Wednesday, 5 March 2003

Media Release

MERITON DEVELOPMENT COULD DISPLACE UP TO 1,000 BATTLERS

The current attempt by the Meriton Group to redevelop Lansdowne Park caravan site in Lansvale may displace up to 1,000 residents.

Meriton has had a meeting with Fairfield Council and expressed a wish to explore the rezoning of Lansdowne Park site from the current recreational zoning to residential.

For this to proceed, an application would need to be lodged and approved by Fairfield Councillors. It also requires approval from the NSW Planning Minister, as the land is flood prone.

"The scary part about this is that Labor controls both Fairfield Council and it looks likely they will again form government after the coming state election - and Meriton is one of the largest contributors to both the Labor and Liberal parties" said Cr Thang Ngo.

According to a study conducted by the Greens, Meriton donated $274,500 to the NSW Labor party between 1998-2001, making them the single largest contributor to the NSW Labor party in the property/developer category, see www.nsw.greens.org.au/parl/lee/campaigns/donations/ALP/ALP%20NSW%20-%20Property.doc.

Cr Ngo said it would be difficult to prove that political donation directly affected any government or council decision, however, the public would always have doubts.

"I would assume developers, when making political contributions are making a business decision with some perceived commercial returns in the future" said Cr Ngo.

Cr Ngo said even if the benefit from these donations is only access to relevant ministers, it is still a major benefit over socially disadvantaged residents living in caravans at Lansdowne Park – they would stand very little chance of seeing the NSW Premier or Planning Minister to plead their case he said.

Cr Ngo re-stated his firm opposition to rezoning of Lansdowne Park for residential development now or in the future.  He renewed his call for the Labor councillors, who have so far been silent on this issue, to do the same.