The Marsden Park North proposal boasts an employment hub, supporting approximately 3,900 new jobs alongside up to 960 new homes.
In West Schofields the plan sets out to deliver up to 2,900 new homes and over 600 new jobs.
Both proposals prioritise community safety by locating development on land that is less prone to flooding and introducing stricter mitigation measures to help make sure there can be a safe and efficient evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Protecting the local environment is also a key focus, with green links between the two precincts, revitalisation of Eastern and Bells Creeks, and the conservation of high-value native vegetation and biodiversity.
The new homes will be supported by the Minns Labor Government substantial investments in North-West Sydney including adding more than 600 new permanent classrooms, $180 million to accelerate critical road upgrades and the $910 million joint state and federal investment in the new Rouse Hill Hospital.
These proposals align with the NSW Government’s long-term planning blueprint for the North West Growth Area, unlocking more well-located homes close to jobs and services, to give young people, families, and key local workers greater choice in where they live.
In September 2024, the NSW Government began work on the new proposals under the State Significant Rezoning Policy, following earlier proposals that did not proceed due to flood evacuation risks.
The State Significant Rezoning Policy is designed to more effectively meet the housing and employment needs of NSW’s growing population.
The community and industry are invited to have their say on the rezoning proposals, which will be on exhibition from Monday, 17 November until Friday, 30 January 2025.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“These two proposals present an exciting opportunity to shape Sydney’s north-west, creating new jobs and more flood resilient homes.
“We’re doing the planning now to deliver more sustainable and resilient housing and jobs into the future which will be supported by schools, transport and the services needed for a thriving community.”
Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby said:
“The Marsden Park and West Schofields proposals are a welcome step forward for our community and I encourage everyone to provide their input.
“Both of these precincts were but on indefinite hold for year because the original proposals were unworkable. Thanks to the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and the Minns Labor Government we finally have plans that address the concerns of the Reconstruction Authority, the Flood Evacuation Modelling and most importantly the community.
“These precincts will deliver more jobs with a reduced number of residential dwellings while also enabling better public transport access, more green open space, and enhanced infrastructure and services to support our community for years to come.”
Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting said:
“The Minns Government’s state-led rezonings are an important step in creating jobs close to home and opening up more opportunities for local residents.
“The new employment land, transport links and green open space proposed for Marsden Park North and West Schofields will support us in building better communities across Blacktown City.
“This work also builds on the investigations Council began in 2023 to identify and strengthen employment opportunities in these precincts.
“Ensuring development occurs on safer, less flood-prone land and protecting our environment is essential as our city continues to grow. I encourage residents and businesses to review the plans and have their say.”
