Public get to have their say on Ritz-Carlton project: Rob Stokes
When it comes to The Star’s proposal, it’s time to put a bit of democracy back in the planning process
Opinion
Don't miss out on the headlines from Opinion. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Clover slams rival Ritz-Carlton ad after her $60k spend
- Mystery delay in Ritz-Carlton planning process
The public inquiry into The Star’s tower proposal in Pyrmont begins on Tuesday and the big question is not ‘what does Rob Stokes want?’, but ‘what outcome would Sydneysiders like to see?’.
As famous urbanist Jane Jacobs once said, cities provide for everybody only when they are created by everyone — so it’s important that the community has the opportunity to have their say.
This particular residential and hotel tower proposal has seen divisive and noisy debate on both sides, with commentators having passionate views about how we want our city to look and feel in the future.
Do I support more hotels in Sydney? Yes.
On Monday, we paved the way for a new luxury 55-storey hotel in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
RELATED NEWS
Roadblock that stopped Ritz-Carlton tower
Ritz-Carlton and The Star at heart of tourism plan
Councillors clash over $500 million hotel
Do I support the need for more apartments? Yes.
We need more of every type of housing for our growing population.
Do I support development that brings significant investment, jobs and tourism to our great city? Absolutely.
That’s why the Greater Sydney Commission is reviewing whether the 25-year-old planning rules for Pyrmont are still relevant.
On Tuesday the public will have the chance to have their say on The Star’s proposal in front of the Independent Planning Commission, which will make the decision on whether the tower can be built.
No one is doubting the need for more hotel rooms in Sydney and the great investment that tourism brings.
Had The Star’s proposal only included a Ritz-Carlton hotel and not also 35 storeys of luxury apartments, it is highly likely we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
Similarly, no one’s doubting the architectural merits of The Star’s proposal.
On the contrary, I have full confidence in the design competition which the proposal went through.
The questions that the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment raised in its assessment of The Star’s proposal for a 237m tall residential apartment and hotel building were around broader planning concern — whether the tower is in the right location, whether the surrounding infrastructure could cope with a sudden influx of new residents and whether the size of the development is consistent with the surrounding environment now and into the future.
Based on these considerations, the department’s experts recommended that The Star’s proposed tower in its intended location should not go ahead.
However, the key word here is “recommended”.
No decision has yet been made and the tower can be built if the Independent Planning Commission decides it should. Independent decision-makers determine these kinds of major development proposals for a very good reason.
The fact that Labor is fronting the Independent Commission Against Corruption this week should serve as a clear reminder. Labor had a long and proven history of approving dodgy developments for their mates.
Is that the kind of future we want for our city? Of course not.
The Liberals and Nationals support strategic and transparent development for our growing population.
My job is to ensure that the right development is built in the right locations supported by the right infrastructure. That’s what our community deserves and can expect.
The government’s vision for the future of Pyrmont is to be a vibrant and exciting part of the NSW visitor economy.
After 25 years, it is right that the planning controls for Pyrmont are reviewed.
But we must ensure that in doing so we balance the interests of Sydneysiders today with the Sydneysiders of tomorrow.
Sydney is Australia’s only true global city and we have a unique opportunity before us to transform Pyrmont and the Western Harbour precinct into an iconic destination.
However, if we are to change the planning rules for the precinct, it must be done strategically and holistically — not in response to an individual development proposal.
Our planning system is democratic, and while democracy is of course sometimes messy, it’s certainly a hell of a lot better than the alternative.
Rob Stokes is NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
