Written for the Hills District Independent, January 2024

In the epicentre of the Northwest Growth Area, Riverstone has undergone immense transformation in the last five years. Yet our roads, healthcare, transport and schools remain reminiscent of a bygone era. The inadequacy of these vital services is not merely an inconvenience; it poses a life-threatening risk, particularly during emergencies like floods.

The recent decision by the Government to halt the draft planning proposals for rezoning Riverstone Town Centre, along with Schofields West and Marsden Park North, is a response to updated flood modelling in early 2021. The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley flood evacuation modelling report of May 2023, commissioned by the previous Government but never made public, exposed the extent of the former Government’s failures.

The Minns-Labor Government, upon reviewing the same data, has promptly made the report public and allocated funds to rectify critical road infrastructure gaps, prioritizing the safety of our community. Unlike the previous Government, we’re committed to transparency, honest communication and decisive action.

While out of my control, the decision to halt the Town Centre has left many residents disheartened. A Masterplan for Riverstone Town Centre, under consideration since 2014, has become a critical necessity. The previous residential-focused proposal no longer suited the needs of our community.

The Minns Government recognizes the opportunity to create a Town Centre that can support the growing population, shifting the focus from residential to employment generation. A Masterplan that prioritizes local job opportunities will not only foster economic growth but also alleviate traffic congestion and promote a more balanced and sustainable community.

Put simply, we see the opportunity for a Masterplan informed by local voices to service local residents.

Surrounding the Riverstone Town Centre, new residential developments lack local employment opportunities, presenting a chance to position Riverstone as a hub for job creation in the region. A shift toward a service-focused Masterplan will make Riverstone more liveable, with local jobs leading to local spending and a comprehensive traffic management plan reducing congestion.

As someone who has called Riverstone home throughout my life, I know how unique our community’s challenges are. A Masterplan that seeks to alleviate these challenges can’t be informed by a desk jockey in Martin Place, but by community members who live with them every single day. It is time for considered planning built on consultation, preserving the character of our rich and vibrant community while dressing us up for the future.

The NSW Government has initiated a period of extensive community consultation on the project, where residents can have their say by filling out my survey on warrenkirby.au. This platform ensures that every voice is heard in shaping the future of Riverstone, fostering a collaborative approach that values community input in the decision-making process. Together, let us build a Riverstone that we, and our new neighbours, can all be proud to call home.