[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Land supply review must not become a secret stalking horse, say Greens

[Greens]

Media Release

25 August 2006

Land supply review must not become a secret stalking horse, say Greens



A 'review' of land supplies in Adelaide must not become a secret
stalking horse for increasing urban sprawl on the back of unrealistic
population projections, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

While welcoming a debate on the issue, Mark Parnell has called for any
review to be free and open, rather than one conducted by the Major
Projects and Infrastructure Committee of Cabinet (MPICC). 

"If Mike Rann wants a review, then let's have a proper, open
investigation involving all interested players in the community, not
just a Cabinet committee conversation behind closed doors", said Mark
Parnell.      

"Big developers are quick to blame land supply for expensive housing,
and will be placing huge pressure on the Government to abandon the Urban
Growth Boundary.  But as many experts, including Julian Disney, Chair of
the National Affordable Housing Summit have pointed out; land supply has
only a small part to play in our current affordable housing crisis," he
said.

The amount of land required is highly dependant on future population
levels.  The Australian Bureau of Statistics has forecast a shortfall in
population of 420,000 from the Government's 2 million SA Strategic Plan
target.

"Any review of land supply needs must not be based on the Government's
fanciful population target of 2 million.  Everyone knows we aren't going
to make it. But the amount of land required is vastly different for 1.5
compared with 2 million residents. 

"The 2 million target should not be used by Government and the
development industry as a stalking horse for the abandonment of the
Urban Growth Boundary," he said.

_______________________________________________________________________
For further comment contact Mark Parnell on 8237 9111 or Craig Wilkins
on 0401 991 907



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