TEC Calls on new Planning Minister to fix up Sartor’s Mess

Wednesday, 10 September 2008 20:23

“The new Minister has some immediate challenges – fixing the planning reforms mess; stop the exclusion of expert environmental agency advice currently underway under removal of concurrences; and finalise an environmentally responsible mid north coast strategy” said Jeff Angel, Director of the Centre.

“The Planning reforms were put forward under the guise of making it easier for mum and dad investors. In reality they paved the way for fast tracking approvals for the big property developers and reduced the opportunity for residents to have input into decisions which affect them; and the role of environmental advice from expert agencies.”

“The plans aimed to reduce the number of developments which required the neighbour’s to be notified, reduce the amount of time for agencies such as the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Mine Subsidence Board to make comments on controversial developments which might impact on the environment.”

“The Draft Mid North Coast Regional Strategy is currently on the Ministers desk. The current draft recommends approving 7778ha of land for residential development. This is 50% more land for residential development than the Governments own Department estimates required. Some of this land is in sensitive Coastal locations and some is subject to climate change induced sea level rise,” stated Mr. Angel.

“If the new Rees Labor Government is going to convince the people of NSW that it has changed its spots then the new Planning Minister needs to give a commitment they will review the draft Mid North Coast Strategy and reduce the amount of land proposed for development.”

“The new Minister needs to start the planning review process again with an emphasis on listening to the community and environmental sustainability,” said Mr. Angel.