NSW Government finalise the rezoning of Riverstone East Stage 3

Covering an area of 378 hectares, the precinct will enable the coordinated delivery of up to 3,600 new homes across a mix of low to medium density residential areas, supported by new schools, open space, and community infrastructure.

Key Post Exhibition Amendments:

• R4 High Density Residential zone deleted, replaced by the R3 Medium Density Residential zone which maintains the permissibility of residential flat buildings and overall dwelling yield
• Simplification of maximum density bands (15, 20, 25, 40, and 80 dwellings per hectare)
• Refined street hierarchy and adoption of Western Sydney Street Design Guidelines (WSSDG) to deliver walkable streets and tree canopy targets
• Development controls strengthened to improve amenity, setbacks, tree planting and roof materials with low solar absorptance

Affordable Housing:

• Applies to developments of 20 or more dwellings, requiring 5% of gross floor area as affordable housing
• Triggered only within 400m walking distance of public transport, open space or retail
• Applies to attached dwellings, multi-dwelling housing, residential flat buildings and shop-top housing

Infrastructure and Delivery Timing:

• Wastewater servicing available from March 2025, via an interim connection solution confirmed by Sydney Water, with upgrades to the network planned for FY 2028–29
• Electricity infrastructure has current capacity with a new substation planned to support precinct growth
• Section 7.11 Contributions Plan expected to be exhibited by Blacktown City Council in late 2025, with interim Planning Agreements available to facilitate early development

Green Spaces and Community Infrastructure:

• Over 48 hectares of open space, including linear parks, sports fields and riparian corridors
• Sites identified for new primary and high schools, integrated adjacent to proposed parks and community centres

The rezoning has been implemented through an amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Central River City) 2021 and supported by an Indicative Layout Plan and Development Control Plan.

The milestone marks a significant step in delivering much needed housing in Western Sydney. Mecone is proud to have supported clients throughout the exhibition process and look forward to continuing our role in shaping the delivery of this important precinct.

Read More: Riverstone East Stage 3 Indicative Layout Plan