Harry Triguboff claims NSW government ban in Ryde costing Meriton $50k a day
Lawyers for Harry Triguboff have slammed the NSW government in court, claiming a 12-month ban on planning proposals in the Ryde area is costing the billionaire’s development company $50,000 a day.
Billionaire Harry Triguboff’s lawyers have taken aim at Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s government for costing Meriton $50,000 a day and potentially thousands of jobs.
In the first court appearance since Ms Berejiklian said the community would not be “bullied by billionaires”, barrister David Bennett outlined how Meriton’s massive development in north west Sydney is bleeding cash because of a 12-month ban on current and future planning proposals in the Ryde local government area.
In a minor win for the developer, Meriton succeeded in having the next NSW Land and Environment Court date moved forward by two weeks — potentially saving the property giant $700,000.
MORE NEWS
Breakthrough as Cheryl Ardler’s ex-boyfriend charged
UFC star’s clash with ‘sh*t talking’ hypocrite Folau
Appeal for help after ranger knocked unconscious
“There will be evidence that the delay is costing the applicant $50,000 a day and that it creates uncertainty in respect to the employment of thousands of workers,” Mr Bennett, a QC, told the court Friday morning.
“This is a half billion dollar development involving around 1270 units which has been met with approval by the appropriate authorities at every stage, including a Gateway Approval by the Department of Planning as delegate for the Greater Sydney Commission.”
In a summons filed days before the March 23 State Election, Meriton’s building arm, Karimbla Constructions, claimed planning body the Greater Sydney Commission “does not have the function” to recommend the Premier stop major developments in Ryde for 12 months.
This moratorium applies to new and existing planning proposals, including Mr Triguboff’s four-tower development on Talavera Rd, Macquarie Park.
The biggest tower is 42 storeys.
The summons is also demanding the Department of Planning and Ryde Council increase the floor space ratio and height controls at the site — which runs next to the M2 motorway — boosting the number of units Karimbla can build.
At the time of the summons, Ms Berejiklian told The Daily Telegraph: “bring it on”.
“I will always stick up for residents and local communities,” she said May 14.
Meriton founder Harry Triguboff, who is worth $12.31 billion and is Australia’s third-richest person, said the government “can’t move the goalposts like that.”
In December last year the Premier announced a public inquiry, to be run by the GSC, into overdevelopment in Ryde Council area.
Ryde State Liberal MP Victor Dominello and Ryde’s Labor Mayor Jerome Laxale have been vocal in their opposition to the development and others in the Ryde area.
Ryde has seen a 97 per cent increase in apartments built between 2015 and 2018, according to the Department of Planning.
Barrister Zelie Heger, appearing for the NSW Government Friday, argued that it was “premature to set a hearing date now”.
“We do not have a clear understanding of the basis for the plaintiff’s claim,” Ms Heger said.
Justice Sheahan refused Ms Heger’s request to push the matter back two weeks, listing it for further directions on May 31.
On that date, the judge will decide whether Kerimbla and Meriton will get access to all relevant correspondence between defendants The Premier, former NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts, the GSC and the Department of Planning.
Jewish community hosts vigil to remember terror victims
An early morning vigil has been held at Bondi Beach on the anniversary of October 7 Hamas Terror attack in Israel. Members of the Jewish community, dignitaries, MPs and survivors were in attendance.
Fears October 7 anniversary could ignite unrest in Sydney
Fears of unrest in Sydney consume the first anniversary of Hamas’ terror attack, after pro-Palestinian protesters swarmed the CBD on Sunday, taking aim at state and federal politicians.