Six Northern Beaches Sites Identified for Aboriginal Development

The NSW government is preparing to add six sites in Sydney’s northern beaches to its Aboriginal Lands policy.

The sites are now being considered as part of a draft development delivery plan to allow Aboriginal landowners to repurpose the land for “potential economic benefit”.

The sites are in the Warringah area—three on the outskirts of the emerging suburb of Belrose, two in Frenchs Forest and one in Oxford Falls.

In September, 2019 the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) requested the Aboriginal Land SEPP be amended to include its land holdings in the Northern Beaches local government area.

The request resulted in a proposal to include nine sites, six initial sites and three future sites, in the Aboriginal Land SEPP and the preparation of a development delivery plan.

If added, the local Aboriginal land council will have the ability to seek an independent review of any planning proposals for each of the six sites to consider whether they have strategic and site-specific merit.

Of the six sites, Lizard Rock on Morgan Road in Belrose has been earmarked by the state government as the most suitable short-term development opportunity.

Minister for planning Anthony Roberts said the plan would mean new homes and jobs for the area as well as strengthened self-determination for the First Nation community.

“This proposal is about Aboriginal people taking charge of using their land in ways that best supports their communities and protects their heritage,” Roberts said.

“Helping Aboriginal land councils achieve better economic outcomes from their land has long been a priority and this project is a great first step forward for Aboriginal development in the Northern Beaches area.”

MLALC chief executive Nathan Moran told The Urban Developer the amendment was the result of close collaboration between MLALC, the planning minister and the department of planning.

“This is an extremely positive step towards utilising our land to deliver economic outcomes for our community as envisaged by the Aboriginal Land Rights Act,” he said.

A planning proposal is now being prepared comprising 450 low- to medium-density homes, a cultural community centre, and protection of Aboriginal carvings and other heritage sites.

The remaining five sites, at Aquatic Drive, Forest Way, Corymbia Circuit, Paxton Street and Ralston Avenue, are being considered for public recreation, community and residential development.

Future land uses could also include industrial, employment, environmental conservation and tourism, depending on the site.

The draft development delivery plan will now placed on exhibition for community feedback until mid-March.

If approved, all six sites will be mapped in an amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Aboriginal Land) 2019, with development at Lizard Rock expected to commence before the end of the year.

The remaining five sites, which require further investigation, could have planning proposals in place within in the next two to five years