Concept & Stage 1- ANZAC Village Seniors Housing

This development SHOULD NOT HAPPEN!
Should this project be permitted to go ahead we, I will be condemned to live with the noise, dirt and dust associated with a building site for 15 years or more and must see the character of the Village transformed from a peaceful, low density bushland surroundings into an inappropriate, unsightly high-rise monstrosity. In addition, for many of our residents, the inconvenience, physical and psychological stress of being forcibly relocated and the added mobility risks within the Village for pedestrians and the disabled during periods construction.
Additionally, having to demolish buildings that at 50 years old are seen to be past their optimal life, strongly indicates the Operators lack of care when building new homes. Surely one should expect a building to be useful for more than 50 years, considering the average time a resident survives in a retirement village is around 7 years. The home is the “refurbished” so that the interior is basically new to welcome a new resident.
The movement from low rise building parcels to high rise, seems to be a money grab by this operator. Each new unit will be expensive to buy, and there is no talk of affordable housing for those that require it.
With bulk earthworks required, not only for stage 1, but throughout the masterplan, the damage to public roads getting to and from the site will be enormous. There will be large trucks waiting close to site to collect the next load. This will increase the danger for all local residents using the surrounding roadways, not to mention the three junior schools we have in close proximity to our village. To repair the roads will fall to local government areas – our local council and rate payers to foot the bill to repair and maintain. Its hard enough presently with the number of potholes developing from climate changes and large trucks and construction vehicles using the roads.
I live in stage one, so to have 2 residential flat buildings of up to 6 storeys high replace a low rise building is disgusting and not something I would have chosen to live in the shadow of. That there will be basement car parking with the entrance opposite my living room, also disgusts me. Going from enjoying the fresh air that is allowed me, to breathing in car fumes makes me very angry. The car fumes will also effect the washing on my clothesline. The built form being below the established tree lines when view from Narrabeen Lagoon sounds just lovely. What about the built form from where I am? Care factor…Nil, yet again.
Construction hours of 7:30-5:00 Monday to Saturday will not make it easy to enjoy retirement and should not be allowed!
While I acknowledge the strategic need for renewal of the ANZAC Village site, that objective should not proceed at the expense of the wellbeing, dignity and reasonable
residential amenity of existing residents. Stronger enforceable conditions, transparent governance mechanisms and independent oversight are necessary to ensure the redevelopment can proceed in a manner that is fair, accountable and compatible with the needs of an occupied retirement community.
I reserve the right to add an addendum or more detail at a later date.

ANZAC Village Seniors Housing – Concept & Stage 1 development | Application number SSD-85869467

I write to formally object to the proposed redevelopment of the ANZAC Village at 90 Veterans Parade, Narrabeen.

The proposed development is excessive in height, bulk and scale and is not compatible with the prevailing low-rise character and bushland setting of the current site and local area; nor is it compatible with the ongoing protection of the Narrabeen lagoon catchment area and the significant habitat it provides to wildlife locally.

Impacts during construction and beyond

Traffic management - Whilst Veterans Parade connects to several local residential roadways, the main north south route is via Nioka Road to The Esplanade, Mactier Street and Pittwater Road. Nioka Road is a steep and winding narrow road with a 3-tonne vehicle limit. Already this road is often traversed by trucks, with frequent stalling of heavy vehicles due to the gradient and sharp turns. Additional infrastructure needs to be implemented to restrict access to essential heavy vehicles only (emergency services and waste collection only), and to prohibit access to Nioka Road by other heavy vehicles, including construction-related heavy vehicles and supply trucks. Revision of current traffic arrangements should be considered, including restricting this narrow and steep road to local traffic only.


Water & sewage management – The existing downstream overflow is already at capacity. Sydney Water sewerage infrastructure from Collaroy Plateau, including flow from the ANZAC Village, regularly fails due to blockages and sewage levels and overflows. The Sydney Water infrastructure between properties on Nioka Road fails several times a year, with sewage overflowing into the road reserve and gardens. There have also been several incidents of inundation into residential properties on Nioka Road, and overflow into Narrabeen lagoon on occasion. To date any overflow incident is only identified and addressed when reported by a local resident.
It is essential that any development at the ANZAC Village addresses the inadequacy of the existing sewerage infrastructure and includes the installation of new sewerage infrastructure with capacity to meet and exceed the demands of the site; and that this is located within the ANZAC Village. It is critical that it is monitored, maintained and managed, to ensure overflow into the Narrabeen catchment does not occur.

Wildlife habitat – a significant and broad range of birds, swamp wallabies and reptiles call this area home and all effort should be made for the ongoing protection of this limited habitat.

I’m a senior living in War vets cutler village Narrabeen I am writing this submission to convey my concerns about the upcoming revamp of war vets village my wife and I moved here four years ago for our retirement for the last four months we have lived with the noise and disruption of two homes being demolished and rebuilt directly opposite us. I am extremely concerned about our quality of life in the village with fifteen years of building in front of us. I cannot see that the eight hundred current residents here can look forward to anything like the peaceful and enjoyable years that they have left. In the plan there has already been a decrease in the number of beds available for residents who have to move into nursing home care.

My husband and I moved here 4 years ago. In that 􀆟me we have found a new lease on life. We plunged head first into
the social aspect of the village, making new friends along the way.
We love making use of all the fitness facilities at our disposal.
BUT
Our main concerns with the project are :
A guarantee that the old indoor pool and the Total Life Care centre will not be closed un􀆟l the new centres are fully
operational and ready for the residents.
The new medical centre is ready well before the old one is closed.
Traffic flow within the village for the construction vehicles is strictly monitored.
Other Issues include
Aged care beds lost
Concerns should bushfires threaten. How to evacuate 1200 residents many immobile.
Not sufficient parking for 1200 residents, visitors and staff.
Loss of a large number of mature trees.
Wildlife habitat extensively disturbed.
I hope that my concerns are taken into consideration when examining this submission.

I write to formally object to key aspects of the above State Significant Development Application, and in particular to raise serious concerns regarding the inadequacy of the Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) prepared by Colliers Urban Planning (Version C – Final v2, dated 23 January 2026), the underestimated impacts on the Narrabeen Lagoon visual catchment including Garigal National Park, and the unacceptable scale of the proposed built form.

1. INADEQUACY OF THE VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT – MISSING KEY VIEWPOINTS
The VIA, even in its final revised form, fails to assess several of the most significant and regularly used public viewpoints in the locality. This omission is not a minor oversight — it represents a fundamental and material failure of methodology that renders the VIA incomplete and unsuitable as a basis for consent.
The following publicly accessible viewpoints, each with direct sightlines toward the development site, have been entirely omitted:
1. Billrong Reserve, with close-range elevated views directly toward the site from the south-western lagoon foreshore;
2. Berry Reserve, a popular passive recreation area with open views across the lagoon;
3. Wheeler Park, a heavily used community open space immediately south of the site;
4. Narrabeen Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge (Pittwater Road), one of the most heavily trafficked crossings in the Northern Beaches LGA, used daily by thousands with panoramic views directly toward the site.

