Monday, 25 May 2009

Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has accused the Ku-ring-gai Planning Panel of not being sensitive enough to the needs of the citizens of Ku-ring-gai and NSW, both present and future.

“The revised plans for the Town Centres (including surrounding residential areas) appear to largely ignore many hundreds of resident submissions. 

“There has been sustained political and community pressure for more sensitive environmental treatment of the area, including a reduction in the number of new dwellings being planned”, Mr O’Dea said.

“I have strongly argued that the plans should be consistent with the agreed 10,000 new dwelling target per the Metro Strategy and will continue to do so, including at the Ku-ring-gai Planning Panel meeting this Wednesday.  Where is the planning for additional local infrastructure, especially for St Ives?”

“In addition to supportive statements from Barry O'Farrell and myself, the recent visits of Catherine Cusack (Shadow Environment Minister) and Brad Hazzard (Shadow Planning Minister) clearly demonstrates the Coalition's opposition to Labor's heavy-handed approach to over-development in our local community”.

“I have been letterboxing flyers in the relevant 'town centre' areas with details of the 27 May meeting, including a location map.  These have also been circulated at local railway stations”, Mr O’Dea said. 

“I fear that the public meeting on Wednesday 27 May is unlikely to result in substantial change to the revised plans.  I am therefore increasing my direct lobbying of Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally”, concluded Mr O’Dea.