Jonathan O’Dea, the State Member for Davidson has challenged Planning Minister Frank Sartor’s treatment of Northern Sydney including the non-gazettal of urban conservation zones and his ill-considered appointment of the Planning Panel to Ku-ring-gai Council. In debating his motion in State Parliament yesterday Mr O’Dea seriously called Mr Satror’s competence into question.
“Fellow Northern Beaches and Northern Sydney MP’s Barry O’Farrell, Rob Stokes and Brad Hazzard also spoke in support of the motion. We all realise the enormous importance local residents place on conservation and the environment,” Mr O’Dea said.
“In my inaugural speech in Parliament I emphasized how we must preserve and protect the best of our past as a legacy for future generations. Similarly, the President of the National Trust has again recently called for better conservation of our built and natural heritage.
“The absence from the debate of Minister Sartor demonstrates his lack of courtesy, hard work or interest - not so much in what was said as in the people of the Northern Sydney. Sadly, the public are being kicked as a political football by Minister Sartor in a one-sided game he calls progress.
“I confidently predict that Minister Sartor will end up with egg on his face and have to revisit the Planning Panel appointment process, which he has incompetently handled. The level of transparency and accountability in a range of planning process matters needs to be addressed.
“I agree with Shadow Planning Minister Brad Hazzard’s call for NSW planning reform that removes Minister Sartor from all major planning decisions.”
For further information, please call Jonathan O’Dea on 0418 241 500.