The failure to assess these viewpoints demonstrates a complete dismissal of the visual experiences routinely enjoyed by local residents, recreational users, and commuters. The VIA cannot be considered robust or credible in its current form.
A comprehensive revision of the VIA is required, including all materially significant viewpoints. Given the deficiencies identified, an independent peer review by a suitably qualified specialist is essential before the application can be properly assessed. The submission of a fundamentally incomplete VIA to support an application of this scale and sensitivity is both misleading and prejudicial to the public assessment process.

2. BREACHING OF THE TREELINE – NARRABEEN LAGOON TRAIL AND GARIGAL NATIONAL PARK CATCHMENT
The Narrabeen Lagoon Trail traverses the western foreshore, forming part of the publicly accessible interface with Garigal National Park — a protected area of significant ecological and scenic value. The VIA's own photomontages demonstrate that the proposed development will breach the established treeline from multiple points along this corridor:
1. Figures 18 and 19 (Viewpoint 3 – Middle Creek Reserve) confirm the proposed development crests the canopy line. The VIA assigns this a "High" significance of visual impact.
2. Figures 33 and 34 (Viewpoint 8 – Narrabeen Lagoon Trail) confirm built form penetrates the tree canopy as viewed directly from this State recreational corridor — also assessed as "High" significance.
3. Figures 36 and 37 (Viewpoint 9 – Narrabeen Lagoon Trail footbridge) further confirm emergence above the canopy, again rated "High" significance.
4. Figures 12, 13, 15 and 16 (Viewpoints 1 and 2) demonstrate proposed development rising above the established canopy from across the lagoon.

Two viewpoints attracting "High" significance alone triggers the VIA's own threshold for significant visual impact. The VIA's conclusion that the proposal has an "acceptable visual impact" is not adequately substantiated and is misleading given these findings.

The Warringah DCP 2011 is unambiguous: development must remain below the predominant treeline when viewed from the Narrabeen Lagoon catchment. The applicant's own photomontages confirm non-compliance at multiple viewpoints. This cannot be characterised as acceptable.

3. EXISTING BUILDINGS ESTABLISH AN UNDESIRABLE PRECEDENT — NOT A JUSTIFICATION
The VIA references the existing Villers-Bretonneux building (part 4-storey, part 5-storey ILU) and Gallipoli building (5-storey mixed-use) as contextual precedent to justify the proposed scale. This must be firmly rejected.
These buildings are already highly visible above the treeline from the lagoon foreshore. The top storey of Gallipoli sits at approximately RL 67.89 AHD and is already conspicuous above the canopy. Rather than justifying further height, these buildings demonstrate precisely the problem — and that any escalation will cause unacceptable cumulative visual impact.
Proposed new buildings reach up to 8 storeys plus roof plant at RL 83.25 AHD — approximately 15 metres higher than the top storey of Gallipoli. If the existing 5-storey Gallipoli is already clearly visible above the canopy, an 8-storey tower plus roof plant will be strikingly prominent from the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail, Garigal National Park, and all lagoon foreshore viewpoints.
The existing buildings in fact establish that the effective height limit must be approximately 15 metres and no more than 4 storeys — consistent with a ceiling of less than RL 70 AHD — to maintain development below the predominant treeline as required by the DCP.

4. NATIVE TREE CANOPY REMOVAL — CUMULATIVE VISUAL AND BIODIVERSITY IMPACTS
The proposed development involves significant removal of native tree canopy that currently provides the primary vegetative screening of built form when viewed from the lagoon and its foreshores. This raises two serious concerns.
First, the VIA photomontages reflect current canopy conditions. Substantial removal of mature native trees will result in far greater visual exposure of proposed buildings during construction and for decades until replacement planting matures. The photomontages therefore materially understate the true visual impact during this extended period.
Second, this site sits immediately adjacent to the Garigal National Park ecological corridor. Removal of native canopy has the potential to adversely affect species, habitat connectivity and biodiversity values extending into the broader National Park. The cumulative effect — reduced visual softening, greater building mass exposure, and ecological harm to the adjoining National Park — must be given far greater weight in assessment than is currently afforded by the applicant's documentation.

5. CONCLUSION AND REQUESTS
I respectfully request that the Department:
1. Require a comprehensively revised VIA that includes Billrong Reserve, Berry Reserve, Wheeler Park, and the Narrabeen Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge as assessed viewpoints (along with the proposed tree removal), subject to independent peer review;
2. Reject the framing of Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux as justification for increased height, and instead recognise these as establishing a maximum threshold of approximately 15 metres / 4 storeys / RL 70 AHD;
3. Require a detailed canopy retention and reinstatement strategy supported by independent arboricultural and ecological advice demonstrating how screening and biodiversity values will be maintained;
Give appropriate weight to the VIA's own "High" significance findings at multiple lagoon foreshore viewpoints, and require the application to be redesigned to eliminate rather than merely justify this impact.

The scenic and ecological values of the Narrabeen Lagoon and Garigal National Park are irreplaceable, enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors each week. This submission urges the Department to ensure those values are genuinely protected in the assessment of this application.

Density - the reason that my family and I, and most people in the area, moved to Collaroy Plateau & Narrabeen is the relative low density when compared with other areas of the Northern Beaches. All the streets surrounding the proposed development are low-density housing. Adding multiple high density multi-story dwellings to the War Vets, that will be visible from all approaches, will be completely out of character with the surrounding area. If we wanted to live in a high-density environment we would have bought an apartment in Dee Why, not a house in what is a quiet, leafy residential street in Narrabeen. If RSL Lifecare and the War Vets want to create high-density living for seniors, they would be best served developing this in a higher-density area - one that has the road infrastructure & public transport to support it.
Roads - the roads of Collaroy Plateau and this area of Narrabeen are already in poor condition. Pot holes, subsidence, lifting, cracking, etc are already evident on every street. My street, Fuller Street, is almost at the point where you need a 4x4 to drive it. The local roads can't cope with the hundreds of trucks, cranes, earthmoving equipment etc - plus the cars for the hundreds of builders & tradespeople who will be at the village for years - that will be introduced. The local roads will be destroyed, and the local council are already unable to keep up with the task of road repair.
Parking - despite it being a quiet area, parking is already a challenge. Its impossible to find a park at the shopping centre closest to the War Vets most mornings, afternoons and weekends. The situation is forcing people to park on both sides of Veterans Pde as it is, making the street sometimes impossible to drive up/down in 2-way traffic. Add buses and garbage trucks into the mix and Veterans Pde is already near impassable. Add the countless trucks, cranes, etc for the proposed development and Veterans Pde will be at a standstill for years. The local streets surrounding the War Vets already have cars parked on both sides of the street on most days. These streets are already impossible for 2-way traffic. If a car is driving downhill, and another is driving up, one of them already has to pull into someone's driveway to allow the other to pass. Its already a challenge, and already a danger to the many children who live in the area. Add additional cars for builders, tradespeople, War Vets residents, and their visitors, and an already challenging situation will become impossible (and more dangerous still...).
Visual - We purchased a house in this area 15+ years ago, primarily for the natural beauty of the area, its proximity to bushland, etc and its lack of visible development. Adding multiple multi-story buildings to the immediate area, all of which will be visible from most angles, approaches and perspectives, will ruin the current visual environment and change the nature of the area in a negative way.

