Keep Local Councils Out Of Developers' Clutches

Monday, 22 March 2004 10:00

A NSW environment group has urged residents to be careful not to allow their local councils to remain or fall into developers' clutches at this Saturday's elections.

Total Environment Centre coastal campaigner Fran Kelly said the 27th March Council elections were a chance for residents to gain some control over the future direction of their area but only if they voted for genuine community and environment representatives.
 
"Most Councils on the coast are controlled by developers, or those who will always put the interests of developers first. This is one of the main reasons why over development on the coast is now a major concern and why the natural coastline is under such pressure. On Saturday voters should be aware of who those people representing the minority developer interests are and avoid voting for them," said Ms Kelly.
 
"We recommend people carefully choose groups or individuals who genuinely represent the environment and community and follow their preferences carefully. In some cases this might be the Greens in others it might be resident networks, or community groups that have created their own teams or individuals to run," said Ms Kelly.
 
"Residents should be careful as well not to fall for false talk of caring for the environment that parties and individuals who represent developers' interests are using now," said Ms Kelly.

"People should get in touch with their local environment or community groups if they are not sure what to do. Contact those who they know have lobbied for better environment and residential outcomes in their local government areas over the past few years, including some current councillors, and ask their opinion," said Ms Kelly.

"The only way for there to be a sustainable future for the coast is for Councils to become more representative of the broader community by putting the environment and residential amenity ahead of developers' demands," said Ms Kelly.
 

For further information

Contact
:
Fran Kelly - Coastal Campaigner
Phone
:
61 2 9299 5599
Email
:
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:
http://www.tec.org.au/