Arabic version: سكان كونكورد يطالبون بتغيير إعادة تصنيف منطقة موئل الببغاء

According to ABC News, residents in Sydney’s inner west and NSW opposition MPs are urging the government to remove a Concord residential block from a high-density rezoning proposal, citing concerns for endangered swift parrots recorded in neighbouring Queen Elizabeth Park.

The low-density block north of the park boundary at Gipps Street is proposed to accommodate apartment buildings of eight to 12 storeys, with heights of up to 42 metres. The broader Burwood North proposal, around the future Burwood North Metro Station, could facilitate more than 18,000 homes, including 5 to 10 per cent affordable housing, and includes building heights between eight and 42 storeys.

Concord resident Malcom Foldvary said excavation, jackhammering and scaffolding associated with tall buildings could create noise that would disturb birdlife. He also raised concerns that stormwater run-off from the uphill residential block could affect the park’s 5 hectares of endangered Sydney turpentine ironbark forest. A biodiversity vegetation assessment commissioned by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure recorded swift parrots at the park and recommended avoiding impacts on the forest from shading by tall structures.

Shadow Environment Minister Jacqui Munro said housing could be concentrated closer to the Metro station, while Liberal NSW Member for Drummoyne Stephanie Di Pasqua said removing one block would not prevent additional housing density. Planning Minister Paul Scully said bird habitat concerns and community feedback were being considered during the assessment. The proposal is expected to be finalised this year. The Burwood North station is part of Sydney Metro West, due for completion in 2032.