Minarah College

Please see attached letter.

i object

Dear Sir/Madam,
Regarding Support for the Development of Minarah College and Rezoning of Catherine Field
I am writing to express my strong support for the development of Minarah College and the proposed amendment of the RU4 zone to a housing zone for Catherine Field and sur- rounding area. As a young 24-year-old female invested in the future growth of greater Sydney, I believe these developments will bring much needed revitalisation and opportu- nity to an area that has seen little infrastructure improvements.
The development of the RU4 zone will allow for new housing developments, directly ad- dressing the current housing and rental crisis. This aligns perfectly with the South West Growth Area planning, offering an immediate and forward thinking solution to ease pres- sure on housing availability. By incorporating Deep Field Road into the development plan, the area will be better prepared to support new residents, with the necessary in- frastructure in place from the start. Essentially, it is the best interest of my generation to be able to afford a future home.
In addition, these developments present a great opportunity for the NSW Government to upgrade critical infrastructure such as roads, sewerage, water, and power systems. The Catherine Field and South West Area areas have long been overlooked since my grand- parents purchased 260 Deep Field Road, Catherine Fields in 1969. This project will ad- dress the need for urban renewal that is urgently needed within the area.
Moreover, this development brings a promise of cultural growth and inclusion. The devel- opment of Minarah College, with its focus on education and inclusivity, will foster an envi- ronment that promotes wellbeing for students and their families while enriching Australia’s culture.
Revitalising this area is a significant step and a perfect opportunity for the government to lay the foundation for future growth in the region.
I appreciate your time in considering this letter and strongly urge the NSW Government to move forward with these proposals for the benefit of our community and the future of the South West Growth Area.
Yours sincerely,
Elisa Galizia

As there is no piped underground stormwater drainage infrastructure along Catherine Fields Road, the overload flow paths would direct stormwater away from buildings and ultimately discharge to the Catherine Fields Road reserve drainage system.

There is insufficient thought placed to the safety of the students (Minarah College), but only one reason why this college should not ahead.
* playing on the soccer field which will be used for the on site sewer management system.
* No pedestrian footpaths or crossings other than within the kiss and drop area.
* flooding expected within the carpark at the exit gate where the overland water flows
* a flood safety plan which either holds the children on site or asks that they walk the students through flood waters to Catherine Field hall which, mind you will not hold 980
students plus 51 teachers.

Consider the neighbouring homes:
- Road widening at the site to three lanes
- Immediate neighbours will only be able to turn left out of their driveways
- Increased noise as they mention ‘construction will likely be occurring when there are students on site’
- Increased noise as they plan to ‘cut in’ to the land 1.5m
- Increased affects of flooding downstream as they will direct floodwaters away from their buildings
- Two storey buildings overlooking neighbours yards

I strongly support this project. Please refer to the attached document for more details.

Based on the traffic and car parking numbers, I oppose this proposal. Catherine Field is not a suitable location for a development of this size until suitable infrastructure is available.

I wholeheartedly support this project. Please see the attached file for details.

To Whom It May Concern

I am writing to formally object to the establishment of Minarah College, located just two doors down from my residence. The proposed operating hours of 7 AM to 10 PM raise significant concerns, particularly regarding traffic and parking in the area. Catherine Fields Road is not wide enough to accommodate the influx of vehicles that a school of this size would generate.
Please see below points that will directly impact & Compromise the safety of Children & our peaceful town.

- playing on a soccer field which will be used for the on site sewer management system.
- No pedestrian footpaths or crossings other than within the kiss and drop area.
- flooding expected within the carpark at the exit gate where the overland water flows
- a flood safety plan which either holds the children on site or asks that they walk the students through flood waters to Catherine Field hall which, will not hold 980 students plus 51 teachers.
Consider the neighbouring homes:
- Road widening at the site to three lanes
- Immediate neighbours will only be able to turn left out of their driveways
- Increased noise as they mention ‘construction will likely be occurring when there are students on site’
- Increased noise as they plan to ‘cut in’ to the land 1.5m
- Increased affects of flooding downstream as they will direct floodwaters away from their buildings
- Two storey buildings overlooking neighbours yards

Please strongly consider my above concerns.
Regards,
Vic Vella

To Whom It May Concern

I am writing to formally object to the establishment of Minarah College, located just two doors down from my residence. The proposed operating hours of 7 AM to 10 PM raise significant concerns, particularly regarding traffic and parking in the area. Catherine Fields Road is not wide enough to accommodate the influx of vehicles that a school of this size would generate.
Thank you for considering my concerns.
Regards,
Alison Vella

We’re need another school in this area.

