State Opposition Leader, Barry O'Farrell and Member for Davidson, Jonathan O'Dea have met again with local resident community groups. They discussed matters including the legal action taken in the Land and Environment Court against the Ku-ring-gai Town Centres LEP as gazetted by the NSW Planning Minister.
"I wish them every success in this ongoing battle against inappropriate development, supported by the Environmental Defender's Office," Mr O'Dea said.
The Davidson MP continued with a stinging attack on the NSW Labor Government for its ongoing denial of local democracy in Ku-ring-gai.
“NSW Labor has responded to passionate protests from Ku-ring-gai Council and its residents over the removal of local planning powers by taking even more control,” Mr O’Dea said.
“The Minister has extended the term of the NSW Labor imposed Ku-ring-gai Planning Panel, despite a reduced workload and Ku-ring-gai Council lowering Development Application assessment times. The Minister has also foreshadowed broadening the Panel’s powers to allow re-classification of community lands so they can be leased, sold or developed.
“I am sympathetic to Ku-ring-gai Council’s request to dissolve the expensive panel, which I expect will be one of the first acts of a new Barry O’Farrell led government, if elected next March,” Mr O’Dea said.
“The ongoing imposition of Part 3A determinations by the Minister over Council also continue to adversely impact on the area, with one of the latest applications involving 298 units and 367 vehicular spaces in St Ives. The effect of this project on local traffic is of particular concern given the area already features a high school, junior school and two places of worship, which at times generate considerable traffic flows,” he said.
“To compound the situation further, the Minister has refused to lift developer contributions to Ku-ring-gai Council for infrastructure and community amenities above $20,000, despite the State Government forcing an increasing number of dwellings into the area.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals have promised to re-empower local councils and restore greater democracy to our local communities if elected to government in NSW next March,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
