Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong MP has called on Campbelltown City Council to rule out imposing a levy on Ingleburn residents to undertake flood drainage works that will ultimately benefit developers.

The levy was floated twice in reports to Councillors in August 2018 and April 2019 as a means to raise at least $20 million to mitigate flooding issues in the Ingleburn CBD. The reports outlined Council’s Planning Proposal for Ingleburn CBD which would raise height limits to eight stories – opening the door to developers keen to cash in on the relaxed development rules.

Mr Chanthivong has written to Council twice, calling on them to rule out an extra levy on ratepayers. In its responses, Council has so far refused to rule out such a levy. Mr Chanthivong wants to make sure local ratepayers are aware of a potential levy, as he indicated in his representations to Council.

“Let’s be clear, developers will be the ones to profit most from flood mitigation works in Ingleburn that will pave the way for high-rise monstrosities,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“I am very concerned about the negative financial impact that an extra levy would have on already tight household budgets and the precedent of ratepayers subsidising works that will ultimately benefit developers.”

Mr Chanthivong said Council had questions to answer.

“Will all Campbelltown ratepayers be subjected to this potential levy or just those who live in Ingleburn?” he said.

“Or will this potential levy only apply to the residents in the high-rise developments in Ingleburn? And how long will this potential levy apply? So far, Council has been unable to provide answers to such questions and I think ratepayers should be concerned.”

Council is seeking a Gateway Determination from the Liberal State Government that would allow its Planning Proposal for the Ingleburn CBD to proceed to public exhibition.

“My Stop the Squeeze campaign made it clear that 95% of local respondents don’t want the high-rise and high-density development proposed,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“It will be impossible to retain Ingleburn’s village character with the scale of development allowed by the plan.

“My motivation behind the Stop the Squeeze survey was to give a voice to my constituents. I now ask the Council to listen to the concerns of the local community and implement planning policies that accurately reflect the views of my constituents.”