Part of the reason I have opposed forced amalgamation over the last few years is because I recognise the framework for the KPMG report as flawed, an idea confirmed by Professors Drew and Dollery, two local government specialists, as well as other experts. Following this flawed KPMG report the State Government proposed forced amalgamations. The report is still unavailable via GIPA (Government Information (Public Access) Act) and in court proceedings, the Government has strongly resisted revealing details of KPMG’s calculations.
Last December, I opposed the relocation of the proposed Australian Korean Memorial Gardens from the back mound in Bressington Park to the front (playing) field partly because I saw the need for further consultation regarding dedicating land worth tens of millions of dollars to this project as well as depriving future residents (and there will likely be plenty) of this area of valuable green space. The Australian Korean Memorial Gardens will now likely be built at the front of Bressington Park. Construction will begin at the start of April, after the Breaking Ground Ceremony on 31 March.
Last month I moved to reject a planning proposal to increase floor space ratio on a site on Parramatta Rd from 2.7:1 to 4.5:1 and height from 26m to 85m because in my opinion the report did not align with the Sydney Metropolitan Plan and the Draft Central District Plan. Traffic and overshadowing were also concerns.
Also last month, I opposed the concurrent exhibition of 3 Development Control Plans (DCP's), partly because I believed that residents need more time to make submissions on all 3. The DCPs are on exhibition until Tuesday 4 April. I encourage you to review the plans, Council welcomes submissions. The Plans as well as further information can be found in my expanded Mayoral Column from 7 March.
Andrew Soulos
Mayor of Strathfield