GOVERNMENT FAILS NORTH TURRAMURRA
Almost a year after deciding to restrict further residential developments in North Turramurra because of bushfire concerns, the State Government is ignoring a planning loophole that is allowing more homes to be built in the area.
Ku-ring-gai MP, Barry O’Farrell, said Planning and Infrastructure Minister, Craig Knowles, and Assistant Planning Minister, Dianne Beamer, had refused to act to stop the abuse of planning rules.
“ Despite the local community and I raising concerns about this matter for the past six months, the Ministers have remained silent and refused to meet residents to discuss the issue.”
“ It’s hard to understand why the Government won’t act to uphold its earlier decision.”
“ Phil Koperberg and former Planning Minister, Andrew Refshauge, visited the area last year and acknowledged the access problems that would arise in the event of a fire emergency.”
“ Yet the State Government refuses to close loopholes in other planning laws that are allowing further houses to be built.”
“ We are all being warned about the seriousness of the coming fire season. Yet the State Government is open to charges of hypocrisy for allowing further developments in an area it has classified as ‘bushfire prone’.”
“ This week the Land and Environment approved the first of many expected development proposals using the planning loophole.”
“ Only Ministerial action can ensure this issue is resolved.”
24 SEPTEMBER 2003