There has been much discussion in the media in recent months about progress at the Western Sydney airport and aerotropolis. I have been vocal in my support of the airport and aerotropolis both in the House and in my community. However, while much of the focus has been on Bradfield, suburbs in my electorate, like Kemps Creek, Catherine Field and Rossmore, have been overlooked. While those areas are designated aerotropolis precincts, they have yet to be rezoned and possibly will not be for decades. They remain in a figurative holding pattern while, nearby, planes get ready to make their journeys. Unfortunately, while those suburbs retain their traditional rural zoning, they have not been spared the impacts of nearby developments.

I recently took a drive around the area with a couple of constituents to see the impact firsthand. One agricultural and gardening supplier has recently been working with Sydney Water to process waste and incorporate it into their products, causing a strong odour that I will not go into too much detail to describe. To its credit, the supplier has undertaken work to improve the odour impact on nearby residents. In addition to the landscaping and gardening suppliers, there are at least three tips, a brickworks and silica and sandstone plants within a radius of a couple of kilometres.

Since the announcement of the airport, speculators have also moved in to land bank in anticipation of the increased value and development potential that a major airport brings. In their attempt to cover the holding costs of the land, some speculators have resorted to land uses that not only clash with the rural surroundings but fragrantly breach council and State regulations. Illegal construction, transport and trucking businesses have sprung up all over Kemps Creek and surrounding suburbs. Trucks and other large vehicles have also become an ever‑present sight due to construction of the M12, airport, metro and aerotropolis. Those trucks and heavy vehicles—a product of both legal and illegal uses—have, predictably, torn up rural roads.

Local streets have become dangerous and undriveable due to the damage caused and the plethora of potholes that have resulted. Many constituents have come to my office in frustration at the lack of action from Liverpool City Council. One resident in Kemps Creek has reported that at least three-quarters of the neighbouring properties are home to illegal land uses. Compounding the issue, in the past year or so Liverpool City Council has changed the way that it investigates compliance complaints. Previously, all complaints were investigated. The view taken at the time was that not investigating would expose council to unacceptable risk should the cause of the complaint result in property damage, injury or worse.

The new policy, supported by a majority of the elected body, now sees council apply a risk‑based approach, where compliance officers are left to make a call as to whether a complaint from the public warrants further investigation. This has inevitably led to accusations of inconsistency. An elderly family had the full force of Liverpool City Council's compliance team bear down on them, with visits from rangers and letters threatening fines in the millions of dollars, all for a car awning being out by a few centimetres. A humble farmer was threatened with ruin for erecting a simple structure to protect his crops. Meanwhile, large construction, transport and mechanical companies are free to conduct their intensive, pollutive uses in previously idyllic rural areas, seemingly with no penalty.

Whereas fresh air and the sounds of kookaburras and other wildlife were once the main appeal of places like Kemps Creek, Rossmore and Catherine Fields, noise, potentially dangerous odours and dust are now the new daily reality. People who have lived there for decades in semi‑rural tranquillity have had their peace and quiet turned upside down through no fault of their own. They deserve a decent quality of life as much as anyone else. Residents accept that progress is coming and all whom I have spoken with welcome it. They are excited about the airport. However, this transition from a semi‑rural oasis to an aerotropolis must be handled better, and the cop on the beat, Liverpool City Council, must do better. In recent days I have received a letter from Liverpool City Council stating that the properties I have mentioned are being investigated. Nevertheless, the council must do better.