I am writing to ask you to assist to obtain a fair deal and for current residents of
RSL Village at Narrabeen

My Situation
I am now 79 years old. I moved here 10 years ago. I am entirely alone
and have permanent, chronic lung disease.
I was worried by pollution and over development in the Inner West where I lived.

I was assured of safety and support by RSL and committed my life savings to RSL.

I understood that there was protection under the Retirement Villages Act and other legislation.
10 years ago the village was a stand alone entity in a calm, clean environment
with a good ratio of Residential Care homes.

RSL has since become a large building development conglomerate.
The proposed development on this site will include 27 buildings the majority up to eight stories high.
With very high, even multi million $ entry fees, ever growing levees, government subsidies,
donations from RSL affiliates and non profit /charity status this organisation should be focused first
on looking after old people

Closure of facilities
170 Residential beds have been closed recently.
Demolition of the 4 Residential homes will occur in stage one of the proposal
These closures are not accounted for in new RSL plan which includes a further hostel closure.
Availability is very limited even for current residents and the number of residents
is continually rising. Average age 85 many well over 90
The majority of newcomers clearly expect entry to residential aged care over time,
despite the best laid plans about living at home.{This assumes high levels of available staff.)
People in my building have been forced to move to other Aged Care Facilities in other suburbs
away from friends. They have to start again in very poor health.
This imposes a new, large financial burden as well as emotional trauma for family and friends.

The waiting time for Residential Care Beds in Australia is now one year
There should be more attention to this, early in this plan rather than
high rise buildings for much younger fit people.(they will grow old—even older in the future.)

Proposed Building Stage one
I live in Villiers Bretonneux the central core of Stage 1 of the plan
WORKS
.Demolition of major buildings on three sides
.Glorious trees immediately adjacent to be felled.
.New roads built up to balcony railings
THEN
.major excavation work to provide under ground parking and five and six story buildings.
.The structures, scaffolding, giant cranes and works to be within aprox 50 metres. of this building.
.No access for ambulances, carers, cleaners or family.

Severe pollution
At xmas we were warned not to dig here due to contaminants including asbestos.
The major tragedy including deaths at RPA hospital, caused by mould
in the adjacent building site is a distinct possibility here.

Health outcome
I am being treated for severe depression
Having committed my life savings to RSL 10 years ago there is no way out.
RSL management state that we will stay where we are, on the site.
The entire focus of planning and vast publicity is fifteen years ahead with no care for current people.

I object to the proposal in general as it presents a significant over development of the site that is currently occupied with low rise residential buildings with pleasant open spaces between the buildings. I agree that some redevelopment of the site is needed , particularly the currently unoccupied residential care buildings.
My specific objection is to the stage 1 development where the following items will have a significant impact on the adjoining residents.
1. Proposed development will reduce the number of surface car parking spaces in the precinct servicing the swimming pool, TLC building, VB Residents building and Beersheba residences from about 80 spaces to 41. The 12 visitors space in the basement appear to be inaccessible to residents outside stage 1 as they are behind a security door. This loss of parking significantly affects the residents of Beersheba who will permanently loose almost ALL of their vehicle parking as the suggested parking to be provided 200 m away in the Milne Bay area is NOT viable for residents with mobility difficulties.
2. The design of the some of the new roads have been prepared with no consideration of the adjoining residents and in fact appear to be impossible to build while maintaining access to the residents of the VB Building and all Dardanelles residents with up to half a metre cut across to full width of the road and no room for a side track or deviation as the road has to remain accessible at all times as it is the only access to these areas. This could be achieved with a redesign and relocation of the road that would also reduce the impact on adjoining significant trees.
3. I object to the removal some of the facilities provided in the current TLC that do not appear to be replaced in the new centre, such as the sewing room, the computer room, the residents gymnasium, the medical facilities and the dedicated VB Residents lounge.
4. The proposed layout of the public/ foyer area of the Lifestyle area appears to be misconceived with e public entry on the opposite end of the foyer to the reception area, no space available for delivery/ removal vehicles to service the new apartments.
5. The almost total disregard of the vegetation retention policy with 30 percent to trees identified as being significant indicated to be removed.
6. The provision of the proposed OSD tanks under the new Edmonson drive pavement will effectively cut this access road for at least several days, totally unacceptable.
7. Although promised it would appear the the swimming pool facility will not be available for use once demolition/construction commences as the construction site access cuts off the access road to the pool, the sediment control fencing crosses through the the pool building and the basement excavation encroaches into the pool building structure.
The overall impact of this proposal both during construction and after completion will have a significant detrimental impact on the adjoining residents as the proposal is trying to squeeze too many apartments into the available space and would benefit from a reduction in the building footprint and a relocation/ redesign of the roads to provide additional parking for Beersheba residents and maintain access during construction.

