Content about Municipality of Strathfield

Strathfield’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) – the blueprint for the municipality’s growth over the next decade – has finally been approved by the NSW State Government.

The result of one of the largest consultation exercises in Strathfield’s history, the plan paints a fascinating picture of the changing face of one of Sydney’s oldest suburbs.

As you may be aware, the NSW Government is currently considering forcing Strathfield Council to amalgamate into a larger mega-council area. 

I am strongly opposed to this because I believe is against the wishes of the overwhelming majority of Strathfield residents. 

My fellow councillors and I were loud and clear about our opposition to amalgamation in the recent local government elections and we were elected by the community on that basis. 

Strathfield schools have scored significant success in this year's HSC results, and are punching well above their weight.

Of the Sydney Morning Herald’sTop 100 schools, four are from the Strathfield Local Government Area. Meriden School, Santa Sabina College, St Patrick’s College and Strathfield Girls High School all made it to the prestigious list.

A Sydney Sunday newspaper recently claimed in a leading article about Saturday’s poll for councillors that it was “ A complete waste of time and money”.

The Sunday Telegraph called for reform, and suggested the O’Farrell government “re-draw the boundaries and set up a system that actually works for the people and the state”.

The paper cited the Sydney Business Chamber’s push to cut the state’s 152 councils.  In particular, it suggests 10 “super” councils to run Sydney.

The three main contestants battling for seats on Strathfield Council in the upcoming September elections have now announced the majority of their candidates – and the Strathfield Scene asked them to spell out their stance on the major issues.

One new group, Strathfield First Action Group, is leading the charge for the independents’ ticket with a team including the Mayor, Cr Paul Barron and his deputy, Cr Helen McLucas.

Strathfield’s leading position in the inner west as a commercial and transport hub has prompted a council move to seek city status  – a significant step in ensuring the area’s assets are fully recognised.

Higher-density residential development along Parra-matta Road, increased building heights at the Town Centre, a food hub next to Sydney Markets and new business parks to attract jobs are among the highlights of Strathfield’s plans for the next decade, which went on show this month.

The town square is to be reclassified to allow for events like weekend markets, while a mixed business and residential area is proposed in Homebush, north of the railway station.

This weekend marks an important milestone for Strathfield.

It will see the first in a series of big events designed to transform Sydney’s view of the municipality – and hopefully position it as one of the movers and shakers of the inner-west.

It is, in effect, the launch of Brand Strathfield. Expect to hear much more of this in the coming weeks.

Strathfield Council is taking a pre-emptive strike to try and head off the threat of more traffic gridlock on the Parramatta Road.

It is looking for transport experts to help advise them on the increasing traffic flow on Parramatta Road.

Council and the State Government are wrestling with major new development that will mean hundres more cars and buses may need to use one of Australia's worst highways.

Columbia Lane, for instance, will see 650 new residential apartments which will have a major impact on traffic in Strathfield.

The hunt is on in the Strathfield community for the Council and Rotary’s Youth Achievement Awards.

Each year, the Council and Rotary look for nominees in six categories and the awards recognize the achievements of young people aged 12-25 who live, attend school, study, work or train in the Strathfield local government area.

The categories include the arts, community service, environment, business and both team and individual sports.

So now, teachers, parents, coaches and student leaders are being encouraged to send their submissions by April 12.

Developers are targeting Strathfield with new multimillion dollar projects now that the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) has been passed.

The plan, which provides a blueprint for construction up to 2031, maps out corridors as key zones for building the 6,301 homes needed to meet the council’s state-imposed population targets.

Planning officials have told theScenethey are attending twice as many “pre-lodgement” meetings with construction companies – a service to explain the regulations that help win council approval.