[Greens-Media] O'Farrell govt blocks Greens move to secure Molineux Pt public access

[John Kaye]

O'Farrell govt blocks Greens move to secure Molineux Pt public access
 
Media release: 22 November 2012
 
During debate on Wednesday night in the NSW parliament on the O'Farrell government's ports privatisation legislation, the Greens attempts to ensure that the sell-off will not stop public access to Molineux Point were blocked by the combined votes of the Liberal-Nationals parties, the Shooters and Fishers Party and the Christian Democrats.
 
The passage of the bill through the NSW Upper House late last night without the Greens amendment means that the local community must now take the O'Farrell government's word that this highly valued historically significant site will remain open and accessible to the public.
 
Dr Kaye said: "The O'Farrell government's ports sell-off legislation robbed the state of NSW of vital long term income streams, undermined public sector workers' jobs and secured for the Shooters and Fishers party its abhorrent duck-hunting agenda.
 
"It has also threatened public access to a valued and historically significant area of Sydney's coastline. 
 
"The O'Farrell government is hiding behind its repeated claim that any lease of the ports would include a commitment to secure free public access to Molineux Point.
 
"However, the Greens do not believe that a verbal commitment is enough. 
 
"Throughout the first eighteen months of the O'Farrell government term it has been proven time and time again that any Coalition promise is not worth the paper it is written on.
 
"Despite promises to the contrary when in Opposition, the Liberals and Nationals in government have trashed community involvement in planning decisions, eroded environmental protections and savagely cut the public education and health budgets.
 
"I moved two amendments that would have enshrined the government's promises on Molineux Point in legislation, in an attempt to keep the government honest. 
 
"However, the Coalition, with the support of the Christian Democrats and the Shooters and Fishers Party, voted against the Greens amendments. 
 
"Coogee Liberal MP Bruce Notley-Smith was quick to tell the Southern Courier that Molineux Point would be protected. He now needs to explain to the local community why his government was not prepared to support the Greens amendment to enshrine this promise in legislation," Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information:       John Kaye 0407 195 455