Metro Strategy - Sydney's last chance

Thursday, 16 September 2004 10:00

"The Government has drawn a large canvass with some exciting new concepts and effective implementation will be the proof in the pudding. It appears traditional barriers to good environmental planning are being broken down but at all times we will have to be vigilant so that the community's vision of a sustainable, affordable and healthy place to live in, is not wrecked by vested interests," said Jeff Angel, Director of Total Environment Centre.

"Key areas are:

- the proposed Development Corporations, which should be bodies that can provide real environmental gains, not the usual club for property development interests;
- regulating for clear zonings that protect conservation and agricultural lands;
- ensuring that infrastructure development is tightly linked to appropriate development areas, and not having suburbs marooned from public transport, health and education services;
- independent monitoring to publicly report on achievement of targets (not greenwash)."

"We will continue working with the government and advocating environmentally sustainable results, from this great urban task. This really is Sydney's last chance to get it right for the next 30 years," said Mr Angel.