HURSTVILLE mayor Con Hindi says the state government shouldn't put "silly" ideas out for public discussion.
Cr Hindi, a Liberal, joined widespread condemnation of a proposal to allow new apartments to be built without car parking in some council areas, including Hurstville, Kogarah and Rockdale.
A spokesman for Planning Minister Pru Goward said the announcement was designed to get public feedback.
Cr Hindi described it as "policy on the run" and said there was "no way" he or the council would accept such a policy.
"Don't put suggestions out for public comment when you know they are silly," he said.
"People drive cars even if they live near the station and they will just end up parking in the street."
However, the mayor was open to parking requirements being modified.
"We need to find the right balance between having no parking spots and a reasonable number in new developments," he said.
Hurstville Council will adopt a formal position after considering the proposed amendments to State Environmental Planning Policy No. 65 — Design Quality of Residential Flat Developments.
A Kogarah Council spokeswoman said "at this early stage, council has yet to discuss the consequences of the new planning guidelines".
‘‘A review of the new guidelines is envisaged in coming weeks,’’ she said.
Rockdale mayor Shane O’Brien could not be contacted but was reportedly opposed to the policy.
NO CAR POLICY
Pru Goward (pictured) said the closer people lived to public transport hubs, the less likely they were to rely on cars.
‘‘A car space can add up to $50,000 to the cost of a new apartment, so providing more flexibility around car-parking requirements could lead to savings of up to the same amount for homebuyers,’’ she said.
This and other proposed changes are on exhibition for public comment until October 27.
Do you think the proposal has merit?
