Sartor's cynical election 'bridge'

Catherine Hill Bay panel a cynical election 'bridge'
Tuesday, 19 December 2006

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says Planning Minister Frank Sartor’s announcement of an 'independent' panel to investigate the Catherine Hill Bay development is a cynical attempt to turn down the heat on this controversial proposal until after the March 2007 election.

"This is the latest in a spate of mickey mouse public inquiries that are electorally motivated, including the Newcastle Coal Loader roundtable and the inquiry into the NSW Southern Coalfields," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The panel arrangement will not guarantee a thorough assessment of all impacts of the Catherine Hill Bay proposal, or allow for the final decision to be appealed.

"Catherine Hill Bay has significant heritage value and the government should have respected this from the outset by quarantining the town from inappropriate development.

"Residents will not be fooled by Minister Sartor tagging this panel as 'independent'.

"The Chairman of Sydney Water and the former Director-General of Planning, who will sit on the panel, have clear links with the NSW government.

"The Planning Minister's panels are covers for government decisions that have already been made behind closed doors.

"Frank Sartor would struggle to give examples of major development proposals that have been refused approval because of public outcry during his time as Planning Minister.

"During 2005/06, the Minister called in and approved 316 out of 350 major projects and refused only sixteen.

"Clearly the 'call in' powers are designed to give political donors and developers favourable outcomes, regardless of the wishes of the local community.

"The NSW government has amended planning laws to eradicate the need to consider the environment, heritage, coastal protection, local councils or residents.

"History shows that the NSW Labor government fails to listen to residents, instead promotes the interests of big developers like Rosecorp," Ms Rhiannon said.