Natalie Ward
Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberals
Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure
Scott Farlow
Shadow Treasurer
Chris Rath
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
Shadow Minister for Housing
Shadow Minister for Cities
Steph Cooke
Shadow Minister for Crown Lands
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have raised serious questions about the Minns Labor Government's latest planning announcement to deliver housing at the Bays West precinct.
Following this morning's announcement, business and industry groups have identified concerns about the flow on impact of shutting down one of Sydney's busiest ports, including increased construction costs, congestion on major infrastructure and pressure on supply chains.
The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to delivering more housing in and around the Sydney CBD including at Bays West, but this can't come at the expense of communities across NSW who may face more barriers and higher costs in constructing much needed homes.
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the Liberal and Nationals announced the development of Rozelle Bay in 2022 as part of its vision for Metro.
"Labor has today announced their latest rezoning, that is only possible due to the planning and investment of the former Liberal and Nationals Government, who had a long-term vision for NSW and ensured that Sydney Metro West would help reshape our city."
"We need bold action on housing particularly around our Metro stations, but creating another millionaire's row doesn't achieve that," Ms Ward said.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said Chris Minns and NSW Labor also need to explain how much money they would make of the sale off this land.
"Labor went to the election saying no privatisation under their watch. Yet we're seeing more public assets being sold to private developers. Is this simply a revenue grab and an attempt to prop up their Budget bottom line?"
"The Minns Labor Government needs to be clear on how much money they will make from the sale of the land and how it will be reinvested back into delivering the homes NSW needs," Mr Farlow said.
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Chris Rath said Chris Minns needs to clarify if this is what it appears to be, privatisation of public land to create a playground for the wealthy.
"Why has the Minns Labor Government walked away from its promise to deliver 30 percent affordable housing at Bays West, locking everyday families out of a precinct," Mr Rath said.
Shadow Minister for Crown Lands Steph Cooke said today's announcement would put additional pressure on already strained infrastructure and supply chains.
"This is valuable NSW land and once the working Port is gone, we can't get it back. There's a reason this precinct is public land. Chris Minns needs to explain why a hybrid model, where critical public infrastructure is maintained, isn't being contemplated," Ms Cooke said.
