MLC School Burwood

See attached

Convience for resident for using additional sport centre and the performing art building

I am currently living on one of the streets that will be significantly impacted by this new development. In speaking to my neighbours, they have also raised their concerns.

The majority of the residents on this street who will be impacted by MLC's new development are non-English speakers. Due to language barriers, they face significant challenges in understanding the full scope and implications of the proposed changes. Many of these community members rely on translated materials and interpreters, which are often limited and insufficient in conveying the complex details of the project.

Although Urbis initially door knocked a number of houses on the street, many people were left confused about what was being presented. As a result, the surrounding community are still unclear of the potential disruptions to their daily lives, including noise, traffic, and other environmental impacts.

Furthermore, due to these barriers, many were unable to attend the community information centres where vital updates and discussions were held. This lack of participation has further prevented them from voicing their concerns and understanding how they could be directly affected.

In speaking to my family and neighbours, they have asked me to help express our sincere and collective concerns regarding the proposed development of MLC School's Performing Arts and Sports Centre in our residential area, which is expected to impact our community for over the next ten years, at a minimum.

The prospect of such a development has stirred considerable discussion amongst our community members, and many of us are worried about the potential impact it could have on Burwood's character, traffic congestion, noise levels, pedestrian safety, property values, and local wildlife, over such an extended period of time.

Our residential area has always been cherished for its peaceful environment and community feel, which could be significantly disrupted by the increased activity and infrastructure demands that a large-scale centre would bring. Moreover, the additional traffic could pose safety risks for children and pedestrians, in particular to the increased community engagement we have seen from the fantastic development of the new park at the corner of Burwood Road and Comer Street.

The long duration of construction activity and increased human presence could drive away local wildlife residing in Burwood Park that rely on this green space, resulting in a less vibrant and healthy natural environment.

Many children also traverse regularly along Comer St and Britannia Ave to reach St Mary's Catholic School and already experience dangerous traffic conditions from cars entering and exiting the car park on Britannia Ave, which I have personally witnessed and experienced multiple times.

Furthermore, the long term development and future patronage of the site will cause a strain on parking and public transport facilities.

Although MLC School and Urbis have attempted to address these topics, the responses provided are generic, dismissive, insufficient and indicate a fundamental lack of understanding of the actual situation. Under "Managing traffic, safety and access" on MLC's website, it is stated that "Based on initial traffic studies, the Performing Arts and Sports Centre is not anticipated to generate an increase in traffic or parking demand once operational". With a larger footprint and capacity, this is logically impossible and residents have not had visibility of the traffic studies to validate these assumptions.

Additionally, the statement that "Should the proposal be approved, primary route for construction vehicles will be via Comer Street and Britannia Avenue" raises additional concerns considering the already narrow street width of Britannia Ave.

We understand the importance of cultural and sporting facilities for the enrichment of our community. However, we firmly believe that the proposed location is not suitable for such a development, in particular, one that is for private use. The proposed location on Britannia Ave only further compounds the issues that current residents are experiencing and there must be alternative solutions that could be considered to accommodate the development without compromising the tranquility and safety of residential areas.

We urge you to consider the voices of the residents who are opposed to the development of MLC School's Performing Arts and Sports Centre and Sports Complex. Although it is hopeful that new projects align with the community's values and contribute positively to the area, it is crucial that we not overlook the significant impacts to increased traffic congestion, noise levels, risk to pedestrian safety, and threat to local wildlife in nearby Burwood Park.