I would like to support this school going ahead on Catherine Field Road Catherine Field. I fully believe that the school will be a great asset to our whole community and will provide the opportunity to improve Catherine Field road and surrounding infrastructures.
It appears that the proposal has positively covered the parking, sewer, utilities and the provision for drop off / pick up and bus bays.
Thankyou.

I absolutely object to this project being considered as this will greatly impact our community terribly in so many ways.
There is no water infrastructure, no sewerage infrastructure, no road infrastructure, no road maintenance, no walkway infrastructure, no gas infrastructure, no stormwater infrastructure, no traffic control......need I go on.
The safety of our community will be greatly impacted to say the least.

I am fully support this project. This development is crucial and important to the community. We’ve suffered enough with crowded schools. We need more schools in this area.

To the Planning Authority,

First: "It is crucial to emphasise that the voices and concerns of local residents must carry greater weight in the approval process for developments like Minarah College, as they are the ones directly affected by the long-term impacts on infrastructure, environment, and community fabric. While input from outside stakeholders is acknowledged, allowing disproportionate influence from individuals or groups who do not reside in or regularly interact with the local community undermines the fairness of the process and imposes changes that benefit external parties at the expense of those who call this area home. The decision-making process must prioritize the legitimate concerns of the local population who will bear the full brunt of this development

I am writing to formally oppose the Minarah College development proposal for Catherine Field. This project, if approved, would impose an unnecessary burden on the local community and fundamentally alter the fabric of our semi-rural environment. Several factors demonstrate why Catherine Field is not a suitable location for a school of this size, and I urge the planning authority to reconsider the approval of this development.

1. Lack of Infrastructure to Support a School
Catherine Field currently lacks the necessary infrastructure to accommodate a large-scale school like Minarah College. The proposed development is not aligned with the reality of local conditions, and the following infrastructure concerns must be addressed:

Inadequate Road Network: The roads in and around Catherine Field are narrow, poorly maintained, and not designed to handle large volumes of traffic. The area has no traffic lights, no proper turning lanes, and very few controlled intersections. Introducing the daily traffic of nearly 1,000 students, teachers, and parents will severely overburden the existing road system, leading to congestion, delays, and safety hazards.

No Walkways or Pedestrian Infrastructure: There is a stark absence of footpaths or pedestrian walkways in the area, making it unsafe for children to walk or cycle to school. This issue has not been adequately addressed in the application. Schools should be located in areas where walking and cycling are viable options, but Catherine Field lacks even the most basic pedestrian infrastructure.

Lack of Public Transport: The area has limited access to public transport, meaning that most students and staff will rely on private vehicles. This will further increase traffic congestion, road wear, and environmental impacts. The absence of public transport provisions in the development plan highlights a critical flaw in the proposal. It should be noted that there have been several fatalities in the area over recent years due to the nature and degradation of roads.

2. Environmental and Semi-Rural Character of the Area
Catherine Field is a semi-rural community that has developed organically, characterized by open spaces, low-density housing, and a quiet environment. The introduction of a large school will significantly disrupt this balance and degrade the environmental quality of the area.

Disruption to the Semi-Rural Character: The development will transform the nature of Catherine Field from a peaceful, semi-rural setting into a congested, urbanized zone. Increased traffic, noise, and construction will not only degrade the quality of life for current residents but also lead to further urban sprawl, which is not compatible with the character of the community.

Stormwater and Sewage Issues: The area does not have adequate stormwater drainage or sewage infrastructure to support such a large development. The introduction of impervious surfaces like parking lots and buildings will exacerbate existing drainage issues, potentially leading to flooding and water contamination problems. Additionally, the lack of a proper sewage system in the area raises concerns about how waste will be managed without putting additional strain on the local environment.

3. Lack of Amenities and Local Services
The proposed development does not fit the existing level of local services and amenities available in Catherine Field.

No Local Amenities: The area lacks essential services like shops, recreational facilities, or other community hubs that a school would typically need. A large school requires the availability of nearby amenities to support both students and staff, yet this development has been proposed in an area where such services are non-existent or severely limited.

Emergency Services Strain: With the current limitations on local services, including emergency response capabilities, the introduction of a large school would place additional strain on services that are already stretched thin. Any incidents requiring medical or emergency services would face delays due to the inadequate infrastructure, further endangering the community.

4. Traffic and Safety Concerns
The development will cause a significant increase in traffic, which will impact the safety of local residents and schoolchildren alike. Without traffic lights, proper road signage, and sufficient pedestrian infrastructure, the risk of accidents will rise.

