The Supreme Court of NSW today upheld the decision to allow the NSW Government to demolish the 140-year-old locally heritage listed 'Willow Grove' in Parramatta. The North Parramatta Residents Action Group (NPRAG) challenged the planning approval on the basis that the environmental assessment failed to meet essential requirements designed to protect Parramatta's heritage.
Greens MP David Shoebridge said:
"Today's decision is a tough one for the campaign to save Willow Grove but the fight is far from over and the Green ban remains in place.
"So much of Parramatta's heritage has already been destroyed by overdevelopment that saving Willow Grove is now even more important.
"The Berejiklian government now needs to explain to the community how knocking down Willow Grove is 'essential' work during a lockdown.
"Regardless of today's judgment the Green Ban remains in place and the community fight to save Willow Grove continues with the strong support of the union movement and local campaigners.
"Thank goodness Parramatta has staunch supporters like the North Parramatta Residents Action group, which has saved Willow Grove so far and continues to stand strong against these threats of destruction.
"Parramatta should not have to choose between having a world-class museum and retaining its precious heritage - it deserves both and that's our goal in this campaign," Mr Shoebridge said.
To view the decision - https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au
