Restore planning powers to local government
The State Government’s controversial legislation that gives them veto over
Council’s decisions on planning was highlighted this week by Greens State
member David Shoebridge.
He claims it will see a decision on the West Byron Urban Land Release Area
made by the Minister for Planning instead of Council.
‘It is simply outrageous that the developers can choose to bypass Byron
Council and have their development assessed by the Minister for Planning.
Why should a Minister in Sydney decide West Byron development?’ said Mr
Shoebridge.
‘Decisions of this importance must be made by people who have to live with the consequences of that decision,’ he said. ‘Key local planning decisions should be made by the local council following genuine consultation with local residents.’
‘By any measure the proposed 108 hectare site just west of Byron Bay is an over development,’ he said.
‘If approved, it will have an enormous impact on Byron Bay.
‘It’s clear Byron Council wanted to assess this project in the context of a new Local Environment Plan for the whole Shire, and that seems to me the right and proper way to assess a project of this magnitude.
‘Labor’s corrupted planning system has been put in place with the support of the Coalition. It has handed power over planning and the environment to developers, with the views and skills of local residents ending up ignored.
Mr Shoebridge was in Byron last Friday as part of a state tour of local councils to garner support for the repeal of Part 3A, which gives the State power over councils.
‘I know Mayor Jan Barham and her team are working hard with residents on this issue, and I’d encourage people everywhere to join the Greens campaign against Part 3A.’
Minister for Planning Tony Kelly’s office and Shadow Minister Brad Hazzard will be responding to questions on the issue in next week’s Echo.
Reprinted by kind permission from The Byron Shire Echo
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