Calls for bays precinct taskforce

The Pyrmont community has called for the introduction of the Bays Precinct Taskforce following developments at Bank St.

Community leaders have called for the taskforce to be implemented immediately to stop ad-hoc development plans.

Jane Marceau, the community representative on the taskforce to be, said the Sydney Heritage Fleet development on Bank St is another piecemeal approach to the area.

Ms Marceau said development plans in the area should be halted until “the taskforce has met and developed a plan.”

“I think everyone should have a say.”
Bowman St resident Elizabeth Elenius said the Sydney Heritage Fleet development contravenes the master plan of the area which zones Bank St as public recreation.

“It’s an industrial activity . . . [the development application] should go back to the taskforce.”

The taskforce was announced back in November of 2007 but no word has been uttered since then as to when the instrument will be operational.

We don’t know when or how the taskforce will work,” Ms Elenius said.

Local community members said the reason they haven’t objected the proposal for the Sydney Heritage Fleet is because it would compromise other desired developments in the area.

Saunders St resident Len Giddings said NSW Maritime has implied that unless the community agrees to the Heritage Fleet development then the community water sports centre and dragon boat ramp would never be built.

Ms Elenius said: “We never welcomed it, we grudgingly accepted it.”

Mr Giddings said the community was never offered an avenue of objection because the development application is being considered under the old government’s 3A policy and not under Council.

The Sydney Heritage Fleet development application is expected to finalise the director general’s requirements and undergo exhibition in due course.