Casino plan raises questions on unsolicited proposals process

The O’Farrell Government’s unsolicited proposals process has been called into question by Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, who says its use to fast-track James Packer’s plan for a second Sydney casino highlights its deficiencies.

Mr Greenwich said changes made last year, just before Mr Packer revealed plans for a casino and luxury hotel at Barangaroo, show that the original intention of the process has been distorted.

Last week, further details were revealed about Mr Packer’s proposal for his Crown Sydney hotel and casino, with a design by British firm Wilkinson Eyre Architects chosen for the 250-metre tower, and luxury apartments added to the proposal.

“The unsolicited proposals process is meant to be about innovative ideas that bring real public benefit, but now it’s being used to facilitate the expansion of gambling in NSW and privatisation of public land,” said Mr Greenwich.

“We were told the casino was needed to subsidise the hotel, now we are told luxury apartments for the mega rich are needed to subsidise the entire project.”

Mr Greenwich said the ‘closed tender’ nature of the project eroded public confidence in the process and risked the amenity of the entire Barangaroo development.

“Vital public confidence in a rigorous and politically independent process has been lost, with Barangaroo now at risk of becoming a playground for billionaires,” said Mr Greenwich.

Mr Greenwich’s stance is in line with the Greens, who have consistently expressed major reservations about the unsolicited proposals process.

Greens MLC John Kaye told City News this week the process should be abandoned.

“It’s clearly farcical and should be scrapped. What’s innovative or unique about a whopping great casino?

“If we are to have a second Sydney casino – which I don’t believe we need – but if we are, at least have a publicly transparent and accountable open tender process,” he said.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore also weighed in, saying transparency in public-private machinations was paramount.

“Big planning decisions that affect the future of our city should be made in full public view, and with the public’s best interest at heart,” said Ms Moore.

“There needs to be more justification for the proposal for a casino, luxury apartments and a hotel at … one of Australia’s most important pieces of public land,” she said.

But Patricia Forsythe, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber, took a different view.

While not wishing to comment on the unsolicited proposals process itself, saying it was a State Government matter, Ms Forsythe backed the Packer plan for a casino, hotel and apartments at Barangaroo.

“This building on that site is what Sydney needs right now,” said Ms Forsythe.

“We cannot afford to be timid at Barangaroo – we have to be bold. There has to be capacity for return on such a significant investment. The return must be commensurate with the investment.”

Ms Forsythe said Mr Packer’s “integrated resort” plan could “activate the entire Barangaroo precinct 24 hours a day, ensuring its success”.

A spokesperson for NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said the Premier would not be commenting on the matter, and referred City News to a web page with generic information about the unsolicited proposals process.