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Political pub brawl

LORD Mayor Clover Moore has flagged legal action against Planning Minister Frank Sartor over his decision to seize control of development of the former Carlton United Brewery site reports the Daily Telegraph June 28 2006.

Mr Sartor last week took control of the $800 million project after labelling its progress a "constipated camel".

Sydney City Council has voted to seek advice on whether it could challenge Mr Sartor's decision to "call in" the site.

Ms Moore accused Mr Sartor of making a "cash grab" for the site, with the State Government set to reap more than $30 million in development fees.

She said the council and the site's owners, Fosters, were about to sign off on a voluntary plannning agreement for the site's redevelopment when Mr Sartor intervened.

She also questioned the independence of the "independent panel" appointed by Mr Sartor to oversee the development.

The panel includes a member from Mr Sartor's own Planning Department, two board members of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and a fourth member who is a State Government member of the Central Sydney Planning Committee and on the board of the state development arm, Landcom.

"At stake is transparency and accountability. A complex and balanced proposal worked out through extensive planning studies, numerous public forums and negotiations with the site owner could be compromised by a deal behind closed doors," Ms Moore said

She said council had spent $500,000 on studies and legal advice over the redevelopment.

Mr Sartor accused the council of imposing too many restrictions and heritage orders on the site.

Liberal councillor Shayne Mallard last night accused Mr Sartor of "political bastardry".

"It was (his) intention from the day he became Planning Minister to take this off us to make him look good and make the Government look good in the eyes of the development industry," Mr Mallard said.

"The evidence of that is that he announced it at a development industry lunch. This is political. It's got nothing to do with planning."

Labor councillor Michael Lee last night urged Ms Moore to improve her relationship with Mr Sartor.

"A war between the lord mayor and the planning minister – that's not going to help any of us," he said.

http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,19609275-5001022,00.html