Ryde MP Victor Dominello and Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale ‘scaring’ locals on development
Ryde’s political leaders have been accused of running a Donald Trump-style fear campaign ahead of a determination on a 63-storey Meriton residential development at Macquarie Park.
Ryde’s political big guns have been accused of running a Donald Trump-style fear campaign against development in a bid to win votes at the next state election.
Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson today took a swipe at Ryde’s two most influential leaders, who are arch rivals, for “scaring” the community ahead of a determination on a controversial 63-storey Meriton residential development at Macquarie Park.
The developers’ lobby boss said it was a “race to the bottom” for both the Ryde Liberal MP Victor Dominello and local Labor Mayor Jerome Laxale, who will face off at the third straight state poll on March 23.
“Both of them have set up a fear campaign by spruiking the negativity of growth, but what they are fundamentally missing is the fact that many people in their communities live in these type of apartment buildings,” Mr Johnson said.
“It’s because an election’s coming up, and they are not thinking in a clear, rational way. They are just scaring locals into voting for them.”
Submissions close this week on Meriton’s plans which include 1256 homes, two childcare centres, shops and parking at 112 Talavera Rd. Ryde Council will meet next month to make a recommendation on the proposal.
Mr Johnson fears the anti-development stance by both Mr Dominello and Cr Laxale will see the DA ultimately rejected by the NSW Planning Department.
“Meriton believe they have followed all the rules,” the architect said.
“The aircraft officials say it is fine for height; the Roads and Maritime Services and council officers have both given it all the necessary ticks. And it’s next to an expressway, which means you can get traffic in and out quickly.
“It’s also next to Lane Cove National Park, meaning there’s plenty of open space nearby, and it’s within 400m of a Metro rail station.
“This is all abiding by what the government is asking for, but to then get the opposing view from the government’s own local member is a bit rich and just scaremongering.”
Mr Dominello said he took Mr Johnson’s attack on him “with a pinch of salt”.
“He does not understand the stress the Ryde community goes through,” the Finance Minister said.
“My concern is not development per se, but the outrageous scale of development, such as the proposed Meriton apartment tower that is not supported by adequate social infrastructure including schools, parks and extra road capacity.”
Cr Laxale also hit back at Mr Johnson as he revealed the extent of community opposition to the Meriton plans.
“I expect the developers’ main lobbyist to attack people who have different opinions, but my job is to represent the best interests of the people of Ryde,” he said.
“So far, council has received nearly 200 submissions (on the Meriton DA), with 90 per cent opposed to it on height and traffic grounds.
“Ultimately, all council can do is just send a recommendation because the state government has power to decide on these major developments.”
Next year’s battle for the seat of Ryde will be the threequel of Laxale versus Dominello.
‘THE DOMINELLO EFFECT’
Developers are concerned that the “Dominello effect” will lead to a grinding halt of much-needed housing growth across Sydney, according to their chief lobbyist.
“The Dominello effect is just like the domino effect; it’s like a series of dominoes falling where you have other politicians, including the Premier (Gladys Berejiklian), who are following the Ryde MP’s anti-development stance and calling to slow things down across Sydney,” Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson says.
“It’s very unfortunate that Victor proudly says he’s been fighting development for the past 10 years, spruiking to the point where others think it’s a good way to pick up votes.
“The reality is that all this planning that’s been approved in Ryde has come under a Liberal government since 2011, and fundamentally under a Liberal-dominated council in that time. So it can’t be just blamed on a Labor council.
“Victor attacks all the developers, but all they’ve done is follow the rules set in place by his government.”
Mr Dominello rejects Mr Johnson’s criticism, saying he’s simply fighting for the “best interests” of his electorate.
The Finance Minister has already helped secure a two-year freeze on new rezoning applications for residential housing in Ryde, the only Sydney LGA to win this sort of planning reprieve.
“I am proud I secured a development freeze in Ryde, with the tipping point being the 63-storey development supported by Ryde Council,” he said.
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