The NSW Government has announced that Roberta Ryan will be thrust into the new role of Independent Community Commissioner for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
A professor at the University of Newcastle, Ryan brings a wealth of experience to the role and will be tasked with addressing the concerns of landowners in the Aerotropolis area.
The Commissioner’s role will involve providing access to independent expert advice, such as planning, valuation and development processes, advising on actions to assist people on environmentally constrained land and those who need support on compassionate grounds, making recommendations regarding strategic land acquisitions that may also address community concerns, and connecting landholders with other agencies and relevant government stakeholders to provide clarity and support where necessary.
Ryan says she is looking forward to consulting with residents and communicating with the Berejiklian Government.
“My role is to be an independent source of information and address landowners’ concerns about the impact of the land use changes,” she says.
“I look forward to providing prompt advice to the NSW Government about how we can best support current landowners throughout this process.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes echoed these sentiments, saying the appointment is an important step that ensures further communication with residents after a rigorous consultation process.
“Building a new city is a long and incredibly complex process and while there will be enormous benefits to be shared, I realise that not everyone’s land was zoned the way they might have hoped,” he says.
“In many cases this is due to the fact that land is flood prone and development cannot be intensified.
“I completely understand that this is a confusing and stressful time for many current landowners, which is why we’ve appointed Professor Ryan, who has a wealth of experience in planning, property and complex public policy matters.”
To read our recent article regarding the future city of Bradfield that will reside within the Aerotropolis, click here.
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