Hawkesbury Council voted last night to support a planning proposal that would expand the Redbank development in Grose Vale, paving the way for up to 350 additional housing lots.

The proposal will now progress to the next stage, known as a “Gateway determination,” which is assessed by the Department of Planning.

The Liberal/Labor alliance with the help of newly elected, Liberal-aligned Mayor Les Sheather voted to push the plans to the next stage of the approval process. Councillors voting in favor were Les Sheather, Liberal Councillors Mike Creed, Sarah McMahon, Paul Veigel, and Jill Reardon, alongside Labor Councillor Amanda Kotlash. Opposing the proposal were Independents Nathan Zamprogno and Mary Lyons-Buckett, Greens Councillor Danielle Wheeler, and Shane Djuric from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.

The expansion involves rezoning 35.41 hectares of land at Kemsley Park to add to the 1,399 lots already approved for Redbank. Currently zoned RU4 (Primary Production), the land would be reclassified into R2 and R5 residential zones, with some areas set aside as RE1 for public recreation.

The site, located along Grose Vale Road, is part of the historically significant Yobarnie Keyline Farm. This farm was central to the innovative Keyline system developed by Percival A. Yeomans (1905–1984), which revolutionized Australian farming through improved soil health, water management, erosion control, and sustainable practices.

The proposed Masterplan includes the removal of two dams, with one to remain. Lot sizes would range from 375m² to 1,500m², with smaller lots concentrated centrally and larger ones planned along the northwest perimeter.

Subject site and surrounding Redbank development