[Greens-Media] Update: Local Government survives Coalition push, O'Farrell supports change in planning laws.

[David Shoebridge]

MEDIA RELEASE
25 October 2010
 
Local Government survives Coalition push, O'Farrell supports change in
planning laws.
 
Greens NSW MP and Local Government spokesperson David Shoebridge
welcomed the Independent Network and the Greens retaining control of the
executive of the Local Government Association at the LGA Annual
Conference in Albury.
 
"This is a great result – NSW was in serious danger of sliding
completely into the hands of the Coalition," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
"If the Coalition had taken control of the Local Government
Association, then local government would have lost its voice following
the inevitable defeat of the ALP in the March 2011 State election.
 
"We can now look forward to the Local Government Association continuing
as an independent voice which can stand up to any incoming government.
 
"With no clarity on the Opposition's planning or rates policy, this
result was vital.
 
"Premier Kristina Keneally and Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell both
addressed the LGA conference this morning, and both were in full-scale
election mode.
 
"Premier Keneally talked up NSW, but failed to commit to a moratorium
on Part 3A applications until after the election.
 
"There is now a real danger of an armada of bad planning decisions
being rushed through before Christmas.
 
"Mr O'Farrell was very impressive in his criticism of Labor's planning
regime in NSW, and impassioned in calling for change.
 
"From this we can expect Coalition will be working with the Greens to
repeal Part 3A before the end of the year," Mr Shoebridge said.  
 
For more information: 
 
David Shoebridge  0408 113 952
Mark Riboldi   0433 753 376
 
 
David Shoebridge
Greens MLC
NSW Parliament
PH: (02) 9230 3030
FX: (02) 9230 2159
www.davidshoebridge.org.au