Barangaroo Independent Reviewers’ Report
Australians for Sustainable Development (AfSD) welcomes the release of the report by the Independent Reviewers into Barangaroo. This review was instigated by the new State Government following legal action and the presentation of an 11,295 signature petition by AfSD which focused on deep community concerns regarding a number of issues surrounding this $6 billion development.
AfSD spokesperson and City of Sydney Councillor John McInerney said that while AfSD is grateful that this independent review has taken place, there are mixed feelings about the final results.
“The report contains some big wins for the community, although it could have gone a lot further.
“The Reviewers state that approval for the hotel in the harbour ‘had the effect of undermining confidence in a variety of related laws and decisions, and was therefore not good public policy,’ and should be reconsidered ‘as if the rezoning had not occurred.’ AfSD firmly believes this most unpopular and ill-conceived component of the whole development should not go ahead. Premier O’Farrell has stated his support for this recommendation, so hopefully the Government will begin negotiations with Lend Lease regarding relocating the hotel as a matter of urgency.
“The report also recommends that City of Sydney be given a formal role in planning the Barangaroo Central precinct as part of a new joint planning committee. The previous sidelining of the Council, as the body that will have to deal with the ramifications of the development for decades to come, was a complete travesty and a total disregard of due process. As a Councillor I look forward to the City working with the Barangaroo Delivery Authority (BDA) to achieve the best possible outcome for this site.”
Clr McInerny said AfSD was also pleased with the Independent Reviewers’ recommendation to moderate the bulk and scale of the two commercial buildings yet to receive planning approval.
“AfSD can only agree with the Independent Reviewers’ comment that ‘a raft of small and large mistakes and mishandlings, which taken together, have created an air of crisis around the development.’ The Reviewers’ concerns regarding the level of consultation, communication and transparency regarding Barangaroo have been of primary concern to AfSD and the community. AfSD supports the recommendation for a review of the membership of the Barangaroo Delivery Authority Board and for a new ‘face’ for the Board’s communication with the public.
“AfSD welcomes the Premier’s announcement of the appointment of Mr Terry Moran as the new Chair of the BDA, and believes this appointment and other recommended governance reforms will go a long way in addressing the Reviewers’ view that this ‘project has been bedevilled by perceived conflicts of interest.’ Also the Reviewers’ suggested reconsideration of the role of NSW Government Architect has great merit. ”
“It is important that the public’s confidence in the governance of this important development of public lands be restored. Premier O’Farrell taking responsibility as Minister for Barangaroo is an important step towards the Reviewers’ recommendation that the Minister for Planning be at arms length from this development.”
However AfSD still has concerns about a number of other issues with the project.
“Unfortunately the review doesn’t address the significant financial risks posed to NSW due to the cost of the headland park and the lack of commitment to transport solutions.
“The review gives no answers as to how the 23 0000 extra workers Barangaroo will bring to the City everyday will access the site without throwing an already strained public transport network into gridlock – the Government needs to come up with a solution to this as soon as possible. The Premier has announced a new taskforce will investigate the matter but development at Barangaroo must be carried out in sync with the delivery of transport improvements. We don’t want the project held up but, more importantly, we don’t want to see a development that cripples the City simply to meet a pre‐determined timeline.
“While not recommending against the headland park as such, the review does note that there aren’t any legal barriers to the Government changing this aspect of the plan. Given the cost of the project we would urge the Government to take note of this and seriously reconsider the faux naturalistic design of the park in favour of something more useable, accessible and reasonably priced, that conserves a connection with the area’s rich maritime heritage.”
Clr McInerny concluded by saying that AfSD was grateful to Planning Minister Brad Hazzard and the Independent Reviewers for making sure the review had been carried out in an objective and transparent way.
“While it contains a number of big wins for the people of NSW, this review is only a guide to how the development should proceed. AfSD will be closely following the project as it progresses to make sure all the positive recommendations put forward by the Independent Reviewers are acted upon in the spirit in hich they were intended,” he said.
An update on the Barangaroo Review
The Barangaroo review is now open to the public and stakeholders are urged to write a submission by 20 June.
Submissions will be made public, unless otherwise stated and should be guided by the terms of reference.
The Terms of Reference are:
A review in relation to Barangaroo of the compliance with the planning approval processes (and decision making in relation to such processes) relevant to:
- The Concept Plan approval MP06_0162 (Modification 4) including in relation to land use mix, scale/density and relationship to the Sydney Central Business District.
- The adequacy of planned transport arrangements to meet the demand generated by the site at full development;
- The proposed Headland Park; and
- The relocation of the Cruise Terminal to White Bay.
The panel may also request face-to-face interviews, if more information is required.
Send your submission to: barangaroo@dpc.nsw.gov.au or post it to: GPO Box 5341, Sydney, NSW 2001
So – what would you like to see built at Barangaroo?
Are you happy with the current design and planning controls or would you like changes made?
