I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my STRONG OPPOSITION to reducing the greenspace requirement on new developments to only 5% instead of the existing 20%. The 20% requirement provides a balance between appropriate development and the health and safety of the community and the environment.

Green space is universally acknowledged as being vital to human and mental health and every development needs to carry their fair share of the load to ensure urban environments remain green.

I live in a high rise community and can tell you from first-hand experience, that greenspace and trees are extremely important in mitigating wind tunnel effects, and providing a "backyard" for people who live in these dense high rise communities. People need places to throw a ball with their kid or their dog, they need a place to sit out in the sun. If you don't provide these spaces in dense communities, people will opt to spread out into the suburbs and you will not achieve the increased density you are hoping for.

It is sad to see that increasingly urban land and subsequent housing is being controlled by corporations and their profits rather than individuals looking to create healthy communities.

It is the responsibility of government, of YOU, to ensure balance and green space is preserved.

Please maintain the requirement for 20% greenspace on new developments.