[Greens-Media] PARNELL: Ombudsman orders Planning Department to Reveal Secret Riverbank dealings

[Parnell]

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday 19th May 2014
Ombudsman orders Planning Department to Reveal Secret Riverbank dealings

The veil of secrecy surrounding the proposed Walker Corporation development of the Adelaide Festival Centre precinct could soon be lifted following a successful Greens' Freedom of Information Act appeal to the Ombudsman.

Greens SA Parliamentary leader, Mark Parnell MLC applied over 12 months ago to the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, for documents relating to Walker Corporation's plans for the Riverbank precinct and Adelaide Festival Centre carpark.  The Department & Walker Corporation refused access to the documents claiming commercial confidentiality.  This claim was rejected by the Ombudsman.

"The Riverbank precinct is one of the most significant public places in Adelaide.  The public is the number 1 stakeholder and has a right to know what is planned for such an important social and cultural zone."

"Secret deals between the Government and a private developer need to be brought into the light, so the community can judge whether the public interest is being served."

"Redevelopment of the Riverbank and Festival Centre precinct is a worthy project, but the public want to be assured that public assets won't be privatized and that commercial interests do not over-ride the public interest."

The Walker Corporation and the Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure now have 30 days in which to appeal the Ombudsman's decision in the District Court.

"I urge the parties not to further delay the release of these public interest documents.  Hiding negotiations over the future of public land only fuels suspicion of dodgy deals", concluded Mark Parnell MLC


For further information contact Mark Parnell: 0439 007 893








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