Will NSW Planning Department restrictions cause even more people to lose jobs?

With the country in the midst of a recession, focus everywhere has shifted towards job creation.  The ugliness of Covid-19 has threatened the livelihood of thousands. There is no disputing that Australia needs jobs.

With many industries struggling, analysts predict that government stimulus programs will cause others to boom.  One of those industries is construction.

The government has promised billions of dollars in grants and support payments for construction developments. The aim is to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

One such development is the huge Precinct Capital Nepean Business Park.  The developer’s website claims that the project will create $1.95 billion in economic activity during its construction phase.  Even more exciting is that it will create more than 18450 jobs.

These are some impressive figures and seem to be just what the government ordered.  This is precisely the kind of push they are making to spark the economy back to life.

However, it seems like the NSW Planning Department is at odds with this.

Jobs vs The Environment. What matters most?

Last week, The Daily Telegraph reported that Nepean Business Park may become unfeasible due to draft development control plans that the NSW Planning Department has for the site.

The restrictive development controls may prevent the development of an adjoining industrial precinct from also being developed. It is planned to be developed in conjunction with Nepean Business Park. If this becomes unviable, then both projects could fail.

The controls that the NSW Planning Department are imposing address the environmental impact – particulary strict tree canopy requirements.  

Precinct Capital chairman Bruce Baudinet claims that if the proposed restrictions are enforced, only 30 per cent of the planned business park will be able to go ahead.

If the development becomes unviable, thousands of potential employment opportunities will also be lost.

Penrith Mayor to take NSW Planning Department to task

Penrith Mayor Councillor Karen McKeown has indicated that she is willing to take a stand to support the project. She has cited the importance of employment opportunities in slowing the recession.

“This is certainly a project council supports 100 per cent and we have a focus on job creation in Western Sydney,” Cr McKeown said. 

“But in order to do that we need projects like this to get off the ground,” she said.

Of course, nobody denies the importance of environmental impact considerations for all new developments. 

In fact, the major selling point for many new subdivisions are their green space and recreational facilities. It makes sense to find a good balance between both.

We will be closely following the evolution of Nepean Business Park over coming months and would love to hear your thoughts too.  

In these economic times, what should be the primary consideration for these kinds of projects? 

Should town planners be placing more importance to the consideration of employment? Should long term environmental sustainability always be paramount?