Developers let off the hook

By Kate Sullivan, Fairfield Champion
Wed, 30 May 2007

FAIRFIELD Council plans to abolish the levy on building developers to provide car parking in most of the municipality.

Councillor Thang Ngo said withdrawal of the Section94 levy would worsen the district's parking situation.

''I asked that council looks further into the plan [to repeal the section 94 levy] because otherwise we're giving developers a free rein to build whatever they like without providing adequate parking,'' he said.

''Parking is already a problem in Fairfield and Cabramatta.''

The levy requires developers to provide parking spaces in any new developments or pay the council cash so that it can buy spaces.

The council wants to replace the levy with a scheme which requires a reduced payment.

At its last meeting, the council moved to lift the levy from all areas except Canley Heights, Cabramatta and Fairfield town centres. Council officers will prepare a study on parking to present to the council in June.

The councillors will be briefed on the amendments.

Cr Ngo said he was pleased changes would not affect Canley Heights, Cabramatta and Fairfield.

''This can't be a hasty decision,'' he said. ''Anything we do will have a big effect on an already big problem.''