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Rally slams bulldozer laws
Tuesday 10 June, 2008 12:01am
MOVES to rip planning powers from councils, that would see historic homes bulldozed without warning, have been slammed at a public rally.
The proposals, which passed the NSW Lower House on Wednesday morning, would tear communities apart, leaving opponents to any development no recourse under the law, the rally at Sydney's Masonic Centre was told.
The rally, hosted by the National Trust, heard that properties not on the heritage list but which had significant heritage value could be destroyed at the stroke of a pen.
"It's one minute to midnight and we have to fight these changes, which will have a devastating impact on our communities," National Trust NSW conservation director Graham Quint said. "People will be shocked by the damage that will occur to local heritage if this legislation is passed. Any heritage buildings that are not heritage listed will be at risk of demolition without any community consultation."
The man credited with saving Sydney's historic Rocks precinct from the wrecking ball, Jack Mundey, told the meeting the "draconian legislation" proposed by Planning Minister Frank Sartor was the worst he had ever seen.
"The Iemma Government, on grounds of heritage and the environment, is the worst since Sir Robert Askin," Mr Mundey said, referring to the late NSW Liberal premier from 1965 to 1975.
Lawyer and urban planner John Mant said the number of legal cases that would emanate from the legislation would see lawyers erect a statue in honour of Mr Sartor, who said criticism of his amended planning laws was a "beat-up".
"It's a non-story. If it is not listed or in a heritage conservation area there are no legitimate grounds to save it from demolition."
