Libs urge 'open' development planning

Libs urge 'open' development planning

The NSW opposition has called for more transparency in the state's development planning process reports AAP on February 11, 2007.

Opposition Leader Peter Debnam told a rally of community action groups attended by more than 1,000 people in central Sydney on Sunday that big business should not decide the future of NSW communities.

"Developments in NSW should be decided on merit instead of donations," Mr Debnam said.

He did not answer questions on whether the Liberal Party would refuse to accept donations from developers.

As rain fell on the rally in Hyde Park Mr Debnam said the state Labor government had stopped listening to people. The size of the vocal crowd at the rally indicated the need for change, he said.

Mr Debnam said he was happy with the coalition's campaign progress despite reports that his party had failed to field candidates in 10 NSW seats before the March 24 election

"We've got the best candidates in every electorate and you can hear that from the community...they're very happy with our candidates, they're very happy with the issues that we're taking up on their behalf," Mr Debnam said.

NSW Greens MP Sylvia Hale told the rally the Greens would introduce a private member's bill to scrap the contentious Part 3A of NSW Planning laws which gives the Planning Minister power to take over significant developments.

She said both major parties had voted for the amendment and received more than $18 million in developer's donations since 2000.

At a press conference NSW Premier Morris Iemma rejected the opposition leader's claims.

He said planning decisions were made on the basis of the state's planning laws and nothing else.

"We have a balanced approach when it comes to development, on the one hand stimulating investment, jobs and growth, and with that comes prosperity, and at the same time balancing that with conservation, preservation, and protection of the environment," Mr Iemma said.

He said the government would not change the law for projects of state significance that delivered jobs and created growth and prosperity for NSW.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Libs-urge-open-development-planning/2007/02/11/1171128800630.html