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Local Councils Launch Keep it Local Campaign

COUNCILS across NSW have warned their residents to be "very afraid" about the latest "pro-developer" laws proposed by the State Government. Local councils, shires and mayors joined forces last Friday to launch the "Keep It Local" campaign a bid to keep vital planning controls and developer contributions in the local community. Councils fear new laws announced by Planning Minister Frank Sartor benefit developers and would see cash-strapped councils stripped of as much as $4 million per year that they need for vital community services. Mr Sartor said he would introduce planning assessment panels for projects valued at more than $50 million and increase the role of private building certifiers to approve small-scale building works. Local Government Association president Genia McCaffery said the plan could open the system to corruption. She also said it would stop the community having a say on what was built in their street. This would make councils and residents powerless to stop development that would affect their community, she said.

more from cumberland press

How the NSW State Government wants to take control of local planning

 STRIKE ONE

Councils lose funds for community services

The NSW Government wants to reduce the amount of money available for councils to deliver local services like childcare, libraries, sports grounds and parks.

This will lower the standard of many services and may force Councils to raise the revenue elsewhere by increasing rates and the cost of services and parking.

Many of these services are currently funded through fees charged to developers. Under the proposed new laws, fees for developers will be dramatically lower and many councils will have no control over the funds.

 STRIKE TWO

Private companies approve local development applications

Under proposed new laws, the NSW Government will increase the power of private companies to approve residential development applications.

You will not be notified of developments in your area and you will have no avenue to object.

These private companies will be paid by the developer and will not be directly accountable to the public.

 STRIKE THREE

Neighbourhoods lose their character

The NSW Government wants the same rules if you want to build a house in Balmain, Bourke or Bateman’s Bay.

The new generic codes will dismiss community views as unnecessary and reduce local input by ignoring community views about how our neighbourhoods should look.

We want to make sure that housing developments don’t undermine the character of local communities.

see more at lgsa webgsite