COUNCIL CONFIRMS SUPPORT FOR CUB CONTROLS

Council's resolution followed the Minister for Planning's announcement at a development industry function on 21 June that he was taking control over the site as state significant and appointing a four member panel to make recommendations for the future of the site.

The so called "independent panel" established to assist the Minister is made up of one member of his Department, two board members of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, and a forth member who his on the board of the State's development arm, Landcom.

Preparation of controls by the Central Sydney Planning Committee
(CSPC) and the City has been a public process. The Minister had access to CSPC decisions at every stage, State Government Members of the CSPC endorsed the draft planning controls, and the State Heritage Office endorsed the Conservation Management Plan. Yet now the Minister criticises the process.

Council's resolution this week:

* confirmed the draft planning controls for public exhibition, including a floor space ratio range (FSR) of 3.5:1 to 4:1;

* calls on the Minister to acknowledge the the extensive studies undertaken to date and the expert advice that confirms 4:1 as the maximum acceptable and achievable FSR for the site;

* calls on the Minister to retain the heritage precinct, commit to delivering the proposed community benefits and ensure the FSR does not exceed 4:1 for any future development on this site;

* raises concerns that the only legislative provision to impose an affordable housing levy from the site for the Redfern Waterloo area requires the Minister to declare the site state significant, and asks the Minister to explain why it took him almost two years to act;

* calls on the Minister to publicly confirm the rate at which the levy will be imposed and how it will be publicly accounted for by the Redfern Waterloo Authority; and

* commits to seeking legal advice on whether there are any grounds to challenge the Minister's action in this case.

Council also asked the Chief Executive Officer to estimate of the cost of the extensive work undertaken on this project prior to the Minister's intervention. The initial estimate shows some $800,000 of public funds has been spent on consultants, lawyers and staff time—and it remains to be seen how much of that will be wasted, with more money now spent by the state.

The project now reverts to secrecy and decisions will be made behind closed doors. The process remains unclear and community involvement is uncertain.

I urge you to contact the Premier and Minister to express your support for open planning processes and draft controls formulated through consultation, research and professional advice:

* The Hon. Morris Iemma MP, Premier, Level 40 Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000, phone 9228 5239, fax 9228 3934, email thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au.

* The Hon. Frank Ernest Sartor MP, Minister for Planning and Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Level 34 Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000, phone 9228 4700, fax 9228 4711, email office@sartor.minister.nsw.gov.au.