Axing of Greater Cities Commission Signals Developer Influence Strong as Ever Under Labor
Today’s axing of the Greater Cities Commission is another worrying sign that the Minns Government is bowing to the demands of the powerful developer lobby at the expense of sound planning principles and the community, said Cate Faehrmann, Greens MP and cities spokesperson.
“It really is starting to look like the developer lobby is saying jump and the Minns Government is saying how high,” said Ms Faehrmann.
“Since the election, the developer lobby seems to be getting everything they’re asking for. This is incredibly concerning given the corrupting influence that developers have had over politics in this state.
“Developers are after one thing and one thing only and that is to make a profit. Last week it was cutting the councils out of the approval process for higher density developments, and now this.
“The primary role of the Greater Cities Commission was to appropriately plan for increased connectivity, sustainability and liveability. Without it, there is no guarantee of adequate schools, health services, transportation and lifestyle opportunities in the midst of increased housing supply.
“More often than not what makes a liveable community will cost developers money. So we’ve seen developer interests fighting many of the measures that actually improve communities and make them more liveable.
“Just last month, the developer lobby group Urban Taskforce made its case for the axing of the Greater Cities Commission and hey presto, it’s done. Developer influence seems to be as strong as ever under Labor,” said Ms Faehrmann.