor Bleasdale joined the Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland for a street walk in the Blacktown CBD on Wednesday as businesses resumed trade and welcomed back customers.
“Our businesses in Blacktown City have been hit especially hard by COVID-19 lockdowns these past 18 months, so I am delighted to see them open their doors as we return to normal life,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “Declared an Area of Concern, Blacktown City’s businesses and residents had to endure one of the strictest lockdowns in the country. “I was proud to see the City come together – they got vaccinated at an outstanding rate so we could get back to business and do the things we enjoy. “This week marked the beginning of our City’s reopening and while we must remain vigilant with the virus, it is a signifi cant step in our community learning to live with COVID-19 and embark on an economic recovery.”
Ms Rowland encouraged residents to support local businesses as they bounced back from lockdown.
“Now more than ever, it is vital we get behind small businesses in Blacktown City and help them thrive once again,” Ms Rowland said.
“Whether that be sitting down for brunch with a friend at a cafe or doing some early Christmas shopping, there’s so much we can do to boost the local economy.”
Mayor Tony Bleasdale also met with members of Greater Blacktown Business Chamber this week, including President Trevor Oldfi eld and Vice President Bob Turner, to listen to their questions and concerns.
Blacktown City Council has embarked on a number of initiatives to assist local businesses aff ected by the lockdown, including waiving fees and charges for retail businesses and negotiating rent reductions for commercial tenants who lost revenue due to the lockdowns.
Mayor Tony Bleasdale and MP Michelle Bowland.
Free APP checks fuel prices
MOTORISTS are being encouraged to download the NSW Government’s free FuelCheck app and reap the rewards at the bowser, with higher petrol prices causing pain at the pump and the easing of COVID restrictions resulting in more vehicles on roads.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the popular app was an easy win for motorists, giving them the real-time data to fi nd the best deal at the pump for all fuel types across every service station in NSW.
“This is a smart digital solution to make life easier for a smart state. The app has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times, with 93 per cent of drivers giving it the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.
“With higher petrol prices and more freedom to travel, now is a great time to download the app and fi nd the best bargain.
“There is often a more than a 20-cent gap in prices between service stations in the same suburb, which means if you fi ll up a 60-litre vehicle, you could save $12 by fi lling up at the cheaper station. Using it regularly could save you up to $500 a year.”
The app allows users to save their favourite stations and features a trends page showing the cheapest day of the week to fi ll up and the day’s price range.
If the price at the pump doesn’t match the price on the app, drivers can report this to NSW Fair Trading.
For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit: https://www.fuelcheck.nsw. gov.au/app
WHERE TO GET THE NEWS NEW LOCAL
Blacktown's LOCAL media voice ice
THIS EDITION
Issue 4 | July 2021Issue 4 | July 2021
Execs sleep rough to help youth: 5 Homegrown Blacktown talent. Josh Addo-Carr.
Grab a copy of the Blacktown News at any of these popular distribution outlets
Residents hope for the return of Doonside Festival: 12
Blacktown winning war on tossers: 3 Property prices are sky rocketing: 13
LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS FEATURE: 26
BLACKTOWN has produced many great sporting champions, but NRL star Josh Addo-Carr is the most famous of them all. The Black-town-born yer dubbed ‘The Foxx’ is one of the rst players picked for major Rugby League rep teams including Australia and
Keep up to date with the latest news in and around Blacktown! Get your monthly community e-newsletter today. blacktown.nsw.gov.au/subscribe • important community announcements • upcoming events • transformational projects • school holiday activities • community award programs • competitions • much, much more...
the NSW State of Origin side. Josh, who stars for premiers Melbourne Storm every week, recently scored an astounding six tries in the runaway win over the Rabbitohs. The last time that happened was 70 years ago. But he is so fast, he could have been sprinting at the Tokyo Olym-
BLACKTOWN FOXX State of Origin hero eyes clean sweep
pics this year instead of racing down the footy eld. In 2020 he told NRL.com of his aspirations to be an Olympian after he became the NRL’s fastest recorded player at 38.5kmh, while carrying a ball on grass in a match against the Cowboys. Story page 10.
