A proposal to build 450 homes on Patyegarang, an Aboriginal-owned land in Belrose, is facing opposition from local leaders who argue the area should be preserved as bushland.
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The 71-hectare property, formerly known as Lizard Rock, is owned by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. The council aims to redevelop the land to generate funds to support programs for Aboriginal people across Sydney, including social and affordable housing projects.
However, independent MP Sophie Scamps has urged the NSW government to instead designate Patyegarang as an Indigenous national park. In a submission to NSW Planning, Dr Scamps said the state should either buy the land or agree to a long-term lease so it can become a preservation area that still generates income for Aboriginal people.
The Northern Beaches Council has also voiced strong opposition to the 450-home proposal, citing destruction of bushland and other concerns. The council said the natural area should not be rezoned to make way for a large residential development.
Planners defend the housing proposal as an opportunity to significantly contribute to Sydney’s urgent housing supply shortfall.
They said the plans, designed by Cox Architecture call for protecting ancient Aboriginal sites whilst delivering new homes, open spaces and a cultural centre. They said the additional housing units would have a positive impact on housing targets at both the local government area level and broader district level.
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As Sydney grapples with a housing affordability crisis, the opposing visions for the Lizard Rock land have set up a debate over conservation versus development. Aboriginal leaders aim to lift their communities through land ownership, but some local representatives argue this natural area warrants preservation over profiteering. The dispute may ultimately fall to the state government to resolve.
Published 28-November-2023
