The overwhelming will of Ku-ring-gai people has been swept aside by NSW Labor, according to Davidson MP, Jonathan O'Dea.
Mr O'Dea was commenting on the recent release of NSW Planning Circular PS 11-005, Implementation of the Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036 – Ministerial Direction, which would require Ku-ring-gai to approve an extra 8,000 new dwellings by 2036.
"This is in addition to the 10,000 new dwellings required by 2031 under the current Metropolitan Strategy. Recently gazetted plans already allow for more than 10,000 new dwellings, with some 6,000 of these already approved under development applications," Mr O'Dea said.
"Ku-ring-gai Council has not agreed to the additional 8,000 new dwellings Labor has proposed, and I support Council's opposition to Labor's push for even more dwellings in the Ku-ring-gai area," Mr O'Dea said.
"Scant regard has been paid by Labor to community consultation and the overwhelmingly view of local residents who oppose this overdevelopment potential.
"Where has consideration been given to the natural and constructed heritage values of Ku-ring-gai, the impact even more dwellings will have on the area's general amenity and the need for improved infrastructure including roads, public transport and essential services such as power, water and sewerage?
"By comparison with Labor, NSW Opposition Leader, Barry O'Farrell has promised that a Liberals & Nationals Government will restore powers to local councils and allow communities to decide local planning issues," Mr O'Dea said.
"In Government we will re-balance the mix of development by increasing greenfield development sites relative to infill development and promoting more regional growth to help ease pressure on areas like Ku-ring-gai.
"NSW Labor has treated the Ku-ring-gai Council area with contempt for long enough.
"On 26 March, residents will finally be able to have their say – through the ballot box," Mr O'Dea concluded.
