Mr NATHAN HAGARTY ( Leppington ) ( 19:31 ): Earlier this year I spoke in this House about Rossmore Grange and a proposal being pursued by non-resident Liberal Councillor Harte of Liverpool City Council to investigate rezoning this important community asset. As I said at the time, Rossmore Grange is more than 80 hectares of open space with immense recreational and cultural significance to my community. It has long been valued by local residents and also occupies a unique position within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. Since then, a clear message has emerged from my community: Residents do not want to see Rossmore Grange sacrificed. That concern is very understandable. The council already has resolved to spend $250,000, which is a quarter of a million dollars of ratepayers' money, to progress a planning proposal for the site and investigate future development opportunities that include industrial uses.

For many residents this debate is not about planning or zoning maps. It is about whether future generations will inherit open space that can be enjoyed by the community or whether that opportunity will be lost forever. As we know, once public open space is gone it is incredibly difficult to replace. That is why so many people in Rossmore and the surrounding suburbs have taken such a strong interest in the future of this pristine site. I have heard from residents, community groups and families who are deeply concerned about the future of Rossmore Grange. Many fear that once this land is changed, it can never truly be restored to what it is today. It is the home of many species of unique flora and fauna, some of which are endangered, and the land has cultural significance for our Indigenous community. This debate is not about planning jargon or zoning maps. It is really about protecting a special place for many that matters to them.

I was contacted by Rossmore Public School recently and visited the school last week. The year 5 and year 6 classes are currently learning about persuasive language and persuasive writing. As part of their studies, they took on the issue of Rossmore Grange. Each of the students wrote a letter to me about why it was important to them. I have those letters and I have read them. One theme emerged again and again: they want to keep Rossmore Grange as open space, as it is now, for future generations. In pursuit of this potential rezoning, council members have spoken about a future vision, future investment and future opportunities for Rossmore Grange. Here is what those students had to say. Maryam wrote, "Local government is planning on transforming this vital green space into an industrial zone. We need to preserve Rossmore Grange." Ryder wrote, "How would you feel if I told you that Rossmore Grange was being destroyed before your very own eyes? I can't stand it. I don't want Rossmore Grange to become a dump yard full of pollution."

Vainga wrote, "Rossmore Grange needs to be an upgraded park for the children of Rossmore, not 80 hectares of cement. It would be great to have picnic areas for families to socialise at Rossmore Grange." Jaafar wrote, "Rossmore Grange should be upgraded into a proper park with jungle gyms, tree houses and sporting playgrounds. Little kids should be able to go on bushwalks to see animals in their natural habitat, and play footy and play soccer." Mira wrote, "It would be great as a camping area." Jaxon wrote, "Rossmore Grange is home to many species of animals. I don't want that destroyed." Hannah wrote, "How would you feel if you couldn't breathe properly because of industrial buildings?" Hannah also said, "You must make social, exciting active places such as parks, picnic grounds, sports fields and food trucks." Food trucks emerged in the letters again and again. They are big fans of food trucks at Rossmore.

Rossmore Grange remains one of the largest publicly owned open spaces in the area and probably in the Sydney Basin. As Western Sydney continues to grow, the value of places where families can gather, children can play and communities can connect will only increase. That is precisely why the views of local residents, particularly young people, matter so much in this discussion. What struck me most was not just the quality of the students' writing but their understanding of the issue and what is at stake. They understand that open space and green space are incredibly valuable. They understand that communities need places where families can gather, children can play and people can connect with nature.

Most importantly, they understand that not every piece of land should be judged solely by what can be built upon it. Those students may be in primary school, but their message is both simple and profound. Rossmore Grange matters and it must be protected. If this is what the future leaders of our community and the next generation think about this issue, then we should take notice. Long after today's planning debates are forgotten, they will inherit the consequences of the decisions we make today and their voices deserve to be heard.