Better Planning Network Incorporated and The Post Sydney recently held a forum for the community to discuss the urbanisation of rural land in Dural and Galston.
Held at the Galston Community Centre on the 16th of April, candidates for the seat of Berowra were invited to attend, speak to residents, and answer questions. All candidates were sent personal invitations. Those that attended were Benson Koschinski for Labor, Martin Cousins for The Greens, Brendan Clarke for FUSION, and Independent Tina Brown. The forum was moderated by Michael Bell OAM, former mayor of Hornsby Shire Council.
Over 60 residents were in attendance. Many disgruntled Galston residents asked about the possible rezoning of 1-3 Johnson Road, made cases about keeping the character of the local area, asked what these candidates would do to ensure the land does not overdevelop, and asked their solutions to traffic concerns, housing affordability, and population growth.
After the forum, candidates lingered to speak more closely and personally with the residents.
‘BPN was impressed with the candidates’ view that as a Federal representative they would accept the responsibility to listen to and provide assistance to their constituents on local and state issues as well as federal matters,’ says Jan Primrose, Better Planning Network Convenor. ‘Housing supply is after all being driven by Federal Government housing targets. The attending candidates certainly listened and responded to residents’ concerns about the urbanisation of their rural lands and the lack of infrastructure being provided to support it.’
She continues, ‘It was disappointing that the incumbent Federal representative, Julian Leeser, did not reply to our repeated calls to his office as to whether he would be attending. We provided a seat on the stage for him in the hope that he would attend but it was sadly vacant for the whole evening. Thank you to those candidates that took the time and interest to interact directly with rural residents and take their concerns on board. Many thanks to the excellent MC, Michael Bell OAM and to The Post for co-hosting the evening.’
