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6,000 acres of ridges and valleys in Sydney's outer northwest (yellow). Most of the land in the area is currently subject to a minimum lot size of 25 acres, introduced in 1964.

Up to 1/3rd of the area could be used for lifestyle residential living in a natural setting on lots of 5 acres. It would be a reasonable balance between the desire for growth and providing housing choice, and the desire to retain a bushland environment.

This website is the voice of an incorporated association working to restore growth to an area of the urban fringe in the shire of Baulkham Hills in Sydney's outer northwest. Our goal is to achieve this through subdivision of large holdings to 5 acre allotments. Things that have happened>>

The area, located under an hour's drive from Sydney's CBD, and covering about 6,000 acres, consists of ridges and bush-clad valleys. This makes it unsuitable for agriculture, but ideal for lifestyle housing, providing a natural setting with privacy and excellent views.

About half the land is in private ownership, with lot sizes generally around 25–40 acres.

Almost all the land in the area is currently subject to a 25 acre minimum lot size, introduced decades ago as a key part of the government's urban consolidation strategy. As a result, growth in the area has stagnated, disadvantaging existing residents, and denying choice to potential new residents.

Responding to community pressure, 4 land studies have been carried out to evaluate the development potential of the area. The first 3 recommended a reduction in the minimum lot size to 5 acres in specified areas, but the local council largely failed to make the appropriate amendments to the regulations. Attention has now turned to the 4th study, which we believe is inaccurate, biased, and fails to recognise the aspirations of the community,

Our initial concern was that the council would adopt this latest study, which essentially recommended "no change". However we are pleased to report that Councillors voted unanimously against adopting the recommendations of the study pending a further review.

We now hope that reason will prevail—that at last the council will act in the interests of the community it represents, and restore a moderate level of growth through subdivision, as summarised below:

• Along ridges in the rural 1(b) zone in Baulkham Hills, Sydney, identified in prior studies as suitable for 5 acre allotments.

• By reducing the minimum lot size from 25 acres to 5 acres, or;

• By permitting other forms of subdivision that result in an average dwelling density of 1 per 5 acres.

• To ensure that the area receives a fair share of the social, economic and infrastructural benefits that growth brings.

• Based upon past patterns of demand, providing a supply of 5 acre lots would bring an additional 450 residents into the area each year. This would restore annual growth to around 2.8%, in line with growth rates occurring in other parts of the shire.

• Why not? Growth occurred in the past, and only benefited the area. With Sydney "bursting at the seams", there's even more reason to restore it now.

• It's a reasonable balance between the desire to retain the open bushland character of the area, and the desire for growth.

• 5 acres is treated as a dividing line in certain federal taxation and benefits legislation, placing owners of larger lots at a disadvantage in some circumstances.

• 5 acres is the traditional size for large residential lots.

• Many lots in the area were subdivided before the ban came into force, and are already 5 acres or less.

• Increases population, benefiting the local economy and providing greater community resources for land management and bushfire control.

• Enables retirees to fund their retirement without being forced to sell up and move.

• Provides large lot holders with the freedom to remaining living in the area if changed personal circumstances prevent them from maintaining a large lot.

• Provides opportunities for family members to remain living in the area.

• Provides choice for those seeking "lifestyle" housing.

• Could provide the foundation of a north-western green belt of low-density housing, protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

• Contributes towards reduction of congestion in other parts of Sydney, one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia.

• By increasing supply to match demand, helps maintain prices at reasonable levels.