Traffic Congestion and Road Safety: As mentioned, the local road network cannot handle the daily influx of vehicles that a school would generate. Without adequate safety measures such as pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, and proper school zones, the development presents a serious risk to both drivers and pedestrians.
5. Better Locations Exist
Given the issues outlined above, it is clear that Catherine Field is not the appropriate location for a development of this nature. The infrastructure is insufficient, the environmental impact is too great, and the community will suffer as a result. Better-suited locations with proper amenities, roads, transport, and infrastructure exist within the region, and the planning authority should direct the developer to explore these alternatives.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Minarah College proposal fails to adequately consider the needs and limitations of the Catherine Field community. The development would overwhelm our already insufficient infrastructure, disrupt the semi-rural character of the area, and negatively impact the safety and quality of life for residents. I strongly urge the planning authority to reject this application or seek a more suitable location for the proposed school.

Subject: Concerns Regarding Traffic and Infrastructure Impacts of the Proposed Minarah College Development

To the Planning Authority,

I am writing to formally raise concerns about the proposed Minarah College development, specifically regarding the insufficiencies in local road infrastructure and the significant traffic impacts that will arise if the project proceeds as outlined.

1. Traffic Volume and Infrastructure Limitations
The current proposal severely underestimates the potential increase in traffic caused by a school designed to accommodate 980 students, along with staff and teachers. The local road network in Catherine Field, which is primarily semi-rural, was not built to handle large volumes of traffic, especially during school peak hours. Furthermore, the proposal does not provide adequate detail or present a sufficient mitigation plan to address these issues.

Key Concern: The lack of comprehensive traffic modelling for peak periods (morning and afternoon) is a critical gap. There is no detailed analysis on how the increase in vehicles will affect congestion, wait times, or the flow of traffic into surrounding residential areas.
Key Areas of Concern:
Increased Traffic Volumes: While the proposal accounts for up to 980 students, it does not sufficiently analyze the real-world traffic implications during peak drop-off and pick-up times. Historically, schools of this size, particularly in semi-rural regions where families rely on private vehicles due to limited public transportation, create substantial congestion.

Example: A 2019 traffic report for a similar-sized school in Camden projected an influx of 600 vehicles during peak hours, overwhelming local infrastructure. Without necessary upgrades, Minarah College is likely to cause similar disruptions.
Road Capacity Issues: The semi-rural roads surrounding Catherine Field are narrow and not designed to support the volume of traffic typically generated by a large school. There are no dedicated turning lanes, traffic lights, or sufficient parking spaces, exacerbating the likelihood of bottlenecks and traffic delays.

Example: A 2020 report from Transport for NSW noted that rural roads often struggle to manage surges in traffic, especially when lacking proper infrastructure such as passing lanes and traffic signals.
Public Transportation Gaps: The proposal does not account for the region's public transport deficiencies, which will force most students and staff to rely on private vehicles. In rural areas, such as Catherine Field, public transport options are scarce, putting an added strain on the local road system.

Example: A neighboring school project in Oran Park faced similar rejection due to inadequate public transport provisions. Minarah College’s submission similarly neglects this issue.
Safety Hazards: Increased traffic volumes in rural areas without proper traffic control measures can elevate accident risks. The current road conditions, including speed limits, lack of pedestrian infrastructure, and insufficient safety features, could pose serious risks to both drivers and pedestrians.

Example: A school in Penrith experienced an increase in traffic accidents after its opening, due to a lack of safety features such as crosswalks and speed control measures.
2. Pedestrian and Road Safety
The proposal fails to address the safety of children who may walk or cycle to school. The roads surrounding the proposed development currently lack critical infrastructure such as pedestrian crossings, street lighting, and school zone traffic-calming measures.

Key Concern: The absence of a dedicated school safety plan, including measures like reduced speed limits or crossing guards, is a significant omission. Given the higher speed limits common to rural roads, this presents a dangerous environment for students.
Detailed Concerns:
Lack of Pedestrian Safety Infrastructure: The omission of basic pedestrian safety measures, such as crosswalks or sidewalks, is alarming. In semi-rural areas like Catherine Field, roads are designed primarily for vehicles, leaving pedestrians at risk.

Example: A school expansion in Camden resulted in a rise in vehicle-pedestrian accidents due to inadequate pedestrian infrastructure near the school zone.
High-Speed Limits and Risk Factors: Roads near Catherine Field typically have speed limits between 80-100 km/h. Such speeds are unsuitable for areas with increased pedestrian activity, especially near schools. Traffic calming measures like speed bumps or lower speed limits must be considered.

Example: Research from NSW shows that rural roads with high speed limits experience higher accident rates. In Penrith, backlash over similar concerns led to the implementation of a 40 km/h school zone and other traffic-calming measures.
Bicycle Safety Issues: The proposal does not mention safe routes or bicycle lanes, despite cycling becoming more popular in semi-rural areas. Without dedicated bike lanes, students would have to share narrow, high-speed roads with vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.

