The State Planning Minister is treating residents from the Ku-ring-gai Council area with contempt, according to Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea.
“I called for an independent review of planned new dwellings in the Ku-ring-gai Council area for more than a year before the Minister finally agreed to one.
“In an answer to a Question On Notice, Minister Keneally stated the report was being conducted by Treadstone and scheduled for completion in October. However, we have still heard nothing of a completed report.
“The Minister also publicly stated on morning radio in September that the report would be made public. However, when later questioned by me, she appeared to be less than forthcoming and responded: “records held by State Government agencies are available to the public under the conditions of the Freedom of Information Act.” (NSW Parliament Q&A 7776)
“On behalf of the Ku-ring-gai Community, this week I lodged a Freedom of Information Act request, requesting a full copy of the report and supporting documentation, as well as any other documents discussing the findings. I have also requested any reports or advice given to the Minister by her Department or advisors along with any subsequent documentation,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Additionally, I have submitted a further Question on Notice, asking when the Minister is likely to gazette the Ku-ring-gai Town Centre Plan.
“Recent reports indicate hundreds of high-rise apartments on the North Shore remain empty, due to a lack of demand. Commercial reality, resident opinion and good planning all suggest that greater emphasis should be placed on town houses rather than units,” he said.
“The State Government’s heavy handed planning policy in Ku-ring-gai is clearly resulting in the unnecessary destruction of local heritage and lifestyle, in order to build more multi-story units than people want to see – or buy,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
