Further frustration over Bays Precinct

Prominent resident figureheads have criticised the consultation process between the Bays Precinct Taskforce and the community.

The Taskforce started three rounds of workshops in May, with the second round recently finishing. The objective of the workshops was to consult with the community about changes to the Bays Precinct.

However, various community leaders have claimed the process lacks substance. Some have suggested that

government agencies are dictating their plans to the community. Independent Councillor John Stamolis

said the consultation is failing to achieve its objectives. “It appears government agencies are going through the motions with us while the real substance goes on behind the scenes and is not communicated with us,” he said.

Cr Stamolis said the consultation has failed to adequately appreciate the views of the community. “Every part of the sessions are tightly controlled,” he said.

“Opportunities for genuine debate and discussion do not arise; opportunities to contest the plans are not provided.”

Cr Stamolis has called for more vision on the project and for the government to propose something that represents modern Sydney.

“There needs to be more consultation,

otherwise the whole thing will be closed to business without any positives for the community,” he said.

Balmain MP Jamie Parker raised the issue with the Minister for Planning, Brad Hazzard, in parliament last Wednesday. A coalition of community groups, the Bays Alliance, has also sent questions to Mr Hazzard to be replied to by the third and final round of workshops.

Mr Hazzard said the government is considering the consultations and results will appear in due course.

Other community members, groups and leaders have also expressed disappointment with the consultations.

Gretchen Gamble, community representative from the Annanadale precincts Committee to the Bays Precinct Taskforce, said a range of community groups are disappointed with the consultations. “There are many groups including Friends of White Bay, Save Rozelle Bay and the Pyrmont Community Group who are not happy with the process,” she said.

“There has been no opportunity for us to ask questions, share thoughts or observations or seek clarification of situations,” said Ms Gamble. “The third round needs to change otherwise the process has been simply for ‘show’ purposes.”

Jane Marceau, community representative for Bays Precinct Taskforce, was unavailable for comment.

By Fabian Di Lizia.