Keneally smokescreen

Opponents of the Barangaroo development say intervention from NSW Premier Kristina Keneally is a diversionary tactic.

The Premier took over the development last week stating the project was too important to be derailed by “naysayers” and accusing Sydney’s Lord Mayor of playing politics.

But City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor Marcelle Hoff says the accusations are a red herring.

“This is one more effort being made to take the focus away from what is really happening down there,” she said.

“Will this unorthodox step incur a further loss of transparency and public accountability in the development?”

The Premier said she was greatly disappointed with Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s decision to leave the Barangaroo board.

“I see her own Council politics at play. I see her own political party’s politics at play,” she said.

“I am not going to stand by and watch special interests within the City of Sydney Council derail this project.”

The Lord Mayor said she resigned due to a lack of public accountability and transparency.

“This goes against what has been the foundation of my career in public life,” she said.

“The City has prepared a detailed submission of amendments to the Barangaroo Concept Plan, which has been presented to the NSW Government.

“We are also keen to brief the Premier on the City’s submission.”

The Premier will take over responsibility for the Portfolio.

“The Act will now be assigned to me. The Authority will now report to me. And, the Board will work directly with me,” she said.

President of the Barangaroo Action Group, Ian Campbell denied the Premier’s allegation of special interests.

“There is an amazing amount of opposition to the concept plan,” he said.

“They [Lend Lease] say there are only 200 people objecting … but the truth is it is 200 people representing over 100,000.”

“I don’t think this changes anything, she [Keneally] is just the next person with her finger in the dyke.”

NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly’s office directed all enquiries about Barangaroo to the Premier.

The City’s recommendations:

•    No tower/pier in Darling Harbour
•    No floor space increase, given the bulk, scale and negative environmental effects of the development and the inadequacy of transport following the abandonment of the CBD Metro rail
•    An increase in the affordable housing component
•    Prevent a “great wall of buildings”, which would visually pollute the City skyline and block sunlight
•    Reconfiguration of the ground plan and public domain
•    Retention of the Overseas Passenger Terminal functions

By Lawrence Bull and Simon Black