While we understand the decision reinforced the need to
encourage sustainable development, under the law, the Minister for Planning Frank Sartor, was not compelled to, nor was it in
the Court’s jurisdiction to force the Minister to do so.
The case Matthew Drake-Brockman v the Minister for Planning
and others (Foster’s sold the CUB site to the new owner Frasers in June this
year) centred on arguments about sustainability.
This follows the Ministers approval of the Concept Plan (a
Masterplan) for the site, earlier this year.
This is seen by locals and experts alike as a poor planning outcome that
adversely impacts our environment.
If you would like to see a summary of the arguments and the
decision, this can be found at www.chrisharris.org.au .
We understand that in the 2 days of debate for the case,
barristers for both sides argued about the importance of ensuring
environmentally sustainable measures were incorporated into the approval
process for the site.
In the interim, since the case was heard in late July, a
meeting with Frasers was held.
Attended by local residents Chris
Harris (who is the Deputy Mayor at Council) and Lindsay
Charles, we are hopeful this meeting will lead to the plans being reviewed for the purpose of providing a world class sustainable
development that enhances our local environment and integrates well with
Chippendale.
Current concerns include the overall density (resulting in
such an enormous amount of development) and lack of sustainable outcomes for
one of the City’s largest development sites.
This adversely impacts not only our local environment but Sydney as a whole – and
includes the number of vehicles accessing the site, sunlight access which will reduce
current planning standards and the lack of sustainable planning solutions.
Other issues include the loss of heritage (one of the
Sunburst buildings) and the lack of green space.
On 19th August FoCUS issued to following additional comments:
Apparently neither the Government nor the legal system feel
that climate change is a significant risk factor for us or for future
generations.
We will be holding another meeting in a few weeks, to inform
everyone of the outcome from the fundraising efforts and court case.
We do feel that there is still value in keeping the pressure
on the developers. Although Frasers is
not legally bound to deliver a “green” development, they have made some of
the right noises.
Further on that, a recent meeting was held with Frasers,
where they committed to undertake real community consultation, and expressed a
long held commitment to sustainable development. They refused however to
consider revising the level of car parking, saying that the units would not
sell. This view is based upon outdated,
anecdotal information, but there appears to be nothing newer to offer.
I urge everyone to get involved in the consultation process
when it starts
I would like to thank everyone for their support and
help. I believe that we “fought the
good fight”.
Regards
Lindsay
If you would like more information about this campaign or
become actively involved – please contact Lindsay at focus@pacific.net.au.