OBJECTION TO STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION
Application No: SSD 85869467
ANZAC Village Seniors Housing – Concept & Stage 1
90 Veterans Parade, Narrabeen NSW
Dear Planning Assessment Officer,
I am a local resident writing to formally object to the proposed redevelopment of ANZAC Village at 90 Veterans Parade, Narrabeen.
While I understand the need for appropriate seniors housing, the scale, height and density of what is being proposed is completely out of step with this area and will have lasting impacts on traffic, views, and the character of the neighbourhood. As a resident who lives with the day to day realities of these streets, I am very concerned about the consequences of this development if it proceeds in its current form.
Grounds for Objection
Traffic Congestion and Local Street Impacts
Traffic congestion is already a daily issue in and around Veterans Parade, Lantana Avenue and surrounding streets. These roads were never designed to support development of this scale.
The proposal introduces hundreds of new dwellings, a residential care facility, visitor traffic and a café, supported by extensive on site parking. This will inevitably lead to a significant increase in vehicle movement throughout the day, spilling into local streets and worsening congestion during peak periods and weekends.
Lantana Avenue already has limited on street parking, with restrictions on one side of the road. Increased density will only push parking and traffic pressure further into surrounding streets, making access more difficult for residents, visitors and emergency vehicles.
What concerns me most is that there has been no clear, holistic assessment of the full traffic impact once all stages are completed. Treating this as a staged development does not reduce the final burden on the road network — it merely delays it.
Building Height and Scale Are Completely Out of Character
The proposed buildings of up to eight storeys are entirely inappropriate for this location.
This area is defined by low density housing — predominantly one and two storey homes — and has remained that way for decades. Introducing buildings of this height will dramatically change the visual character of the neighbourhood and create a bulky, dominant presence that feels more like a town centre than a suburban residential area.
There is little to no effective transition between the new development and adjacent homes. From surrounding streets, the scale of these buildings will feel abrupt and overwhelming, permanently altering the look and feel of the area.
Loss of Views and Residential Amenity
Many residents currently enjoy open views across the existing ANZAC Village site. These views will be significantly and permanently obstructed by multi storey buildings.
The impact is not just visual — it affects natural light, outlook, and overall enjoyment of homes that people have invested in and lived in for many years. The application does not adequately address the seriousness of this view loss from the perspective of affected residents.
Once these buildings are constructed, the loss is irreversible.
Incompatibility with the Existing Streetscape
The character of Lantana Avenue and surrounding streets is defined by detached homes, trees, open space and a consistent low rise form. This proposal introduces an urban scale development that feels completely disconnected from its surroundings.
When viewed from nearby streets and across Narrabeen Lake, the development will appear dominant and visually intrusive, rather than integrated or respectful of the existing environment.
Tree Loss and Environmental Impact
The removal of a large number of mature trees — even at Stage 1 — will significantly reduce tree canopy and greenery in the area. Mature trees play an important role in shade, cooling, habitat and the overall character of the neighbourhood.
While replacement planting is proposed, young trees cannot compensate for the immediate and long term loss of established canopy.
Lack of Genuine Community Engagement
Residents most affected by this development were not meaningfully consulted before the application was lodged. Information was only provided once the proposal had been finalised and placed on exhibition.
For a project of this size and impact, early and genuine engagement should have occurred to ensure the outcome respected the surrounding community.
What I Am Asking the Department to Do
I respectfully ask the Department to:
• Refuse the application in its current form
• Require genuine community consultation before any revised proposal is considered
• Limit building heights along Lantana Avenue and visible interfaces to a maximum of two storeys
• Require a comprehensive traffic and parking assessment covering all stages of development
• Significantly reduce the overall scale and density of the proposal
• Require independent review of tree removal and canopy impacts
• Require a proper assessment of view loss and streetscape impacts
• Carefully consider emergency access and evacuation planning, especially given bushfire risk
This proposal would permanently alter the character of the neighbourhood and place unacceptable pressure on local streets, views and amenity. I urge the Department to give serious weight to the concerns of residents who will live with the consequences long after a decision is made.
Yours sincerely,
Seamus Tyler-Baxter
Address: 99 Veterans Parade, Collaroy Plateau, NSW, 2097
Email Address: [email protected]

I am writing to object to the proposed development of the ANZAC Village Seniors Housing which is directly across the road from our house.

I object to the immense scale of the buildings being built in this low rise area. Directly across the road from us they are proposing to build two 5 and 6 storey buildings, townhouses (Stage 1), together with additional 4 storey town houses on Lantana Avenue (Stage 2). What senior citizen needs a 4 storey townhouse? The application states that the height of the buildings will reduce towards the street and be higher further inside the Village. This is patently not true. Any buildings built directly on Lantana Avenue should be no more than 2 stories high and in keeping with the existing streetscape. The height and scale of these townhouses will have a massive impact on the surrounding neighbours' properties by overshadowing their houses and dominating the streetscape, and impacting views.

Lantana Avenue is a quiet, peacful street with battleaxe driveways and many young families living in it. Whilst I understand the War Vets want to update their housing stock, I am concerned about the scale of these buildings, the impact of the building and construction noise ,the danger of trucks coming and going and double parking on the street for year to come, the safety of children in the street and and the safety of us reversing out onto Lantana Avenue with the significant increase in traffic and large, heavy vehicles.

I am concerned about how, in the event of a bushfire, all these residents and families as well as the new residents of the proposed buildings in the War Vets will be able to get out without Lantana Avenue and Veterans Parade becoming gridlocked. What is the plan in the event of a bushfire for the existing residents of Lantana Avenue?

We have very limited parking on Lantana Avenue since the Council took away the parking on the northern side of the street. I am concerned about what will happen to the parking on Lantana Avenue during construction and once this has been completed. The scale of this development should require that on street parking for the existing residents of Lantana Avenue also be considered and parking be reinstated on the northern side of the street. I would have thought that the street would need to be widened to allow for additional traffic to come and go safely as well as pedestrians to navigate the street safely.

Environmentally, the loss of trees is also concerning. When I walk through the Village I regularly see wildlife such as wallabies, possums, cockatoos, kookaburras, bush turkeys, water dragons and blue tongue lizards. The loss of 131 trees is a shocking number and will no doubt impact these animals significantly. Whilst I understand there will be further planting of trees, I am still concerned about the impact on wildlife of this development and request that the NSW Government take this into consideration.

There has been absolutely no community consultation with the residents of Lantana Avenue. There has been no forum where we can put our objections or discuss any of our concerns. I understand that they did have some consultation inside the War Vets village but we were not informed nor invited to be a part of this so the fact that they have said there has been community consultation is a joke.

In summary, I believe the development, in its current form, is a massive overdevelopment in a quiet, peaceful street and should be revised to take into account the impact of the development on the existing residents of Lantana Avenue and that their safety also be taken into consideration in regards to bushfires, traffic congestion, noise, disruption, overshadowing and view loss, and environmental destruction.

I am 74 years old and have lived in ANZAC Village since December 2023. Unfortunately I have been diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, this is along with other health issues and would like to lodge my concern and opposition to RSL Lifecare’s proposed Renewal Project for “Reimagining the Village”.
As a resident I have been informed by RSL Lifecare (The Operator) that the proposed project will include the establishment of 27 new buildings the majority of which will be between 5 to 8 stories high. This project is to be carried out over a 15 year period.
Before moving to this Village I lived in an seniors SEPP55 unit within a residential area not far from where I live now. The attraction of moving was living in a community, in bushland to enjoy the flora and fauna and peaceful surroundings after living on a busy road. ANZAC Village met my criteria as it has the bushland setting, I love seeing the swamp wallabies, water dragons, kookaburras, magpies and various other native animals. This village has mainly low density housing which also fitted my criteria for my forever home.
Should this project be permitted to go ahead I will be subjected to live with noise, dirt and dust associated with a building site, this could affect my health. This is projected to be carried out in 3 stages over 15-year period.
My main concern is the building work causing dust, noise, transport delays and inconvenience. Residents living in the Dardanelles area of the village directly west of the proposed Stage 1 of this proposed development will encounter access problems as there is only one road in and out of the area uphill towards the Villers Bretonneux where Stage 1 is located.
I am sure Lifecare has considered the ongoing costs of upkeeping buildings of 4 to 7 stories high, but the impact on existing residents of higher service costs is daunting.
There are many aspects of this Village, in its current state, that require attention from the Operator such as aging infrastructure, in this case the Operator has not taken the age and mobility of the residents into account when designing the recent upgrades, for example in Dardanelles there are no footpaths in front or behind their units, this requires residents to walk on roads, at their peril, when entering the area road signage is confusing at best, visitors, delivery drivers and the Ambulance service have problems finding the specific unit they need to visit or access. New Labuan has narrow roadways that make accessing garages difficult and lack of footpaths for elderly residents is a problem, Lifecare have already had to make adjustments to roadway in Labuan. Recently a lift needed repair in one of our multi storey buildings and waiting for repairs subjected residents to stay in their homes isolated and unable to leave due to their inability to have the ability to use the emergency stairwell, this resulted in the operator having to buy equipment and allocate staff to assist people with mobility issues. Elderly need to feel safe where they live.
RSL Lifecare the Australian and NSW Governments appear willing to contravene legislation to jeopardise the wellbeing of elderly residents in this Village in pursuit of their aspirations to create a high density development that incorporates concepts for future independent living trends and satisfies an apparent need for additional dwellings.
This renewal project must not be permitted to proceed as currently proposed, and I urge you to note my concerns and opposition.