Do you want a hotel built way out over the water into our harbour?
Do you want cruise ships docking in Balmain with thousands of tourists docking at any one time?
Need help writing a submission? Check out the Hands Off Our Harbour plan for a better Barangaroo!
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
Review of Barangaroo Announced: Community To Get Its Say
Sydneysiders concerned about overdevelopment of the Sydney Harbour foreshore today welcomed the announcement of a review of the controversial Barangaroo development as a breakthrough opportunity to have their long-ignored voices heard regarding this $6 billion project.
Australians for Sustainable Development emerged from mediation with Lend Lease and the Barangaroo Development Authority satisfied that a review was an important step toward resolving community concerns and ensuring Sydney gets a better Barangaroo.
“AfSD welcomes the Planning Minister’s announcement today of a review of the controversial Barangaroo development. This is a positive step in the right direction to address community concerns,” AfSD spokesperson and Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney Cr Marcelle Hoff said.
Dr Jack Mundey and Cr Marcelle Hoff
Cr Hoff said community concerns include Lend Lease’s 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.
“Let me stress, Australians for Sustainable Development are not against the development of Barangaroo. We are against poor development, secretive government processes and special deals.
“We want economic growth via the implementation of sustainable development solutions.
“We want transparency, good governance, and design excellence that meets the needs of the broader community, not just the desires of a select few,” said Cr Hoff.
There are now 12,000 people who have signed petitions asking for a government commitment to a Special Commission of Inquiry into Barangaroo.
AfSD will continue to collect signatures on petitions asking for a Special Commission of Inquiry into Barangaroo.
Media: Natasha Webb, 0410 729 594
Barangaroo mediation talks begin today after NSW parliamentary debate
Overdevelopment of the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, a ‘sea grab’ by Lend Lease to build a hotel in the harbor and the loss of an important shipping port in Sydney’s CBD will be the focus of mediation talks this morning over the controversial Barangaroo site.
Australians for Sustainable Development will meet with Planning Minister Brad Hazzard, the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and Lend Lease this morning for mediation talks, following a parliamentary debate last night which resulted in an important step toward addressing community concerns.
On the floor of parliament last night, the Planning Minister made a welcome commitment to ensure remediation of contamination at Barangaroo will comply with environmental guidelines that apply to all other developments in NSW.
Community groups remain concerned about the proposed overdevelopment of Sydney Harbour foreshore, retention and location of the cruise ship terminal, plans for the headland park, and the hotel in the water with its subdivision of the harbor. These will be the key points discussed in mediation talks this morning.
“We welcome the announcement that contamination at Barangaroo will now be remediated in accordance with NSW environmental guidelines, as it should be,” said Australians for Sustainable Development spokesperson and City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor, Clr Marcelle Hoff.
“Todays mediation talks are a good first step and we remain optimistic. It is the interests of all parties to find agreed solutions to the planning issues plaguing this development.
“There are a number of other steps we need to go through including the next court case regarding the extent of modifications made to the original design, and we should not forget that the Government has stated publically that it is willing to review this project,” said Clr Hoff.
There are now 12,000 people who have signed petitions asking for a government commitment to a Special Commission of Inquiry into Barangaroo.
“The parliamentary debate last night was disappointing for those 12,000 NSW residents because in essence what we heard was a watered-down series of assurances that Lend Lease can continue business as usual.
“AfSD will continue to collect signatures on petitions because every action brings us one step closer to a Special Commission of Inquiry into Barangaroo,” said Clr Hoff.
“This development is too important for Sydney’s economic and social future to just rush it through,” said Clr Hoff.
The next AfSD court action is scheduled to commence on Monday 16 May.
Media enquiries: Natasha Webb, 0410 729 594
Debate on Barangaroo in NSW Parliament on Wednesday 11 May
The NSW Parliament debate on Barangaroo will take place at 6pm on Wednesday 11 May.
This is a direct result of the 11,295 signatures on petitions that were collected by Australians for Sustainable Development and given to Member for Sydney Clover Moore to table in parliament last week.
The Premier has already indicated to media that Barangaroo is going to be ‘reviewed’ before the appointment of a new chair to replace Paul Keating.
“The O’Farrell Government will use the resignation to review some of the issues plaguing the project before appointing a replacement chairman.
Mr O’Farrell said he was particularly concerned with tendering, which had included parts of the harbour within the plan”.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the public debate on Wednesday night at NSW Parliament.
10,000-strong ‘people’s petition’ to trigger first urgent debate of new parliament
Barry O’Farrell’s pre-election promise to debate a ‘people’s petition’ will be put to the test during the first question time of the new parliament today.
Australians for Sustainable Development (AfSD) is the first group to gather more than 10 000 signatures for a ‘people’s petition’ which calls for a Commission of Inquiry into Barangaroo.
The official hand over of petitions took place outside NSW Parliament this morning with the Member for Sydney Clover Moore accepting them from Green Bans legend and President of AfSD Dr Jack Mundey.
