[Greens-Media] PARNELL: No rezoning without notification

[Parnell]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Wednesday 3rd July 2013

No rezoning without notification

The Legislative Council tonight passed a Greens Bill to ensure that people affected by changes to planning rules are given direct notice of their right to have a say.

Greens Parliamentary leader & planning lawyer, Mark Parnell MLC, described the situation as follow:
"At present, the only notice that has to be given about pending changes to planning rules is in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper.  There's no obligation to inform affected property owners, even though these people have a legal right to make a submission and attend a public hearing.  These days, fewer people read newspapers and almost no-one reads the Government Gazette!  Surely it's not too much to ask that the authorities tell people directly about their rights?"

The Bill passed the Legislative Council with only Government Members opposed.  It will now go to the House of Assembly where the Government has the opportunity to reconsider its position.

Mark Parnell challenged MPs to consider how they would feel if they found their house had been rezoned - and nobody told them.  That is exactly what can and does happen at present.

"The Greens Bill provides that the State Government or local Council must take "reasonable steps" to directly inform those affected by proposed planning changes.  This could be through direct mail, a flyer in the letterbox or even a Council newsletter.  Some Councils already do this, but it's now time to make direct notification the rule rather than the exception."

"The important thing is that people are told of their rights, while there is still time to have a say and influence the outcome", concluded Mark parnell

For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 07 893

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