Barangaroo review must address overdevelopment

A review of the controversial Barangaroo development must be granted the power to act on community concerns about overdevelopment of the harbour foreshore, Australians for Sustainable Development (AfSD) said today.

The NSW Government has announced Terms of Reference for the review but AfSD raised concerns about the ability of the independent chairs to recommend solutions.

AfSD called on the Planning Minister to clarify his commitment to act on controversial elements of the proposed development.

“The community welcomes the appointment of independent chairs to conduct the review, however more information is needed about whether they have the power to recommend changes to controversial issues,” said AfSD spokesperson and Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney Clr Marcelle Hoff.

The alliance of community groups, local councils and architects is concerned that the Terms of Reference only allow for an examination into the decision making process of the former Labor government.

“We will now seek clarification from the Planning Minister on whether he will allow the concerns of the community to be acted on,” Clr Hoff said.

AfSD also raised the alarm about planned excavation works due to begin at the Barangaroo site next month.

“Beginning work on a development in the middle of its review period doesn’t create confidence that the review is genuine,” Clr Hoff said.

AfSD called on the government to direct the Barangaroo Delivery Authority (BDA) to halt its plan to begin excavation works at the north end of the site for the headland park on the harbour.

“AfSD has agreed to discontinue its court action as a sign of good faith to the review. It is reasonable that the government’s appointed authority at Barangaroo do the same,” said Clr Hoff.

Clr Hoff said community concerns about Barangaroo include the proposed overdevelopment of Sydney Harbour foreshore, loss of a cruise ship terminal from the CBD, and a hotel built out into the harbour, effectively subdividing Sydney Harbour.

Media: Natasha Webb, 0410 729 594