Minns accused of backflipping on his anti-privatisation agenda

Shadow Treasurer Damian Tudehope claims the NSW Government wants to sell off Glebe Island to property developers so they can fill the state’s coffers.

Glebe Island silo terminals operation lead Olufemi Adeyemi at the top of Glebe island cement silo. Picture: Thomas Lisson

The NSW Government is under further fire over threats to scuttle Glebe Island port and clear the site for high-rise apartments, with the Opposition slamming the idea as revenue-raising “under the guise of housing”.

Premier Chris Minns confirmed on Tuesday the government was looking at options for the industrial hub despite significant resistance from industry and business leaders, and a naval expert’s warning that shutting down the port could impact national security.

Premier Chris Minns is considering the future of Glebe Island port

“Whether you take all of it for housing, or whether you keep some industry … that’s a decision we have to make,” Mr Minns told Ben Fordham on 2GB.

The focus on Glebe Island has intensified after the proposed sale of Rosehill Gardens failed to materialise, wiping out plans for 25,000 new homes and leaving the premier to find a Plan B.

But speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said contemplating selling off Glebe Island to developers flew in the face of a campaign that carried Labor to power two years ago.

“In 2023, this Premier slammed the Coalition Government for its privatisation agenda,” he added.

“He ran a scare campaign in relation to Sydney Water which was never on the Coalition’s agenda.

“That campaign was run on the basis that privatisation was something he would never do. Well, now under the cover of housing policy he wants to privatise a public asset in Glebe Island.”

Mr Tudehope also argued that while increased supply was crucial to easing Sydney’s crippling housing crisis, development at Glebe Island would never provide the affordable solutions required.

“We are absolutely on the same page as the Premier in relation to the need for housing,” he said. “But let’s be clear.

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope. Picture: Damian Shaw

Maritime Union of Australia official Paul Garrett. Picture: Dylan Coker

“These are harbourside developments we’re talking about, where the government will be selling off prime real estate and filling up its coffers with the proceeds of those sales under the guise of wanting to deliver housing.

“It will not deliver affordable housing for people trying to get into the market for the first time.”

Paul Garrett, Maritime Union of Australia Sydney branch deputy secretary, added: “Once you sell off public land you never get it back. It’s lost for a lifetime.

“There are plenty of other spots around Sydney that should be considered for housing. This isn’t one of them. That’s why we expect them to walk this back and withdraw.”

Urban Taskforce CEO Tom Forrest. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Working Port Coalition fighting to save the port say they would welcome an outcome where housing and industrial facilities can coexist on the island.

Coalition spokesman and Business Sydney boss Paul Nicoloau reacted to the Premier’s comments, saying: “It is good to know that Premier Minns is at least open to the possibility of a hybrid model”.

Urban Taskforce CEO Tom Forrest supports Glebe Island development.

“It would be ironic if we got to 2032 and had a brand new metro station opening (in the Bays precinct) and had nobody getting on or off because there were no houses in the location,” he said.

“A hybrid model, if it’s sensible and still facilitates a significant transformation, go for it.”

A government spokesman said: “A review is currently being conducted that will inform the future of Glebe Island Port…Government will have more to say when the review is complete.”