‘Here’s an acid test for Barry’: Barangaroo

Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell has promised a review into the controversial Barangaroo development but has ruled out a judicial inquiry.

More than 200 protestors gathered outside Lend Lease headquarters on Tuesday to voice concerns over the site.

Speakers included Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP, activist Jack Mundey, Greens MLC David Shoebridge, and Deputy Lord Mayor and Australians for Sustainable Development spokesperson, Marcelle Hoff.

Mr Mundey labeled the redevelopment of Barangaroo as “horrific” and said it would be an “acid test” for Barry O’Farrell if he is elected on March 26.

“Barry O’Farrell is looked upon as one of the more liberal people, who are concerned about developments,” he said.

“We want a commission of inquiry and we want from Barry O’Farrell now, an undertaking that he will take that out.”

But in response to the Coalition’s announcement, Marcelle Hoff and CEO of the National Trust, Will Holmes, said nothing short of a full-scale inquiry would be acceptable and appropriate.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP condemned the state government for its lack of accountability and failure to adhere to “proper process”.

“The site’s potential is not reflected in a development process so far, or in any meaningful consultation,” she said.

Greens MLC David Shoebridge labeled Barangaroo as an “appalling planning mistake” and called for the major parties to support the call of the Greens.

“Any incoming government must commit at a minimum, to support the call the Greens have been making, to protect our harbour from development of any kind and to resin those changes to the planning laws so that no future government can subdivide and sell and develop our harbour,” he said.

Mr Shoebridge condemned the Planning Minister, Tony Kelly, who recently changed the law to allow the subdivision of Sydney Harbour which critics argue will be make it harder to prevent the construction of a hotel in the harbour.

by Sophie Cousins