Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has taken Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally on a personal tour of Ku-ring-gai to highlight community concerns over the impact of controversial planning laws.
The visit follows two recent meetings between the Minister and local community leaders including Mr O’Dea MP, Mr Barry O’Farrell MP and Mayor Elaine Malicki.
Mayor Malicki and community representative Alan Parr accompanied Mr O’Dea on the Ministerial tour, which included the designated Town Centre sites in Roseville, Lindfield, Gordon, Pymble, Turramurra and St. Ives.
“The visit by the Planning Minister may be a breakthrough in addressing long-held community concerns over inappropriate development in the Ku-ring-gai Council area. I hope it results in planning that is more sympathetic to the local environment,” Mr O’Dea said.
“The community accepts that 10,000 new dwellings are required for the area by 2031 under the Metropolitan Planning Strategy. However, there is clear evidence the number will be exceeded on current plans.
“Concerns over the impact of inappropriate development on infrastructure, the local environment and the highly-valued Ku-ring-gai lifestyle need to be addressed,” Mr O’Dea said.
“I appreciate the Minister taking the time to meet with community representatives and to personally visit the area, but we now need action to address this issue.
“The Minister holds the key to the future development of Ku-ring-gai. On behalf of the community, I ask her for firm action which might ensure the environment, lifestyle and historic characteristics of this area remain into the future,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
