The Austral and Leppington North Precincts were rezoned by the NSW Government on 15 March 2013 to facilitate the delivery of 17,350 new dwellings within the (then) South-West Growth Centre. In accordance with the prevailing market conditions at the time, various planning controls were introduced to encourage an increase in housing density compared to contemporary greenfield areas. Minimum dwelling density requirements and medium-density residential areas were enforced to ensure the precinct target would be achieved. Infrastructure and associated services were planned based on an ultimate capacity for the Precincts of approximately 17,350 dwellings (approximately 16,000 within the Liverpool portion of the precincts which traverse the Liverpool/Camden Council border).

When the precincts were rezoned, there was an assumption that the average lot size would be 550sqm. In the time since the Precincts were rezoned, the housing market has changed significantly, with a market acceptance of lot sizes far smaller than were anticipated in 2013. Council observes that many lots are 300sqm or smaller. As such, the Precincts are now on track to deliver an ultimate capacity of approximately 25,000 dwellings, however the provision of infrastructure and services for the Precincts is still based on the population associated with the original housing target of 17,350 dwellings (16,000 in the Liverpool precincts).

Over the same time period, a housing crisis emerged across Australia, necessitating a collaborative approach from all three levels of Government to respond by increasing the supply of well-located, affordable homes to facilitate a growing population. The Australian Government's National Housing Accord is one such initiative, aiming to deliver 1.2 million new well-located homes across Australia between 2024 and 2029.

This Project will contribute to this National Housing Target, by identifying the necessary infrastructure and services required to unlock a further 4,500 homes within the Austral and Leppington North Precincts over the same time period. Furthermore, the Project seeks to ensure that the additional housing is complemented concurrently with the necessary services and facilities required to support thriving and sustainable Western Sydney communities into the future.

Given the increase in dwelling density and a change to the retail market since the precincts were rezoned, Council is seeking a suitably qualified consultant to review the retail and centres strategy for the Austral and Leppington North (ALN) precincts. This would include a review of the retail GFA caps on existing zoned centres and a review of planning controls to ensure they promote viable and orderly development. The review must also consider fragmentation of the land parcels and consider any planning controls necessary to promote equitable development outcomes and promote competition.