Calls for Glebe Island public meeting

Leichhardt Council has sent a letter to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure calling for a public meeting prior to developing the Glebe Island Exposition Centre.

The NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure wants to move the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre to Glebe Island from 2013 to 2016 while a new centre is being built in Darling Harbour. The suggestion has concerned various community members and councillors, resulting in 40 submissions to the department.

“More than 40 submissions have been submitted in respect of this application, the majority of which have been identified as issues that need to be assessed,” said Council’s letter to the department.

Councillors and community members of various political persuasions agreed consultations on the Glebe Island Exhibition Centre are imperative. Councillors from all political parties supported the letter directed at the State Government.

President of the Pyrmont Community Group, Jean Stuart said it was crucial the government consulted the community about traffic concerns and feedback prior to development.

“Consultation produces better planning outcomes. I believe that consultation should take place because local knowledge is of great value to the development. The people who live there have quite a good understanding of local issues,” she said.

“We want proposed new developments to coincide with community recommendations.”

Ms Stuart is campaigning for the redevelopment of the Glebe Island Bridge, which she believes could be used as a transport hub assisting the flow of people to and from the exhibition centre.

Liberal Councillor Vera-Ann Hannaford and Greens Councillor Rochelle Porteous both said consultations are important because of community concerns about parking, congestion, public transport and traffic in the area.

“The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the NSW Government did not intend to have a public meeting, which is totally unacceptable,” said Ms Porteous.

Ms Hannaford is fearful of traffic gridlock should the development go ahead.

“The problems that need to be looked at are usage of roads and parking. They also need to take into consideration the fact that Glebe Island is already being used as a port, which creates enough congestion already,” she said.

Ms Hannaford was open to the prospect of the development going ahead on Glebe Island, especially if issues of traffic and parking are addressed.

However, Ms Porteous was more sceptical of the development. She said there might be serious consequences if the government does not address community concerns before commencing construction.

“I’m extremely concerned about the premise on which the exhibition centre is based. It is a massive intensification of the use of the site and clearly the impacts on the Inner West are going to be unacceptable in terms of traffic, parking and safety. The proposal does not adequately address any of these issues,” said Ms Porteous.