[Greens-Media] (Hale MLC) Labor's Legacy of Outskirt Slums

[Christopher Holley]

Labor's Legacy of Outskirt Slums


Joe Tripodi's push to cut local infrastructure levies paid by developers will see Sydney return to the days of slums on its outskirts if the levy cuts are not matched by increased government spending, according to Sylvia Hale MP, NSW Greens MP spokesperson on Planning.

"These levies pay for providing water and sewerage works, local roads and transport links, parks, swimming pools and libraries. These are
essential elements of any successful new community. If they are absent we will be left with poorly serviced slums on the outskirts of
Sydney," said Ms Hale.

"There is no guarantee that the cut in levies will lead to more affordable housing. Developers are under no obligation to pass on
those cuts by lowering prices, they will still sell for the highest price they can get. The government should make the cut in levies
contingent on a guaranteed lower price for the housing."

"Even if some houses are cheaper few people will want to live in urban fringe areas with poor infrastructure and no services. New residents
will pay the social and economic costs of inadequate transport, education and health infrastructure."

"Funding for community infrastructure should come from a variety of sources including levies on developers, council rates and direct state
and federal government investment. Changing the mix of that funding will only work if the overall level of infrastructure investment is
maintained or increased. Instead the government is slashing levies at the same time it is deferring government infrastructure spending and
capping council rates."

"Strategic government investment is required now. It's no good building a new suburb then waiting until the roads are gridlocked
before thinking about putting in a train line. We've seen how disastrous that can be with the traffic problems that now exist in the
north-western suburbs," said Ms Hale.

"This push by Joe Tripodi is taking Sydney back to the 1950s, a period of development free-for-all and poorly serviced slums on the urban
fringe. Kristina Kenneally is obviously not able to stand up for proper urban planning in the face of Mr Tripodi's push to increase the
profits of his friends in the development industry," Ms Hale said.


Further information or comment:
Chris Holley (02) 9230 3030