I chose the War Vets as my Home eight years ago. I know that there needs to be renewal of buildings and roads Still this is an overkill, for it to be successful it needs the acceptance of the current residents, sadly many will not see it come to fruition.
I feel that we will loose our Village Vibe and become another version of a flat/unit city suburb for old people, I partially chose here, as it was NOT crowded with high rise. The Masterplan is indicating that it will be.
I did not realise that people would be subjected to loosing their Homes. I am happy with my choice , as many others are also. This is to be my FINAL home. The Operator seemed to be genuine and I believed they had my best interest at heart ,now I am living in a state of anxiety. Whose HOME is next to go ?
When I arrived there were eight Nursing/Care homes ( this was, to me, a very good reason to move here) The reasons for the closure of four of them seemed reasonable and necessary, now we are to lose another and to replace all of these Care Homes, there are to be only 100 beds more allocated in the plan.
I believe that gardens, green areas and the bush are very important parts for our wellbeing , our quality of life and I expect that to be an essential part of this renewal. I want to be trusting and that the Operator really will make this an integral part of this renewal and be responsible for it and to continue to have it usable and assessible for all.
The first immediate impact that this Stage 1 destruction and rebuild will be the increase in traffic on Lantana Ave. Heavy vehicles bring extra noise and wear and tear, delays for all. The demolishing of old buildings well effect the quality of the air, more noise and a general mess. Who would want to live by this for maybe two years and then live near future Stages that are planned, for up to 15 years !
I will not be able to use the pool , even if as, the possibly proposed, to leave it for us whilst the work goes on and to remove it once the new pool is built. Imagine manoeuvring through all of this . The air quality will compromise my health, the noise will cause chronic stress and anxiety and imagine this for the folk who live right near it all. I have already lived through nigh 3 years of construction here at the village , there was no escape during COVID or due to immobility for some of my neighbours. There were always delays and some mistakes made by the construction companies that caused the project to go on for much, much longer than planned.
Progress can be wonderful and we need to be realistic I accept this . This up to fifteen years is overwhelming and at times I can see no Empathy shown. We need to have those who are already here at the War Vets cared for and to also care for the infrastructure, gardens and areas that are already here and not to lose the GOOD Vibe of our Village - OUR HOME !
I have a new mantra
Is this True ?
Is it Helpful ?
Is it Inspiring?
Is it Necessary?
Is it Kind?

To Whom it may Concern,

We are in our late 70s and early 80s and have lived in this Village since our unit was completed in 2013. We write to express our concern and opposition to RSL Lifecare's proposed Renewal Project for "Reimagining the Village’ Village.

Residents have been informed by RSL Lifecare that the proposed project will include the establishment of 27 new buildings the majority of which will be 5 to 8 stories high, in three phases over a 10-15 year period.

We came to this village with the expectation of being able to enjoy the remainder of our lives peacefully in bushland surroundings and a low density village and be protected by residents' rights afforded under the Retirement Villages Act and other relevant legislation.

Should this project be permitted to go ahead we will be condemned to live with the noise, dirt and dust associated with a building site for 15 years or more and have to see the character of the Village transformed into an over-50’s resort community which is very different to a retirement village. One of the major factors in our decision to move into the village was the major selling point that throughout your aging, individual needs, eg dementia care, care homes, nursing homes were all to be provided within the facility without you having to relocate elsewhere. Since we have been here most of these facilities have been allowed to run down and closed, and as instanced in the Stage 1 Development where the closed care homes are being used for space to construct high rise units with no attempt to replace them.

In addition, for many residents will be, the inconvenience, physical and psychological stress of being forcibly relocated and the added mobility risks within the Village for pedestrians and disabled during construction.

Many residents struggle with the ever increasing cost of living in this Village and may be unable to absorb the additional cost of maintaining high rise new buildings fitted out to a higher standard and equipped with lifts, car park security gates, intercoms etc.

There are many aspects of this Village, in its current state, that require attention from the Operator such as aging infrastructure, substandard dwellings, insufficient care facilities, footpaths, and poor signage, traffic speed regulation, minor repairs, regular preventative and remedial maintenance, etc.; before subjecting existing residents to an unwanted renewal project that few of us will live to see completed and derive any benefit from.

RSL Lifecare and Government appear willing to contravene legislation and jeopardise the wellbeing of elderly residents in this Village in pursuit of their aspirations to create a high density development that incorporates their concepts for future independent living trends and satisfies an apparent need for additional dwellings.

This renewal project must not be permitted to proceed as currently proposed and we urge you to note our concerns and opposition.

