Firth leaps on Liberal sprawl

Labor has pointed to the risk of a Coalition Government in implementing environmentally-unsustainable development policies for Sydney, after Coalition leader Barry O’Farrell announced the State Opposition’s intention to refocus Sydney’s expansion on ‘greenfield’ development.

“What Barry O’Farrell is talking about is not increasing density on existing sites – he’s talking about releasing more and more land on the outskirts of Sydney, far away from infrastructure and public transport,” said member for Balmain Verity Firth. “That is not a sustainable solution for Sydney – it’s not a good solution for those communities once they set up there, and it’s definitely not good environmentally.”

“I believe we are pulling out weight locally,” Firth added. “We do live in a medium-to-high-density environment in the inner city, but ultimately, for reasons of sustainability and for communities to be cohesive, you can’t just keep adding to Sydney’s fringe – it’ll eventually run out!”

Firth’s position is supported by The Greens, who support the current strategy of encouraging medium-high-density development and would oppose refocusing on greenfield development.

Liberal candidate for Balmain James Falk issued a statement defending the Coalition policy. “We want to make Sydney a place where people can afford to buy a home again,” he said. “Our housing policy is about allowing people that opportunity, but we realise you can’t do that without building more public transport in these areas.

“Unlike Labor, we will build the infrastructure as it’s needed in these communities. Infrastructure NSW will co-ordinate the priorities and ensure that it is built on-time, on-budget and where it is most needed.”