The Mayor's Column
Last week I alerted residents to grave concerns councils in NSW have regarding changes to the planning system regarding developer contributions and development processes. Some of our worst fears have been realised with the publication by the Department of Planning’s ironically titled discussion paper – Improving the NSW Planning System.
While the 92 recommendations contain some worthwhile proposals my longstanding concerns about the involvement of private certifiers and common State-wide guidelines remain. Most councils in NSW already allow some form of exempt and complying development but these are for minor works and have been tailored to take account of local conditions and environmental constraints. A uniform code applicable across the State does not take into account local topography or conditions. Here in Mosman, we need to worry about developments which could impact on views, privacy, conservation and environmentally sensitive areas and solar access.
Private certifiers have been a continuing issue since their introduction in 1998 and the thought that they could now be entrusted to approve new houses and additions without resort to public consultation or neighbour notification is appalling. What a disregard for the community. All councils have seen some examples of private certifiers showing blatant disregard for council’s regulations. The Minister alleges this approach is to achieve a 50% reduction in the number of DAs for the benefit of ‘mums and dads’ – but at what cost?
Changes to developer contributions on your Council’s ability to acquire and embellish open space could be drastic. To meet existing commitments in the absence of any developer contributions would equate to a rates rise of about 10% for the next five years.
Please join me in making a submission on both of these matters to The Premier (thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au) and Minister Sartor (planningreform@planningnsw.gov.au) by February 2008. They are likely to affect residents’ amenity and Council’s operations for the foreseeable future. The possible consequences don’t bear thinking about.
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
