Council’s predictions for 2013

Last year was a roller-coaster of indignities and triumphs for the Leichhardt municipality. The Inner West Independent spoke to councillors to find out what they foresee for 2013.

Mayor Darcy Byrne believes the baby boom will put pressure on the Inner West over the coming 12 months. “Council will need to step up and deliver the infrastructure and services families rely on,” he says.

The man elected to the Mayoralty last year hopes 2013 will bring Leichhardt’s high streets back to life. “I am more confident than ever that we can bring our main streets and local music scene back to life,” Mr Byrne says.

“I am also determined that we can make Leichhardt Municipality the place to go in Sydney for live music. By forming a united front of performers, young people and entrepreneurs in 2013 we will lead the way in bringing Sydney’s live music scene back from the brink.”

Fellow Labor Councillor Simon Emsley asserts property prices will continue to increase in the Inner West and squeeze out the middleincome earners. “The march of gentrification will also threaten the diversity of the Inner West, displacing people on lower incomes who have lived here for generations,” he says.

The Greens are apprehensive about the prospect of Council losing significant planning powers to the State Government amid the release of the White Paper. The party fears the the prospect of forced amalgamations.

Cr Rochelle Porteous elaborates: “The Coaltion [State] Government is keen to remove Council and the community’s voice whereever they can to give developers a free hand to do what they want.

“Part of this will be a push to amalgamate councils and Leichhardt Council will be at risk. We are seeing a government of ‘double speak’ which says one thing and does another.

“It said (before the election) it would ensure it returned planning powers to local councils. Not only is it removing Council planning powers, it plans to go one step further and remove many local councils altogether.”

The Greens believe the imminent WestConnex Motorway will bring with it the threat of compulsory acquisition of residential houses along Parramatta Rd.

Cr Michele Mckenzie says: “I’m especially worried about West Connex and think the people of Sydney should feel very betrayed if this plan goes ahead.

“The O’Farrell Government was elected on a public transport platform. What are the people getting? More unworkable roads care from [Nick] Greiner and the roads’ lobby.”

Liberal candidates are united in their opposition to the Rozelle Village development plan and hope the 2013 will see a sensible conclusion to the Balmain Leagues Club saga.

The Liberal candidates have surprisingly ‘green’ aspirations. Cr Vera Anne Porteous says she has high hopes for the “remediation and planting of orchards in White’s Creek Valley Park”.

Cr John Jobling says he hopes “to resolve the tree policies that are considered outdated, especially for treatment and care, and identify where the wrong trees are currently planted”.