[Greens-Media] Greens give Liberals...and Labor chance to end Part 3A farce

[David Shoebridge]

In response to community opposition across NSW to planning powers that remove planning decisions from local councils, Greens NSW MP and Planning spokesperson David Shoebridge today gave notice of a Bill to repeal Part 3A of the planning law.
 
"Communities across NSW have lost faith in our planning system," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
"By putting a Bill into Parliament to repeal Part 3A, The Greens are giving both the Government and the Opposition an opportunity to respond to community concerns and give planning powers back to local councils.
 
"Both parties spend a lot more time listening to developers than communities, and that's clearly why they both supported Part 3A in the first place. 
 
"The Greens say it's time for developments to provide more benefit to the community than to developers. Local government is where these decisions should be made.
 
"The Liberals have said they will repeal Part 3A if they are elected, but they haven't said what they'll replace it with.
 
"This Bill will give the Coalition the opportunity to show NSW they are fair dinkum. There's no need to wait until 2011. Why not remove it now and end Labor's corruption of the planning system?
 
"Sandon Point, the Marrickville Metro, the Coogee Bay Hotel, Balmain Leagues Club, coastal developments up and down the state: Part 3A has resulted in a tsunami of developments unpopular with communities, of marginal state significance, and of great benefit to developers.
 
"The Greens are determined to restore the community's voice to the planning process. If the Coalition are similarly committed they will support this Bill when it comes to the vote," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
Media Contact: 
David Shoebridge: 0408 113 952 
Colin Hesse: 02 9230 3030 or 0401 719 124
 
 
David Shoebridge
Greens MLC
NSW Parliament
PH: (02) 9230 3030
FX: (02) 9230 2159
www.davidshoebridge.org.au