In State Parliament today, the Member for Maitland denied there were any problems with Department of Housing developments in his electorate, following debate on a NSW Liberals & Nationals motion which called on the State Labor Government to consult each community and address their concerns before plans are finalised and development commences on proposed public housing developments.

“The fact that Maitland’s State Labor Member would get up in Parliament and deny there are any problems with the Department of Housing developments, shows just how out of touch he and Labor is in this region,” Robyn Parker said.

“Residents have said repeatedly that they want to be consulted and involved in the planning process and many have told me personally that they have had no reply from Terenzini about their complaints.

“It is very disappointing that Labor have missed the point when it comes to this issue. They are completely blind to the fact that some residents are angry that housing developments are being steamrolled into their communities, without a clear and open consultation and community involvement in the planning process.

“It was only when I met with residents and took the story to the media, that the Member for Maitland even bothered to lift his head out of the sand.

“Time and time again, Hunter Labor members continue to show that they are part of the problem and not part of the solution. They ignore problems in their electorates and then deny there are problems when in Sydney. Residents deserve better than this.

“In comparison, the NSW Liberals & Nationals have listened to local residents and are firmly committed to fighting for an outcome which finds the right balance between the need for social housing and maintaining the character of the area.

“At the centre of the NSW Liberals & Nationals approach is a commitment to re-empower the community and ensure local residents play a role in the planning process – something which Labor’s centralised planning powers have demolished.”