Hunter based MLC Robyn Parker says Maitland MP Frank Terenzini must support the NSW Liberals & Nationals motion which calls 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 NSW Liberals & Nationals have forced a debate in Parliament tomorrow about the State Labor Government’s proposed Department of Housing developments in the Maitland, Charlestown, Swansea, Lake Macquarie, Ryde, Port Macquarie and Kiama electorates following local residents raising serious concerns about the lack of consultation and poor planning processes.

“Maitland residents are angry the Rees Labor Government has steamrolled the community and are planning to build multi storey public housing unit blocks which will overshadow neighbouring residences, invade privacy and do not fit in with the area ’s character,” Robyn Parker said.

“There are also serious concerns about a lack of parking and problems with traffic flows,” she said.

“Tomorrow’s debate is an important opportunity for the resident’s of Maitland to have their concerns bought to the floor of Parliament and debated.

“Member for Maitland, Frank Terenzini must stand up and support the NSW Liberals & Nationals motion calling on the State Labor Government to address community concerns about the proposed developments before plans are finalised and development commences – anything less shows Terenzini is part of the problem, not the solution.

“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.

“I call on Member for Maitland to join with the NSW Liberals & Nationals tomorrow in standing up for the local community,” Robyn Parker said.