Barangaroo: friend or foe?

The redevelopment of Barangaroo, considered to be the largest redevelopment in the world, has come under unprecedented criticism over the years.

It was only when I sat down to look over the details of Barangaroo with a friend, that I understood the full impact this development will have not only on the city, but the way Sydney is perceived on a global scale.

From the ‘conflict of interest’ concerning Premier Kristina Keneally, to the slamming of Part 3A of the Environmental and Assessment Act, to court action launched in the Land and Environmental Court, the Barangaroo redevelopment certainly hasn’t been smooth running.

And construction has barely started.

It is difficult to comprehend dialogue started all the way back in 2003.

The redevelopment of Barangaroo is a once in a lifetime chance to reinvigorate our city- an opportunity that should be seized.

But it is an opportunity that should be seized upon with morale and dignity.

This is not the time for constant bickering, back and forth, and then back and forth, just for the sake of it.

It is the time to make clear, concise, and informed decisions that will benefit our city for generations to come.

The constant bickering has become tiring, and I’m sure it is damn demanding.

However, it is of course a part of politics.

In fact, we wouldn’t have politics if bickering did not exist.

Politics would then become the definition of boring.

However it will be most interesting to see what the outcome of the state election will mean for Barangaroo.

Despite Barry O’Farrell saying he will abolish Part 3A of the Environmental and Assessment Act if the Liberals are elected, he has not said what he will replace it with.

Perhaps another version of Part 3A, but with a different name?

We have one chance to get this right. Here’s hoping that we do. And here’s hoping we as Sydneysiders’ will get more of voice.

by Sophie Cousins