Example: A school in the Central Coast saw an uptick in student injuries due to a lack of bicycle infrastructure.
3. Road Durability and Maintenance
The local roads in Catherine Field are not built to sustain heavy traffic. With the added strain from school-related traffic, accelerated wear and tear is inevitable, and the proposal does not account for the long-term maintenance or budgetary provisions to address this.

Key Concern: The proposal lacks an assessment of how the increased traffic will impact road durability, nor does it offer any budget allocation for necessary road repairs and improvements.
Concerns:
Road Deterioration: Catherine Field’s roads are designed for light, residential use. An influx of vehicles, such as those associated with the daily operations of Minarah College, will cause faster deterioration of these roads.

Example: Rural roads in NSW, maintained by local councils, already face limited maintenance budgets. The proposal does not outline how the increased traffic load will be managed without frequent, costly repairs.
Accident Risk: With most rural road accidents involving local residents, the introduction of a large school with increased traffic poses additional safety risks. Without clear traffic management strategies, accidents involving speeding or inattentiveness are likely to increase.

4. Public Transport and Traffic Mitigation Plans
The absence of a robust public transport plan and the lack of traffic diversion strategies are significant flaws in the proposal. The heavy reliance on personal vehicles without effective traffic management will exacerbate congestion issues.

Key Concern: The omission of a public transport strategy significantly worsens the projected traffic burden on the local road network.
Conclusion
The Minarah College proposal fails to adequately address critical traffic and infrastructure concerns, including the lack of detailed traffic studies, safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists, and long-term road maintenance planning. I urge the planning authority to either reject the current proposal or require substantial revisions to address these issues before approval is granted.

Sent on the 29-09-2024
Dear Sir/Madam
My name is Michael Dimech and I am opposed to the new school that is proposed for Catherine Field Road, Catherine Field. I do not believe the area is suitable to have a school due to zoning, infrastructure and Flooding.
The following concerns also need to be addressed and resolved before any school is built in the area.
1) Infrastructure - Roads.
The proposed location Catherine Field Road is a major Thorofare for traffic and is used by many vehicles including heavy vehicles that reside in the area. Catherine Field Road, Barry Ave, Allenby Ave, Deepfield road, Springfield road and Chisholm Road are all in poor state of repair and any increase in traffic will see these roads deteriate. Who is responsible to maintain these roads? Will the increase in traffic related to the school contribute to the road maintenance or upgrade. As Catherine Field Road will now have a 40 k/h speed limit many vehicles will begin using other roads namely Chisholm rd / Deepfield rd, as a rat-run.
Also, there are NO footpaths or bike lanes along any roads in this area so any Parents/Children walking or bike riding will be at high risk.
2) Parking.
Will enough parking be provided for all Teachers / pupils & visitors including special events such as Christmas / Easter / End of year events that may occur as any vehicles parking on the streets will be placed in a dangerous situation as little room exists on many of these roads and any rains will result in further danger as vehicles possibly getting bogged / people slipping again due to poor road width.
3)
Drop-off, Pick-up
Has enough been provided here to as the real world has shown there needs to be minimum 2 lanes as parents come to pick up their children some will take longer than others, and these pick-ups, drop-off lanes will be clogged very quickly resulting in traffic overflowing onto Catherine Field Road.
3) Sewer.
Another concern is sewer. Since every property in the area has their own septic system due to no town system how will a system for a school be consider hygienic since the location is part flood zone and no doubt the septic will be located in the lowest part of the property.
4) Hour of operation
We were informed the school will operate 7 days a week up to 10pm. Any people living within close proximity who moved into the area moved into a Rural location, NOT an urban location. No other businesses operate these hours in this area. Allowing these business hours threatens the lifestyle of those who moved into the area. This includes excess noise, extra traffic and general disruption to the area.
I feel it is total inappropriate to have ANY school or business in this area and total object.
I have never made any political donations to any political party, ever.

Signed, Michael Dimech

I strongly oppose this project for the safety of the students and concern for neighbouring property owners. The site does not have the infrastructure to support a project of this size. The applicant should consider finding a more suitable site

The resource the community needs

Due to growing population of Muslims in the area there is a need for school that can cater for the religious education along with other subjects. This will be of great benefit to not only the Muslim community but the wider community as a whole as it will create valuable jobs for teachers. Furthermore, the special needs centre as well the the young learners centre will add to the much needed facilities in the area as population increases with the development of the airport.

Based on Appendix U- Wastewater Assessment report, I oppose the amended Minarah College