SSD-85869467
I’ve been a resident in the RSL Anzac Village Narrabeen for over eleven years. I object to the recently lodged SSD-85869467, in part because it will drastically alter the built and the natural environment of the Narrabeen site. Also, the prospect of the Plan being passed in its current form is already adversely affecting many of the current residents, resulting in fear of the unknown, pain and loss of social cohesion.
In commenting on this SSD, I can offer no specialist technical knowledge or experience. Having done my best in the fourteen days allowed to trawl through the hundreds of pages of information and explanation which support the plans for this major redevelopment I’ve concluded that the SSD application appears to do what it says it will do. It sets out the appropriate steps necessary to complete this huge project within the regulations which govern it. Successful adherence to the EIS however would be dependent upon the project doing no harm to people and the environment and progressing in an ideal manner without incidents or accidents.
The RSL project vision as included in the EIS [p 22] is to “create a vibrant, connected community where veterans and seniors can thrive”. The stated objectives to deliver on this vision include the maintenance and upgrading of the built environment, “Improve the sustainability outcomes for the site” [I take this to mean the environmental, social and economic needs] and a response to the housing crisis in NSW. These measures are counter productive if they come at immeasurable social and environmental cost. Sustainable outcomes depend upon doing no harm to people or the natural environment. The welfare of hundreds of Veterans and seniors currently living on this site and the natural environment in which they live have to be taken into account in this SSD.
Much of the soil and sandstone laid down over many years on this site will be removed in this development, taking with it hundreds of mature trees, homes to a huge array of wildlife.
If any version of this SSD is to be approved and implemented, it should be noted that it is impossible to factor into its implementation any of the accidents of nature or human element which inevitably occur during demolition, tree removal and building. The ideal building and development plan is laid out in the SSD on paper to be converted into concrete, bricks and landscaped forms. It is so easy however for accidents or noncompliance to allow cracks to appear in this ideal plan into which the people most affected by the proposed changes may sew the seeds of fear and concern.
My major fears and concerns for the future are that the project will not offer hope and opportunity for all residents, current and future, to “thrive [and remain] connected [to] community.” Largely because of what seems to be a project overreach in ambition and the difficulty of oversight on compliance issues. It has been proven when building on this site in the past that preventable accidents which were harmful to the natural environment and residents have occurred. The larger the building site and building forms the more likely this is to reoccur. A less ambitious plan might allow more care to be taken to prevent incidents and accidents.
As a resident stakeholder all I can bring to the project is my life experience along with my values, ethics, hopes and dreams but ultimately they seem to be weak tools for the job of helping to ethically shape or reshape the present and the future here. I believed when I contracted with RSL to live on this site that I was contracted to a lifestyle without interference with my “peace and comfort”. This will be difficult to maintain.
My formal objection to this SSD is its sheer size, its adverse effects on the natural environment and the physiological and psychological effects it imposes on residents and neighbours already living here. Many of those residents came here, at least in part, because of the natural environment within and surrounding the site.
For reasons cited here, I cannot believe that ongoing development on the site for many years to come will promote for future residents the creation of “… a vibrant, connected community where veterans and seniors can thrive” whilst destroying that very vision for current residents. This creates a situation which doesn’t allow for a positive dynamic to exist.
The successful implementation of the RSL SSD’s stated goals will only be achievable if they are measurable within the regulations, nominated time frames and constraints, and efficiently monitored to prove they positively meet the terms of all contracts, including the social contract between the developers and the stakeholders.
Each contractor and signatory to this SSD should be able to demonstrate the necessary communication skills, and preparedness to accept and act on their responsibilities and accountabilities in order to achieve their contractual obligations at all times. Failure to meet the terms of any contracts means failure of sustainable outcomes for the whole project.
I believe current and future stakeholders and the natural environment would benefit from a reduction in height and scale from what is proposed in the SSD.
I fear a day when a clear view of the sky, the rustle of a fresh, clean breeze in the trees and birdsong are gone from this place forever.
Thank you.

To Whom it may Concern,

We are in our late 70s and early 80s and have lived in this Village since our unit was completed in 2013. We write to express our concern and opposition to RSL Lifecare's proposed Renewal Project for "Reimagining the Village’ Village.

Residents have been informed by RSL Lifecare that the proposed project will include the establishment of 27 new buildings the majority of which will be 5 to 8 stories high, in three phases over a 10-15 year period.

We came to this village with the expectation of being able to enjoy the remainder of our lives peacefully in bushland surroundings and a low density village and be protected by residents' rights afforded under the Retirement Villages Act and other relevant legislation.

Should this project be permitted to go ahead we will be condemned to live with the noise, dirt and dust associated with a building site for 15 years or more and have to see the character of the Village transformed into an over-50’s resort community which is very different to a retirement village. One of the major factors in our decision to move into the village was the major selling point that throughout your aging, individual needs, eg dementia care, care homes, nursing homes were all to be provided within the facility without you having to relocate elsewhere. Since we have been here most of these facilities have been allowed to run down and closed, and as instanced in the Stage 1 Development where the closed care homes are being used for space to construct high rise units with no attempt to replace them.

In addition, for many residents will be, the inconvenience, physical and psychological stress of being forcibly relocated and the added mobility risks within the Village for pedestrians and disabled during construction.

Many residents struggle with the ever increasing cost of living in this Village and may be unable to absorb the additional cost of maintaining high rise new buildings fitted out to a higher standard and equipped with lifts, car park security gates, intercoms etc.

There are many aspects of this Village, in its current state, that require attention from the Operator such as aging infrastructure, substandard dwellings, insufficient care facilities, footpaths, and poor signage, traffic speed regulation, minor repairs, regular preventative and remedial maintenance, etc.; before subjecting existing residents to an unwanted renewal project that few of us will live to see completed and derive any benefit from.

RSL Lifecare and Government appear willing to contravene legislation and jeopardise the wellbeing of elderly residents in this Village in pursuit of their aspirations to create a high density development that incorporates their concepts for future independent living trends and satisfies an apparent need for additional dwellings.

This renewal project must not be permitted to proceed as currently proposed and we urge you to note our concerns and opposition.

To the Planning Authority / Council,

I object to the proposed expansion of the War Veterans aged care facility in Collaroy in the strongest terms on the basis that it represents an excessive intensification of development in a location that is not capable of safely supporting it.

This is not a minor upgrade. It is a substantial escalation in scale and density, effectively shifting the site toward a “village-to-town centre” level of development intensity within a bushland interface environment. That level of change is fundamentally incompatible with the site’s constraints.

The proposal, in my view, exposes a foreseeable and unacceptable level of risk to residents, staff, and emergency services due to a combination of bushfire exposure, constrained access, and a significantly increased vulnerable population.


1. Scale of development is inappropriate for the site

The proposal represents a major intensification of use, not a modest expansion.

It would significantly increase population density, building bulk, and operational demand on a site that is:

adjacent to bushland
constrained in access
and already operating at the limits of its surrounding infrastructure
This scale of development is not appropriate for this setting and amplifies every existing risk factor.


2. Emergency access and evacuation risk is unacceptable

The site is constrained by a limited road network providing only one practical route in and out.

The proposed increase in resident numbers will place extreme pressure on:

ambulance response times
fire and rescue access
evacuation capacity during emergencies
In peak traffic, simultaneous incidents, or emergency conditions, access delays are not a possibility—they are a foreseeable outcome.

This is particularly serious in an aged care setting where residents are highly vulnerable and dependent on assisted evacuation.


3. Bushfire risk and known emergency response requirements

The site is located on bushfire-prone land adjacent to bushland hazard areas.

The surrounding locality has experienced serious emergency events requiring major fire response operations, including aerial firefighting and helicopter-assisted emergency interventions due to difficult access conditions.

Increasing population density in this location directly increases exposure to bushfire risk while simultaneously reducing the ability to safely evacuate under fast-moving fire conditions.

This is an unacceptable risk profile for a development of this scale.


4. Overconcentration of vulnerable residents

This proposal places a very large and increasing number of elderly, frail, and medically vulnerable residents in a high-risk, access-constrained environment.

This is not an appropriate planning outcome.

