Jacqui Scruby, independent Member for Pittwater, says that the first proposed development to take advantage of new low and mid-rise planning rules in Mona Vale, illustrates why the policy is doomed to fail.

Ms Scruby, a strong advocate for community and council-led planning, said that under the new rules “we will end up with luxury apartments selling for $3m plus, not the diverse housing that is used to justify the policy.”

The development application at 32 Golf Avenue has modified its height, courtesy of new low and mid-rise housing rules introduced by the NSW government this year, which allow development up to 6 storeys in R3 zones. In Mona Vale, the R3 zones are pockets between Golf Avenue and Seabeach Avenue and in and around Darley Street West.

The blanket nature of Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, which is impacting over 170 towns across NSW, continues the myth that the only solution to the housing crisis is relaxing planning laws,” said Ms Scruby.

“It’s not a win for Mona Vale - where council and community had been working on their own Mona Vale Place Plan. Although some residents will see their land value increase, others are suddenly facing living next to higher buildings, impacting their living amenity.

“However, overall, the decision to exclude four other villages in Pittwater is a win, especially as other electorates in the Northern Beaches have had 8 town centres declared and we have one.”

Pittwater had five villages at risk of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy - Narrabeen, Warriewood, Newport, Avalon and Mona Vale - and only one selected. Ms Scruby advocated strongly for Pittwater to be excluded based on geographical limitations, bushfire and flood risk and lack of infrastructure. 

“Despite all the rhetoric from local Liberals saying they believe in community planning, the Liberal Party has recently teamed up with Labor to pass laws that reverse strategic planning for Sydney and its districts and open the floodgates for developers. Independents, on the other hand, moved successful amendments to retain community consultation periods which were at risk of being significantly reduced. 

Ms Scruby again spoke against the new rules in Parliament this week, saying “I am opposed to poor, uncoordinated planning that takes away community voice and council planning, and risks damaging the character of our local communities.

“I will be advocating for improved car parking, public transport and of course full funding and commencement of the Mona Vale Road West Upgrade.

“I’ve already met Golf Avenue residents, and local residents’ associations, and I encourage everyone to write a submission on the DA. If you want to actively rally against these policies, you are welcome to sign my petition (https://www.jacquiscruby.com.au/save_mona_vale_from_low_and_mid_rise_developments) and come to parliament for Question Time when I bring up this issue - details will be announced on social media and my website,” said Ms Scruby.