[Greens-Media] (Shoebridge MLC) Government back-flip needed to fix planning mess

[Colin Hesse]

Media Release
 
>From David Shoebridge, Greens MP and spokesperson for Planning
 
16 September 2010   - For immediate use
 
 
Government back-flip needed to fix planning mess
 
 
Greens MP David Shoebridge has welcomed the State Government's back-flip that will see an increase in infrastructure levies of up to $30,000 per lot in many of the fastest growing areas of NSW.
 
"The Government's half-thought out decision in June to slash infrastructure levies was nothing more than a gift to developers. This has backfired badly on the provision of essential new housing across NSW, said Mr Shoebridge, The Greens spokesperson for Planning.
 
"The Government's failure to engage with local government on this issue lead to council's effectively going on strike and much needed new housing halted.
 
"The original reduction in levies proposed by the Government in the same budget would have seen many new suburbs in western Sydney and regional NSW with significant shortfalls in public infrastructure, such as playgrounds and curbing and guttering.
 
"The Government must move away from its obsession with meeting every wish of the developer lobby, and instead focus on developing proper and transparent decision making processes that would see government policy actually deliver for the people of NSW.
 
"This most recent flip-flop confirms this Government's incoherent approach to planning in NSW, said Mr Shoebridge.
 
Contact: David Shoebridge on 0408 113952 or Colin Hesse (Media officer) on 02 9230 3030 or 0401 719 124