The likelihood of frequent emergency medical incidents is high by nature of the facility type. Increasing that demand in a constrained-access bushfire interface location creates an avoidable and ongoing strain on emergency services.


5. Road access is inadequate for the proposed intensity

The surrounding road network is not designed for this level of institutional intensity.

The proposal will significantly increase:

staff and visitor traffic
service and delivery vehicles
emergency vehicle movements
This will result in congestion that directly impacts emergency response times and evacuation efficiency.

The road in and out of the site is simply not adequate for the scale of expansion proposed.


6. Parking overflow and local spill impacts

There is a high risk that onsite parking will be insufficient, leading to spillover into surrounding residential streets.

This will further restrict already limited access and create additional conflict with emergency and service vehicle movement.


7. Amenity and neighbourhood character impacts

The scale of the proposed built form is inconsistent with the surrounding residential and bushland interface character.

Impacts include:

excessive bulk and visual dominance
loss of neighbourhood amenity
increased noise and activity levels
overshadowing and privacy impacts
The result is a fundamental shift in character from residential interface to institutional precinct.


8. Infrastructure and cumulative strain

Local infrastructure, including stormwater, utilities, and service capacity, is likely to be placed under additional strain.

More importantly, the cumulative effect of increased density, constrained access, and bushfire exposure creates a compounding safety risk that has not been adequately resolved.


Conclusion

This proposal presents an unacceptable planning outcome due to its scale, location, and safety implications.

It would significantly increase population density in a bushfire-prone, access-constrained environment that is demonstrably not capable of safely supporting the level of expansion proposed.

For these reasons, I request that the application be refused in its current form. At minimum, it would require a substantial redesign and reduction in scale to address fundamental safety, access, and bushfire evacuation constraints.

Yours sincerely,
Judi Groom

I reside adjacent to the War Vets on James Wheeler Place, I do not object to the project's intent to modernise the housing and facilities within the War Vets so that they are all usable and in a state for use for the coming decades, but I do object to the scale of the concept vs the regions character / atmosphere, environmental contamination risk, local traffic and roads impact and the duration of consistent construction. Further I am highly concerned about the intended or unintended pressure this may put on the James Wheeler Place access bridge, potential for reclassification for through traffic and the resultant safety impact on the James Wheeler Place street and the many area residents that use it daily to access the Narrabeen Lake.
The question of procedural unfairness is also to be raised given the exhibition period for this proposal runs for 13 calendar days only, from 7 May to 20 May 2026. This is materially inadequate given the scale of the application, associated documents and complexity. I request that the exhibition be extended to allow for further awareness in the community and for residents and their consultants to have time to assess and critique the exhibition to a level that such a scale of exhibition and 15 year duration warrants.
The scale of the construction is in contrast to the atmosphere and layout of the Narrabeen Lake, Collaroy Plateau and Wheeler Heights suburbs, it is excessive in all aspects and risks impacting not only the road networks around the site but also the bushland and atmosphere of the highly trafficked Narabeen lake walk. It has the risk of altering what is loved by and draws many residents to want to live, socialise and exercise within the areas adjacent to the War Vets.
The 15 year continuous construction of the exhibition is an assault on the residents of lower Narrabeen, Wheeler Heights and Collaroy Plateau. Noise and dust travels easily and far within the western side of the hill resulting in the noise of the construction affecting those of Lantana Avenue and Veterans Parade but those of Wheeler Heights, South Narrabeen and anyone using the normally nature noise filled walk around the lake. 15 years of this disruption is excessive for anyone to tolerate.
Whilst the exhibition notes that environmental contamination risk assessments have occurred, given the exhibition is catering for a concept to execute over 15 years it is hard to see within the allotted exhibition period that sufficient risk mitigation and assessments have been allowed for to cater for the risk as it likely changes over the 15 years of construction. I would expect that the environmental assessments should occur per stage of development to allow for changes to be identified as a result of the previous stage or as the natural evolution of the environment proceeds from year to year.
Further the local road networks current state, ability to handle the construction and post construction increase in traffic is a high concern. major roads of Rose Avenue, Veterans Parade and Parkes Road are not suited to major construction traffic, are in a current state of disrepair and regularly bottleneck at school pick up and drop off times, this is prior to a 15 years of construction. Post the completion of each stage the increases in the local traffic volume of the local roads, choke points are inadequately considered within the assessments contained within the exhibition.
I request that the clear statement that the James Wheeler Place access bridge not be used for any construction or resident use over the period of the 15 year construction or post its completion.

Peter and Virginia Brinkman
21 Lantana Avenue
Wheeler Heights NSW 2097
[email protected]

18 May 2026

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Submitted via the NSW Planning Portal

RE: Objection to State Significant Development Application
Application No: SSD-85869467
ANZAC Village Seniors Housing – Concept & Stage 1 Development
90 Veterans Parade, Narrabeen NSW

Dear Planning Assessment Officer,

We write to formally object to the above development application.

While we acknowledge the importance of providing additional seniors housing across New South Wales, this proposal is excessive in scale and fundamentally incompatible with the existing character, infrastructure capacity, and amenity of the surrounding neighbourhood. We respectfully urge the Department to refuse the application or require substantial modifications.

1. Lack of Community Consultation

We are deeply concerned by the absence of meaningful consultation with directly affected residents.

The only reason we became aware of this proposal was through a neighbour. Despite living directly opposite the proposed development site, we did not receive any notification or correspondence regarding the application. Given the significant impact this proposal would have on nearby residents, this lack of engagement is unacceptable.

Residents who will be most affected by this development should have been properly informed and consulted from the outset.

2. Traffic, Parking and Transport Impacts

Traffic conditions in Lantana Avenue have deteriorated substantially over many years as the RSL village has progressively expanded. The street is no longer the quiet residential environment it once was when we purchased our home decades ago.

Current traffic levels are already excessive and create ongoing safety and amenity concerns for residents. This development would dramatically worsen those impacts and make traffic volumes intolerable.

Parking pressures are also already severe. Residents of Lantana Avenue lost approximately 50% of available street parking several years ago following changes requested by the RSL, including removal of parking from the northern side of the street. Since then, residents and visitors have struggled constantly to find parking.

If this development proceeds, both construction-related parking demand and long-term resident and visitor demand would far exceed the street’s capacity. This is completely incompatible with the existing infrastructure.

At a minimum, consideration should be given to widening the northern side of Lantana Avenue and restoring parking on both sides of the street.

We are also concerned about the ongoing use of Lantana Avenue as a Sydney Buses route servicing the RSL village. Buses travel through the street every few minutes, often with very few passengers. This creates constant noise, traffic disruption, and environmental impacts for residents.

Given that the RSL already provides private transport services for its residents to shops and local destinations, there appears to be little justification for maintaining frequent public bus services through Lantana Avenue. Public buses could instead remain on Veterans Parade, which is a far more appropriate transport corridor.

We strongly encourage a formal traffic and transport review of the area before any further expansion is approved.

