Community ‘misled’ on White Bay development

Community ‘misled’ on White Bay development

Leichhardt Council has unanimously backed a resolution calling on Planning Minister Kristina Keneally to delay the Bailey’s Marine development at White Bay until the release of the Bays Precinct consultation and report, and reconsider the decision in light of its recommendations.

The move comes after Planning Minister Kristina Keneally approved the Bailey’s refuelling depot, despite stating in a letter to Councillor John Stamolis she would await the Bays Precinct Taskforce’s report before making a decision on the Bailey’s application.

“Wwe need to know the reasons why she would find it preferable to break those commitments and approve the Bailey’s proposal at White Bay…and not proceed with the consultation process,” said Cr Stamolis.

“It should never have proceeded prior to the Master Plan process. It’s extremely unfortunate so many projects have already been approved – the Master Plan involves not much more than [White Bay] power station,” said Cr Gordon Weiss. “I’m not as opposed to it (the Bailey’s development) as some councillors are, but it’s totally the wrong position. The best place to put open space is Wharf 6, which is where Bailey’s is going.”

“It is totally inappropriate at that location and undermines the Minister’s own planning process for White Bay/Glebe Island,” wrote White Bay Residents’ Consultation Group spokesperson Christina Ritchie in an email.

The Minister for Ports, Joe Tripodi, recently approved developments in two other areas of the Bays Precinct, Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay.

“You can’t talk about Rozelle Bay, because [they’ve] got plans for that already; you can’t talk about Blackwattle Bay; you can’t talk about the Fish Markets; you can’t talk about the Rozelle goods yards…you can talk about 60 metres, which is wharfs 2 and 3 or something, on White Bay,” said Mayor Jamie Parker. “Everyone – the chambers, the businessmen, the industry people – were wondering, ‘What are we here for?’”

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