local centre and master-plan area · 2 meetings
Riverwood Local Centre
Mentions
- Subject of the adopted amended Riverwood Local Centre Master Plan and future infrastructure, transport and public-space planning.
- Draft master plan endorsed for public exhibition.
- Residents, property owners and developers will have an opportunity to comment on proposed planning and heritage controls before they are finalised.
- The plan will guide future development, transport, public spaces and infrastructure in Riverwood, but implementation will depend on later planning processes, infrastructure funding and budget decisions.
- Councils and residents will continue operating under the current rules for now, with no immediate legislative change to address unattended property in public places.
- Riverwood residents, businesses and property owners will be able to review the draft plan and make submissions before Council considers final changes.
Decisions
Georges River Development Control Plan Amendment No. 8 to go on exhibition
The committee endorsed public exhibition for at least 28 days of proposed changes covering low-density residential development, heritage, local character areas, Mortdale Local Centre controls and housekeeping amendments to the Georges River Development Control Plan 2021. A further report will follow exhibition.
Residents, property owners and developers will have an opportunity to comment on proposed planning and heritage controls before they are finalised.
Riverwood Local Centre Master Plan adopted
The committee adopted the amended Riverwood Local Centre Master Plan and associated studies following public exhibition. Changes include reviewing a proposed pedestrian connection affecting Homes NSW land at 17–27 Hardwicke Street, correcting mapping and built-form guidance, and clarifying that proposed public spaces, active-transport links and recreational facilities remain indicative and depend on future planning, funding and approvals.
The plan will guide future development, transport, public spaces and infrastructure in Riverwood, but implementation will depend on later planning processes, infrastructure funding and budget decisions.
Council to lobby for unattended-property law reform
The committee criticised the NSW Government evaluation that found the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 fit for purpose, despite concerns about dumped shopping trolleys, share bikes, abandoned vehicles, public amenity, parking and council costs. Council will write to the Local Government Minister and Shadow Minister seeking bipartisan support for a comprehensive review within six months of the statutory review due in 2027.
Councils and residents will continue operating under the current rules for now, with no immediate legislative change to address unattended property in public places.
Riverwood Local Centre master plan endorsed for exhibition
Council endorsed the Draft Riverwood Local Centre Master Plan and supporting studies for public exhibition for at least 28 days, with authority for minor editorial changes before exhibition and a further report to return after submissions are received.
Riverwood residents, businesses and property owners will be able to review the draft plan and make submissions before Council considers final changes.
Mortdale planning proposal and DCP amendment to proceed
Council resolved to forward Planning Proposal PP2026/0001 for the Mortdale Centre Master Plan to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for Gateway Determination, and endorsed concurrent public exhibition of the proposal and draft Amendment No. 8 to the Georges River Development Control Plan 2021.
Mortdale residents and landowners may be affected by future planning controls and will have an opportunity to comment during public exhibition.
Topics
Riverwood implementation and infrastructure
Implementation work may include an infrastructure Works Schedule, possible amendments to Council’s Contributions Plan, transport and active-transport assessment, and coordination with government agencies. These steps are subject to future planning, funding and separate Council decisions.
Future roads, pedestrian links, public spaces and community infrastructure are not yet fully funded or guaranteed.
Heritage and local character controls
The proposed DCP amendment includes a new standalone heritage chapter, low-density residential controls, local character areas and a Heritage Conservation Areas Review report.
These changes may affect development expectations, renovation requirements and heritage considerations for affected properties.
Public exhibition of strategic planning documents
Multiple planning items were endorsed to move to public exhibition following committee consideration, including Riverwood, Mortdale and the affordable housing planning proposal.
Residents will have upcoming opportunities to review and comment on significant planning changes.