3. Excessive Height and Scale

The proposed building heights of up to eight storeys are entirely out of character with the surrounding neighbourhood.

This is a low-rise residential area on the Northern Beaches, not a high-density urban precinct. The scale and visual bulk of the proposal would have a significant and permanent impact on the character of the area.

4. Overdevelopment and Density

The sheer number of units and intensity of the development represent a clear overdevelopment of the site.

The proposal is far too dense for the surrounding residential environment and would place additional strain on already stretched local infrastructure, roads, parking, and services.

The development should be substantially scaled back.

5. Loss of Views and Residential Amenity

Many residents of Lantana Avenue will suffer significant loss of views, privacy, and general residential amenity as a result of the proposed development.

These impacts will materially diminish the quality of life and property enjoyment of existing residents.

6. Bushfire and Emergency Evacuation Concerns

We are also concerned about the lack of clarity regarding emergency evacuation arrangements in the event of a bushfire or other major emergency.

Given the scale of the proposal and the large number of elderly residents who would occupy the site, detailed evacuation and emergency management plans should be publicly addressed before any approval is considered.

In conclusion, we respectfully request that the Department give serious consideration to the concerns raised not only by ourselves, but also by many other residents of Lantana Avenue and existing ANZAC Village residents who are deeply troubled by this proposal.

In our view, the application represents an excessive and inappropriate overdevelopment of the site and surrounding area. Approval of the proposal in its current form would set a damaging precedent for the neighbourhood and significantly reduce the amenity and liveability of the local community.

We would be happy to provide further information or discuss our concerns in more detail if required.

Yours sincerely,

Peter and Virginia Brinkman

I think this will add way too much traffic during construction and after construction for this peaceful family and seniors area.
This will also have a big environmental impact for runoff and pollution in Narrabeen Lake. While measures will be taken to avoid this during and after construction, this will still have an environmental impact on this ecosystem for years to come.
This does not outweigh the advantages of making this village larger by no means. I think the village that is there now is more than adequate for the surrounding environment. There are many other places the RSL can build a new seniors village that isn't over a pristine environment like the Narrabeen Lake. This will also have a huge impact on the quiet and family friendly neighbourhood that many call home. Please reconsider and build this new village in a more suitable area. Thank you.

I am 75 years of age. I lived in Penrith for 63 years before moving to the Village, with the promise from Management that I would be looked after until the end. I moved here in 2016 just before Christmas. I sold my home in Penrith and was looking forward to a nice, peaceful life in the village. I was promised that when I was unable to care for myself I would be moved to the Dementia Ward and then if really unwell, to the Care Ward. With the redevelopment plans as such, this does not look like it will happen. I worked as a Practice Manager for 6 Surgical Specialists in Penrith, for 30 years, until my retirement.
I had great expectations of living out my life in peace and quite of the Village, which I was promised.
I am very stressed all the time now, (as are others in the Village), as I have been told my Unit, along with 6 neighbours, will be demolished in Stage II. I have not been told where they will re-allocate me when this happens.
The noise, dust and traffic flow of trucks in and out of the Village and getting around the Village, make things very stressful. Up to 15 trucks coming and going every day we have been told.
The effects of all this stress has impacted on my health, both physically and psychologically. I sometimes am awake until the early hours of the morning. I have had to revert to taking sleeping pills at night just to be able to fall asleep and function the next day. I have sought medical advice for this.
They are talking about building 5 to 8 storey buildings. This means the elderly will have to use lifts, which tend to break down more often than not. The expense of servicing them is also very high, which means this expense will be passed onto the elderly pensioners.
We were told the development will take up to 15 years to complete, all of this time in disruption to the current residents.
I have had a bilateral knee replacement and I can't do stairs. I need level ground access to and from my unit, which I have at the moment. This is a major concern to me.
Another factor of great importance is - a few years ago we all were told to evacuate the Village due to the fires coming up the gully behind us. If we have 8 storey builldings, what happens if the lifts go out and the disabled elderly people have trouble getting out!!
There is a lot of bush at the end of Lantana Avenue, which is a "No through road", so this is a major issue. As it is a dead end street leading to the bush, the issue of access to and from is a major problem for emergency services, police and fire vehicles. There is limited evacuation access, which endanges future residents and emergency services.

Also there is a lot of wild life in the Village - bush turkeys, possums, wallabies, bandicoots, rainbow lorikeets, parrots, and kookaburras. They won't survive the large scale works.
Neither will all the aged residents, who are all currently STRESSED.

Another issue - there are 2 schools along Veterans Parade, children coming and going all day long from school. Parents dropping off and picking up their children, parking will be a problem also. Trucks will need to constantly go past the schools, risking children's lives. There is also a shopping centre along the route the trucks will need to take.

Please consider the residents and support our objections to this major stressful development.

I am writing to express my concern and strong opposition to Lifecare’s proposed Renewal Project for “Reimagining the Village’.

I am 72 years old and have lived in this Village since 2016. My Aunt and sister also moved into Anzac Village. I invested all of my savings to join this community in good faith with the expectations of stability, safety and a reasonable quality of life in my later years. I am currently managing a range of chronic health conditions and had intended to remain in place if my health declined and avoid the need for further relocation.

I came to this village with the expectation of being able to enjoy the remainder of my life peacefully in bushland surroundings and protected by residents’ rights afforded under the Retirement Villages Act and other relevant legislation.

I am now potentially facing up to 15 years of sustained construction activity in close proximity to my home. This raises serious concerns about my health and wellbeing, including prolonged exposure to noise, dust, vibration, restricted access, and the cumulative psychological stress of living in what will effectively be a long-term construction environment.

In addition, the redevelopment will result in the loss or disruption of current services and facilities, e.g. TLC and Pool, access to Lantana Avenue bus service, access to my lockup garage. The disruption of these services will directly affect my health and wellbeing and also my confidence, independence, accessibility, and sense of security.

Our current low-density Village will be replaced by a high-rise urban jungle. Our beautiful trees will be removed, including habitat for the many native animals who also live here. Replacing single storey buildings with 5 – 8 storey buildings in close proximity to elderly residents’ homes is cruel and unreasonable. Forcing them to relocate is the same as evicting them – also cruel and unreasonable at our advanced age.

Given the scale and duration of the proposed works, there is a serious question as to whether prolonged exposure to construction over many years constitutes an unreasonable interference with residents’ rights. This is of particular concern for all residents currently living in Anzac Village, who are both financially unable to relocate and physically less able to adapt to such disruption. I am deeply concerned that the current approach does not adequately safeguard the rights, dignity, and quality of life of existing residents.

There are many aspects of this Village in its current state that require attention from the Operator, such as aging infrastructure, substandard dwellings, insufficient care facilities, footpaths, and poor signage etc. These should be addressed before subjecting existing residents to an unwanted renewal project that few of us will live to see completed and derive any benefit from.

This renewal project must not be permitted to proceed as currently proposed and I urge you to note my concerns and opposition.