Jack Mundey presents more than 11,000 signed petitions
“An urgency motion and parliamentary debate will bring a Commission of Inquiry into Barangaroo one step closer,” said Dr Mundey.
“It will also highlight the opportunity the new NSW Government has to distance itself from the toxic legacy of decisions and mistakes made by NSW Labor over the development.”
AfSD spokesperson and City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor Marcelle Hoff said “AfSD does not wish to see the toxic legacy of the previous Labor government’s and Lend Lease’s plans for Barangaroo carry on and stick to the new O’Farrell Government.
“AfSD looks forward to being able to work with the Premier and his new government to ensure Sydney gets the Barangaroo it deserves, not one we regret.
“The alliance has received a great deal of support from NSW residents who are concerned about the future of Barangaroo and will continue to collect petitions,” says Clr Hoff.
Clr Moore will table the petitions once parliament resumes normal business this afternoon.
Concerned Sydney residents and AfSD wish to see a Commission of Inquiry address proposed overdevelopment of Sydney Harbour foreshore, contamination on site and also the removal of an essential shipping port from the CBD.
Media enquiries: Natasha Webb, 0410 729 594
Community call for Barangaroo inquiry the first test of Premier’s promise of debate in parliament
Community support for a Commission of Inquiry into the proposed development at Barangaroo is to be the first test of the Premier’s pre-election promise of a parliamentary debate with 10,000 petition signatures now secured.
Residents surrounding Sydney Harbour have rallied to voice their concern about toxic contamination, overdevelopment, and the loss of a major shipping port; and hope to trigger an urgency motion in the first sitting of the new parliament this week.
The petition was organised by Australians for Sustainable Development (AfSD), a coalition of community, local government and professional groups alarmed by the previous Labor government’s actions which ignored community concern about Lend Lease’s plans for Barangaroo.
AfSD spokesperson and City of Sydney deputy Lord Mayor Marcelle Hoff said community concern over Barangaroo is widespread and the short time left before key decisions are made meant it was important for AfSD to be the first group to present the necessary 10,000 signatures.
“There is now an urgency to put a halt on Lend Lease’s current plans for Barangaroo and ensure that Sydney gets an iconic development that we can all be proud of instead,” said Ms Hoff.
Ms Hoff said an urgency motion and debate on Barangaroo in state parliament brings a Commission of Inquiry one step closer and will help to inform the new NSW Government about the opportunity it now has to distance itself from the mistakes of the previous Labor government over Barangaroo.
“AfSD does not wish to see the toxic legacy of the previous Labor government’s and Lend Lease’s plans for Barangaroo carry on and stick to the new O’Farrell Government.
“That is why pushing pause now on the proposed development is so important; so that a Commission of Inquiry can explore the mistakes made, ensure the concerns of the community are heard and deliver a Barangaroo we can all be proud of.”
Ms Hoff said AfSD has been overwhelmed by the level of concern and interest from residents living not just on Sydney Harbour but across NSW and Australia, about Lend Lease’s plans for Barangaroo.
“Once people realised the extent of the problems of overdevelopment of the harbour foreshore, the level of toxic contamination at the site and also the effects of losing a major shipping port in the CBD, they rushed to sign the petition,” Ms Hoff said.
“AfSD looks forward to being able to work with the Premier and his new government to ensure Sydney gets the Barangaroo it deserves, not one we regret.”
For media interviews contact: Natasha Webb, 0410 729 594
Court judgment finds former NSW Planning Minister feared defeat on Barangaroo
The Land and Environment Court has found former NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly “feared defeat” when he made an 11th hour intervention to effectively shut down a legal case over the controversial Barangaroo development and has ordered the former Planning Minister to pay costs.
Justice Biscoe of the Land and Environment Court today ruled that the former Planning Minister’s behaviour “meets the description of unreasonable conduct” in the court’s judgment on costs.
In an unusual step, the court ordered the former Planning Minister Mr Kelly to pay 75 per cent of the court costs for Australians for Sustainable Development (AfSD) on an indemnity basis.
O’Farrell only half-way there with first-100-days promise to abolish Part
A Commission of Inquiry into Barangaroo is the first test of the new government’s resolve to rid NSW of the toxic legacy of Part 3A planning laws and ensure the people of NSW get a Barangaroo they can be proud of, Australians for Sustainable Development (AfSD) said today.
“Part 3A was abused by the former NSW Labor Government to discard the winning design for Barangaroo and allow Lend Lease to draw up plans to effectively sub-divide Sydney Harbour, over-develop the shoreline and avoid laws to properly deal with contamination,” says AfSD spokesperson Councillor John McInerney.
“While we welcome the commitment to throw Part 3A on the scrapheap as one of the Premier’s first 100 days promises, the risks associated with Barangaroo proceeding any further mean a commitment to a Commission of Inquiry into Barangaroo is urgently needed,” says Clr McInerney.