[Greens-Media] Coalition planning policy: missing in action

[David Shoebridge]

MEDIA RELEASE
27 October 2010
 
Coalition planning policy: missing in action
 
Shadow Special Minister of State Chris Hartcher today told hundreds of Local Government Councillors gathered in Albury for their Annual Conference that a Coalition Government would take two years to review and replace NSW's Environment Planning and Assessment Act.
 
Mr Hartcher was speaking as part of a political panel hosted by SBS Insight's Jenny Brockie, which included Labor Minister Steve Whan and Marrickville Greens Mayor Fiona Byrne.
 
Marrickville Greens Mayor Fiona Byrne said:
 
"When asked if that meant it would take the Coalition two years to repeal Part 3A, Mr Hartcher said a Liberal Government would abolish Part 3A immediately, but had no idea of what would replace it.
 
"Mr Hartcher had no answer when asked how projects of State Significance would be defined or approved in the two year period between the abolition and a new Planning Act.
 
"We don't believe that supermarkets and high rise units are critical infrastructure.
 
"The Greens are calling on the Opposition to come clean and tell the community what they will really do after abolishing Part 3A," Clr Byrne said.
 
Greens NSW MLC and Local Government and Planning spokesperson David Shoebridge said:
 
"Given the Coalition have been missing in action on planning reform for the last 15 years, why should anyone believe they're going to do anything once elected?
 
"The Coalition's plan to stick with Labor's terrible planning laws for at least the first half of their term of government is a disgrace.
 
"The Coalition expect the people of NSW to be content with a two year post election review and hollow promises.
 
"If Mr Hartcher is serious about abolishing Part 3A, he and the Liberal Party should be supporting  the current Greens Bill currently before Parliament to abolish Part 3A," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
Media Contact:
 
Fiona Byrne: 0401 719 120
Mark Riboldi for David Shoebridge: 0433 753 376
 
 
David Shoebridge
Greens MLC
NSW Parliament
PH: (02) 9230 3030
FX: (02) 9230 2159
www.davidshoebridge.org.au