[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: Community voice causes O'Farrell to withdraw unpopular Planning Bill

[David Shoebridge MLC]

*O'Farrell forced to withdraw unpopular planning bill*

*28 February 2014*


The Minister for Planning Brad Hazzard has today been forced to admit
reality and withdraw the O'Farrell government's deeply unpopular planning
bill which had betrayed its promise to return planning powers to the
community.

Greens MP and Planning Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:

"United opposition from hundreds of resident, environment and heritage
groups, and thousands of individuals, has delivered this win for local
democracy and the environment.

"For almost two years Brad Hazzard has been attempting to sell his dead cat
of a new planning regime to the people of NSW and today he finally realised
that no one was buying it.

"The Minister's angry outbursts during the last day of Parliament in 2013
showed he had clearly lost control of his portfolio and today's
announcement that he is not proceeding with his Planning Bill is final
confirmation of that.

"In a direct breach of his government's promise to return planning powers
to the community, Minister Hazzard is now threatening to force through
undemocratic planning decisions using the existing Planning Act.

"If this happens it will be a double betrayal by the O'Farrell government
and communities will not forgive it.

"Premier O'Farrell needs to take responsibility for his government's
comprehensive failure on planning laws.

"The Premier must now immediately intervene to ensure that the promise he
made to voters that he would return planning powers to local communities is
honoured.

"When it was first elected the O'Farrell government had genuine goodwill in
the community and the Parliament to deliver a simpler and more democratic
planning system.

"This goodwill was abused by the O'Farrell government who ignored the views
of the majority and sought to force a shamelessly pro-developer planning Bill
through the NSW Parliament. That strategy has now comprehensively failed.

"Despite this announcement by the Minister the Greens remain committed to
assisting any government deliver an honest, democratic and sustainable
planning regime in NSW", Mr Shoebridge said.



*Media Contact: 9230 3030 or 0408 113 952*

-- 

* David ShoebridgeGreens MP in the NSW Legislative Council P: (02) 9230
3030 |Media: 0408 113 952|T: @ShoebridgeMLC
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