The Greens plan to scrap the ‘disastrous’ Part 3A

The NSW Greens launched their planning policies last week focusing on overhauling Part 3A of the Environment and Assessment Act.

Overlooking the politically besieged Barangaroo site and joined by long-term activist Jack Mundey, the Greens proposed to cut ties between developers and the incoming government.

Greens MP David Shoebridge said Part 3A needed to be repealed and slammed the Coalition for their lack of responsiveness on the issue.

“NSW needs an Independent State Planning Commission to replace the current system of Planning Ministers making scores of discretionary planning approvals under Part 3A of the Planning Act,” he said.

Part 3A gives the Planning Minister, currently Tony Kelly, the final say on all major developments with a price tag of over $100 million.

The Coalition has vowed to scrap Part 3A, but has failed to reveal exactly what it will be replaced with—instead promising a planning ‘review’ after the election.

The Greens are proposing to replace Part 3A with an Independent Commission that will decide on state significant infrastructure and large-scale projects.

Mr Shoebridge called for the proposed commission to garner broad community support with elected members approved by a 75 per cent majority in both houses of parliament.

He said launching their policies at Barangaroo was relevant as it is a prime example of “what is wrong with planning in NSW”.

“We are launching this package at Barangaroo because it demonstrates all that is wrong with Part 3A—a private hotel spilling into the harbour, giant buildings with floor space that overshoots Sydney council planning regulations and a possible contamination scare of Sydney Harbour due to a rushed remediation process,” he said.

Activist and President of Australians for Sustainable Development (AfSD), Jack Mundey, questioned Lend Lease’s intentions at Barangaroo.

“Planning in NSW has become all about delivering for developers to the detriment of public assets and the environment,” he said.

“Barangaroo delivers for Lend Lease, prioritising large ugly buildings over public access to the harbour, but what is the public getting from giving away these 22 precious hectares of public land?”

Deputy Lord Mayor and Vice-President of AfSD Marcelle Hoff asked how long it would take the Coalition to succumb Part 3A to a ‘review’.

“Of course Part 3A needs to be repealed. Certainly the Lib’s are saying they will do it, but the real concern is how long it will take for them to do it,” she said.

“Will there be holds on things that have already been approved, or will they just go ahead?”

There are currently 27 Part 3A major projects on exhibition.

by Sophie Cousins