23-230307-FINAL-Camden-Green-and-Blue-Grid-Vision-April-2023-Version-for-webpage - Flipbook - Page 27
Greener Places, Healthier Waterways Vision
New Urban
Future Urban
Since the early 2000s, Camden LGA has been
experiencing rapid housing growth. This has resulted
in the creation of several new suburbs including
Harrington Park (and Harrington Grove Estate),
Elderslie, Spring Farm, Emerald Hills, Gledswood
Hills, Gregory Hills, Catherine Park Estate and Oran Park.
Part of the Camden LGA has been identified for
future growth. There is increased possibility to
strategically locate trees and set higher standards
for the delivery of greener open spaces and town centres
and water features such as lakes and ponds at the master
planning stage before people move into these new communities.
These areas generally have adopted a more strategic and holistic approach
to managing the Green and Blue Grid when compared to established
suburbs. During the planning of these new suburbs, Council worked with
developers to deliver high quality and well-designed green open spaces for
the community.
The Future Urban area will benefit from retaining and restoring existing
bushland, vegetation and farm dams and reinstating and improving the
health of natural waterways. Opportunities for enhancing Green and
Blue Grid connections through new neighbourhoods, while mitigating
potential flood and bush fire risks to people, animals and property will be
considered and explored during precinct planning.
The benefits of tree canopy cover in newer suburbs will be felt in years
to come when the existing trees reach maturity. Council and developers
can continue working together to identify new opportunities to enhance,
refine and add to the existing Green Grid by monitoring tree health and
canopy cover. This will extend the green grid along streets, parks, open
spaces and creeks. Council and developers can also initiate new stormwater
management projects such as installing detention basins and rain gardens
to capture and retain water in the urban environment and using Water
Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD).
There is an opportunity to better connect Oran Park Town Centre with
South Creek. This can be achieved by developing local green loops – a series
of tree-lined paths in and around the town centre that will link people to
everyday destinations such as shops, schools, the future train station, office
buildings and employment areas. The green link should extend to follow the
alignment of South Creek.
Council will work with the NSW Government and developers to ensure
there is sufficient green connectivity between new parks, shopping
centres and commercial buildings to enable people to move around
their new community under shaded trees. This will assist people to live
healthier lifestyles as well as support people to meet others in their
neighbourhood, form friendships and feel more settled in their new
community.
Future development in Leppington should focus on providing
opportunities for people to see and undertake recreational activities
along South Creek. It should also enable new green connections between
Rileys Creek, Kemps Creek and the land adjacent to the Water NSW
Upper Canal. A series of local green loops between the future Leppington
Town Centre and surrounding area will assist to link key destinations
such as the train station, employment hubs, schools and retail precincts.
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