Community Recognition Statement

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields): — A long and hard-fought successful community campaign to stop a contentious development proposal in Minto shows the value of people power.

Over two years, Ingle Park Estate residents and I have fought to maintain their suburbs' character, green open space and quality of life.

The proposal for 23 townhouses in Francis Street was incompatible with the local area.

Residents expressed concerns about the impact of overdevelopment, such as more congestion, lack of parking and overcrowding.

A group of concerned residents took action and in December received the best Christmas gift when the Sydney Western City Planning Panel refused this inappropriate development proposal.

Victories like this take time and they take effort.

I congratulate all of the residents involved and thank them for their passion for their local area.

I'd particularly like to thank Michael Delmage for coordinating the community campaign.

Ingle Park Estate residents fought hard to have their say on their suburb's future, and now finally their voices have been heard.

My hope is that other campaigns to stop overdevelopment in our community results in the same positive outcome.