The organisers of a protest meeting against "overdevelopment" in Sutherland Shire say the state election provides residents with a chance to demand change.
Marcela Bilek and Andrew Mathas organised the street meeting in response to two medium density housing proposals in Kurrajong Street, Sutherland, where they have lived for nearly 20 years.
Residents from other parts of the shire with similar concerns were also invited by social media.
About 90 people, including mayor Carmelo Pesce, several other councillors and state election candidates - although none of the Liberals - attended.
Ms Bilek said they were happy with the turnout of about 90 people.
"It had been raining steadily since early morning on that day and the attendees knew that this was to be an outdoor meeting with no wet weather contingency plan," she said.
Ms Bilek said those who attended were told of an online petition that had been launched, "calling for legislation that would bring in responsible development in the lead up to the election".
"There are further actions that eventuated from the meeting including the formulation of plans to attend other public events leading up to both the state and federal elections," she said.
"The federal election is relevant because of the climate change implications of the building practices encouraged by the current legislation."
Ms Bilek said changes imposed on local councils by the state government had resulted in residents with development concerns "having nowhere to go".
"Councillors uniformly tell us that they no longer have any influence on planning and approvals as these powers have been moved to the state level," she said.
To sign the petition, visit: www.change.org
