[Greens-Media] Mark Parnell MLC : Critical parts of planning system "harder to decipher than the da Vinci Code"

[Greens]

29 August 2006

Critical parts of planning system "harder to decipher than the da Vinci
Code"

Some of the most critical parts of the planning process (Planning
Amendment Reports, or PARs) are mostly made up of incomprehensible
gobbledegook, effectively excluding ordinary people from having a say in
what development occurs in their local area, says Greens MLC Mark
Parnell.

"What should be an open and transparent process has been turned into an
undemocratic mix of unintelligible spin, fat documents full of weasel
words and secret discussions behind closed doors.  For most people,
finding out what is about to happen in their backyard is like trying to
decipher the da Vinci Code", he said.

Mr Parnell, an environmental lawyer, and the only qualified planner in
the Legislative Council will outline his concerns today as part of the
debate on the Development Plans Amendment Bill, the second of a series
of Bills designed to significantly change the way planning and
development is done in South Australia.

Building on his 15 years experience in planning law, the Greens MLC will
suggest ways to make the planning system more transparent and accessible
for ordinary people.

 "Clearly Planning SA and most Local Councils need to go back to primary
school to learn plain English.  You just about need to be a planning
lawyer to decipher what the majority of planning documents are saying. 

"Most people's eyes glaze over when you start talking about planning.
But it is critical to ensuring healthy neighbourhoods with adequate
employment, playgrounds, shops and transport.  The current debate over
housing affordability and whether to build up or sprawl out is a classic
example of how important it is for people to have a say in the future of
their neighbourhoods", he said.

For further comment contact Mark Parnell on 08 8237 9471


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