Fletcher welcomes abolition of Ku-ring-gai Planning Panel

Federal Member for Bradfield, Paul Fletcher has welcomed the decision of the O’Farrell NSW Liberal Government to abolish the Ku-ring-gai Planning Panel.

Newly appointed NSW Minister for Planning Brad Hazzard has acted quickly upon taking office, with his announcement that the panel would be abolished.

“The Ku-ring-gai Council area – which falls wholly within the federal seat of Bradfield - was singled out by the former NSW Labor government,’ said Mr Fletcher.

“NSW Labor took away most of Ku-ring-gai Council’s planning powers, and handed them to the undemocratic ‘Ku-ring-gai Planning Panel.’ This meant that planning decisions which should have been in the hands of democratically elected councillors were instead taken by state government appointed officials.

“This was in addition to the sweeping powers which Labor gave to the state Minister for Planning, under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, to make planning decisions on major projects – completely bypassing councils.

“I have been a strong supporter of the key principle that power over local planning matters in Ku-ring-gai should be exercised by the democratically elected council – rather than by Labor ministers or state bureaucrats who do not live in our area and have no sympathy for it.

“This week the newly elected NSW Liberal Government has acted to give effect to this important principle, in two separate decisions: one regarding the abolition of Part 3A and the other regarding the abolition of the Ku-ring-gai Planning Panel.”

“I congratulate Barry O’Farrell, Brad Hazzard and the NSW Liberal Government for moving so swiftly on this issue – just as they promised they would do.

“This is good news for the people of Bradfield,” said Mr Fletcher.

Media Contact: DARREN BARK 02 9465 3950