It is reassuring to read that council is giving due planning and consideration to the impact of 3000 new Anambah houses on Maitland’s infrastructure and services.
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Council said it could see the need for a school and commercial precinct in the area. It also flagged public recreation areas and bicycle paths.
It said the land development would take place in five stages so that water and sewer infrastructure could keep pace with the area’s growth.
Add to this list electricity and roads, and council paints a broad-brush and considered view of this development’s demands. But growing communities are more than rates, rubbish and roads.
Maitland mayor, Cr Peter Blackmore, told the Mercury that he expected the corridor of land to attract families.
One could presume this would mean households of a minimum of two people, and often up to five or more.
The Anambah Urban Release Area could, therefore, eventually house in the vicinity of 10,000 people.
Will there be transport options for these people beyond private vehicles? Will we have a hospital equipped to deal with up to 10,000 potential new patients?
Will these newcomers to our area use Maitland as a dormitory where they come to sleep or use services, but travel elsewhere for employment, education and recreation?
There are examples all over the state where developments outgrew their infrastructure and communitie imploded.
It is vital that we consider these tough questions now. Our region is mushrooming with new development.
Maitland City Council’s Draft Anambah Area Plan is now on exhibition and it is accepting submissions from the public until January 16, 2015.
If you have an interest or an opinion, now is the time to speak.
