Blacktown City Council calls for parliamentary inquiry into
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Blacktown City Council will today join local Councils across the state in calling for a Parliamentary inquiry into the NSW State Government's pro-developer Laws.
Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Leo Kelly, OAM said the State Government's draft planning changes will have serious implications for the Blacktown City community.
"The State's Pro-developer Laws 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".
"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.
"Blacktown City residents have voiced their concerns that these reforms will mean that private companies will have the power to approve residential development applications", Mayor Kelly continued.
"Blacktown City will do everything in its power to fight these laws to ensure that the first time Blacktown City residents know that their neighbour is undertaking major renovation is not when the bulldozer arrives next door.
"The people of Blacktown City deserve the right to have a say over local developments and these laws are stripping away those rights.
"I won't stand by and the rights of the people of Blacktown City end up in the hands of private developers", Mayor Kelly concluded.