Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has called on new Infrastructure Minister, Kristina Keneally to ensure she matches her planning decisions with appropriate new infrastructure investment in Ku-ring-gai.
Mr O’Dea was commenting on Premier Rees’ latest Ministry re-shuffle in which the Planning Minister was given the additional Infrastructure Portfolio.
“It’s pleasing to see the Government is taking its lead from the Liberal/Nationals Opposition, which had promised to combine the two ministries in a future Coalition Government,” Mr O’Dea said.
“It’s vitally important that infrastructure keeps pace with new development in the Ku-ring-gai Council area, where the State Government’s planning policy is responsible for thousands of additional residential dwellings.
“Despite the additional development, little or no attention has been given to ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with additional demand. We still have the same roads, power lines and water pipes,” Mr O’Dea said.
“In fact, despite the additional development and corresponding demand, the water pressure in many areas has been dropped to relieve pressure on ageing pipes to reduce leakage.
“Here is an opportunity for Minister Keneally to demonstrate she understands the connection between planning and infrastructure, particularly where the State Government’s own planning policy has boosted dwelling numbers by so much.
“On behalf of our local communities, I call on the new Minister to provide an assurance that the services infrastructure will meet the increased local demand.
“If such an assurance cannot be provided, then I call on the Minister to initiate an independent review to assess the ability of infrastructure in the Ku-ring-gai Council area to keep pace with projected increases in demand,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
