Power tryst over Callan Park

A local councillor has questioned the state government’s handling of the Callan Park master plan, suggesting council should begin developing the park separately.
Leichhardt Labor Councillor Darcy Byrne claims the NSW planning minister, Brad Hazzard, has given no clear commitment to the Callan Park master plan submitted by council in November.

“Minister Hazzard is refusing to provide any definite timeframe for the Government’s response to the Callan Park Master Plan or any support for enacting an independent trust,” he told the Inner West Independent on February 16.

Mr Hazzard said he had instructed the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority to “go into the detail of it”. He said he aimed to complete recommendations to the master plan by June, July or August of this year. A letter addressed to the Mayor of Leichhardt, Rochelle Porteous, earlier this month said the review would be carried out in the “coming months”.

Cr Byrne said given what he considered a lack of clear direction from the NSW government regarding their position, Leichhardt Council could begin developing the non-controversial elements of the master plan such as the skate parks and sports facilities, if there was no opposition.

“We need to get on with the job of ensuring that young people have the facilities that they need,” the councillor said.

Leichhardt Mayor, Rochelle Porteous, said Callan Park is a state government responsibility. She added that the Council met with the Foreshore Authority on February 13 and was assured the assessment of the master plan would be a collaborative process with the Council.

President of Friends of Callan Park, Hall Greenland, said he is against the idea of developing the Park without state and federal government support as only they have the necessary resources to achieve the redevelopment.

“For Darcy to be running around to get the Council to take over what are state and federal responsibilities is ill advised,” he said.

Mr Greenland said he remains optimistic the state government will adopt the bulk of the master plan, including the trust. He said the current government has always been sympathetic to the saving of Callan Park and there is no evidence their commitment has slackened.