Blacktown Council Blacktown Council Libaries Riverstone Newsagent Blacktown RSL Blacktown Sports Club Blacktown Travelodge The Australian Hotel Vineyard Motel Fox Hills Golf Club Lillys Function Centre Blacktown Chamber events Blacktown FC Toongabbie Bowling Sports Club Wests Tradies Stanhope Leisure Centre Blacktown Workers Club Prospect Hotel Seven Hills Plaza Stanhope Gardens Library Lalor Park Library Riverstone Library
ISSUE 6 | SEPTEMBER 2021
N TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS WWW.GREATERBLACKTOWNNEWS.COM.AU
THIS EDITION
Blacktown doctor Jana Pittman competes in SAS TV.
SAS JANA
BLACKTOWN Hospital’s famous Olympian Dr Jana Pittman has swapped her stethoscope for a grueling survival challenge in the latest series of ‘SAS’ TV on the Seven Network. Jana’s roller coaster ride of triumph, defeat, failure and success throughout her life makes her ideal for the rigorous format of the show. The 38-year-old dual Olympian is one of the 18 celebrities who will be subjected to extreme physical and psychological testing on the upcoming military-style show. More page 5. WESTPOINT backs domestic violence fight: 3 Mayor calls for local vaxx clinic: 6
Sub-branch answers calls for support: 10
Why Blacktown is tops for property investment: 14
Blacktown City blacktown.nsw.gov.au
Blacktown Snapshot
395,000
population
18.81 billion
regional economy
4.6%
average economic growth
24,990
registered businesses
143,259
local jobs 1
Christmas at Westpoint.
Westpoint unwraps Christmas
AS we eagerly reconnect with loved ones and make plans to spend quality time together this festive season, Westpoint is ensuring the joy of Christmas is felt far and wide throughout the community.
Unwrapping its Love from Christmas celebrations in early November, time-honoured festive traditions are set to be rekindled, while locals revel in creating some new ones of their own.
From picture-perfect moments with Santa (Covid-safe of course), to community gift wrapping, extended trading hours, heart-warming carols and shop-to-win rewards, this festive season is sure to be extra merry and bright.
Kicking off the festivities, the big man in red is soon to set off on his merry way during his annual journey from the North Pole to Blacktown, ready for his highly anticipated Grand Arrival on November 13. "Families are invited to join Santa, Mrs Claus, his wonderful team of helpers, plus some familiar festive friends who will be spreading sleigh-loads of Christmas cheer and surprising shoppers with spectacular performances throughout the Centre,” said Agata Rynkiewicz, Centre Manager.
Santa will then chart his course to his magical throne in Centre Court, where he’ll take residency from November13 to December 24, ready to meet local families (and their furry friends!) as part of his favourite tradition of all–Santa Photography.
This year, the annual Christmas keepsake is once again enjoying a modern makeover in line with health advice, while Pet Photos are coming to Westpoint for the fi rst time.
Sensitive Santa sessions are making a welcome return, so stay tuned for more details on how to booking via the Centre’s website, as well as how to score a bonus 6” x 8” printed photograph* for your family.
“For shoppers looking to get a jump on their Christmas shopping, Westpoint will be open with extended trading hours this festive season, providing plenty of time to tick off those Christmas to-do lists. Plus, there will be major prizes up for grabs throughout the season as a ‘thank you’ to our loyal customers,” said Ms Rynkiewicz.
The joy-fi lled celebrations don’t end there, with Covid-safe Christmas charity gift wrapping back this year (hooray!).
Westpoint has teamed up with the Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs of Blacktown to off er this popular service, not only taking the hard work out of wrapping gifts, but giving back to a deserving local community group.
Be sure to keep an eye on the Centre’s website for Covid-safe updates and Christmas booking information over the coming weeks too.
For more information on Westpoint’s Christmas celebrations, please visit www.westpoint.com.au
Better Foundation raises money for Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals to provide lifesaving additional services and equipment for the people of Blacktown City. Better Foundation is pleased to announce our media collaboration partnership with Blacktown News to provide monthly updates on Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals.
