AlburyCity calls for parliamentary inquiry into pro-developer laws

Posted 29 April 2008

AlburyCity Council is joining councils across the state in calling for a Parliamentary Inquiry into the NSW State Government’s proposed planning changes.

Mayor Cr Stuart Baker said the State Government’s draft planning changes will have serious implications for the Albury community.

“The reforms are taking control away from local communities, which is why we’re calling for a freeze on the implementation of the changes as well as a Parliamentary Inquiry,” Cr Baker said.

“These laws will not only add more layers of red tape and cost ratepayer’s millions of dollars to implement, but they will also impact on councils’ ability to provide crucial services.

“Rates and costs such as parking may need to increase so communities can still have essential services such as libraries and playgrounds.

“These reforms will mean that private companies will have the power to approve residential development applications.

“AlburyCity will do everything in its power to fight these changes to ensure that the first time residents know that their neighbour is undertaking a major renovation is not when the bulldozer arrives next door.

“The people of Albury deserve the right to have a say over local developments and these laws are stripping away those rights.

Anyone who would like to register their concern over the proposed reforms is urged to go to the Keep It Local website www.keepitlocal.org,au and email your comment to State Member for Albury Greg Aplin, MP.

To read AlburyCity’s submission click here.

See here to read the previous article on the NSW State Government's proposed planning changes.