If you have been following the South-West Sydney property market, you are well aware that Austral and Leppington North are experiencing unprecedented growth. Families are drawn to the area by the promise of a vibrant, emerging community and the opportunity to build their future.

There is a lot to be optimistic about in this corridor. However, as a real estate professional who spends time listening to the residents who actually live here, I believe it is important to have a brutally honest conversation about the area’s infrastructure.

A new report going before Liverpool City Council at next week’s Governance Meeting has quantified exactly what many locals have been feeling on the ground and is not being said at ribbon cutting ceremonies… it’s simply not enough. Let us look at the facts and discuss what this means for the families calling this precinct home.

The Shift in Population Projections

When the precinct was initially rezoned, the planning framework was designed to accommodate an ultimate population of 54,361.

However, the latest data going before Council reveals a very different trajectory. Driven by smaller lot subdivisions, secondary dwellings, and increased density, the revised projections show the population is now on track to reach 76,235 people.

The Challenge of Open Space

When speaking with young families looking to buy in the area, one of their primary priorities is access to parks and recreational areas.

In a recent Council survey of over 440 locals, the most common concerns raised were a lack of parks, playgrounds, and recreation spaces. The data in next week’s infrastructure review validates these concerns. The report notes that, even with proposed new land acquisitions, the precinct will face a 49.63-hectare deficit in open space when compared to standard industry benchmarks for a population of this size.

To put that into perspective, that is the equivalent of dozens of sports fields of parkland that the community will be missing. I deeply empathise with the families who purchased here expecting ample green spaces. As we build more homes, we must ensure we are also building the foundational elements of a healthy community.

The $911 Million Transport Requirement

The second most frequent issue raised by residents is the state of the local road network — specifically, narrow streets, missing footpaths, and increasing congestion.

The Council’s transport assessment provides a clear picture of what is required to fix this. To deliver the necessary road upgrades, traffic signals, and public transport infrastructure for 76,000 people, the estimated cost is $911 million. Crucially, $218 million of this infrastructure is required by 2036 to prevent severe gridlock.

Traditionally, these costs are covered by developer contributions. However, with a funding gap this significant, Council will need approval from the state pricing regulator (IPART) to increase these fees. If the required funding cannot be secured through development alone, it will require a united front from Local, State, and Federal governments to bridge the gap without overburdening existing ratepayers.

Moving Forward

I remain a strong advocate for Austral and Leppington North. The residents here are building a fantastic community and they deserve the high-quality suburbs they invested in.

However, the data is clear: the population has outpaced the original planning. It is now essential for all levels of government — Local, State, and Federal — to collaborate and find solutions to fund this $911 million transport gap and address the shortfall in open space.

To the residents currently navigating these growing pains: your concerns are valid, and they are now backed by concrete data. As a community, we need to continue advocating for the infrastructure that this vital region of Sydney requires.