As concern for the future character and natural beauty of Western Sydney mounts, residents and community groups will gain access to critical information tomorrow night, Thursday 16 November, at a forum to discuss the NSW Department of Planning’s Western Sydney Strategic Sustainability Plan.  

“This event is the first time that the Department will speak publically about its Plan for Western Sydney bushland,” said Mr Jeff Angel, Executive Director of the Total Environment Centre. “It will help us identify which Western Sydney bushland will be developed or protected in the next 20 to 30 years.”

The NSW Department of Planning will spend the next eight months developing the Plan for seven Western Sydney Local Government Areas: Campbelltown, Camden, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly.

“Given the huge projected growth in housing and population in Western Sydney, the Department’s Plan may be our last chance to ensure the survival of Western Sydney’s natural heritage, including koalas and many other wildlife species,” continued Mr Angel. 

“We know that Western Sydney’s unique natural heritage is the reason many people have chosen to live there.  They care about it deeply, as evidenced by the huge response we’ve had to this forum. It’s going to be a very interesting evening,” Mr Angel said. 

Last Chance for Western Sydney Bushland:

Community Forum hosted by the Total Environment Centre

When: Thursday 16 November, 6.30pm

Where: Wests Leagues Club, 10 Old Leumeah Road, Leumeah

Speakers:

Justine De Torres (Director Biodiversity and Sustainability, NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Nari Sahukar (Senior Solicitor Environment Defender’s Office NSW)

Jeff Angel (Executive Director Total Environment Centre)