Liberals backflip on draft LEP

After two years of negotiations between the NSW Government and the Blue Mountains City Council, the Government has backflipped on key provisions in the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) intended to preserve the unique environment and heritage of the area.

Visiting the Blue Mountains today, Shadow Minister for Environment, Planning & Heritage Penny Sharpe joined local member Trish Doyle and Mayor Mark Greenhill in calling for the Minister to ensure key provisions are included in the final version.

“For two years, the Blue Mountains Council has been working with the government to preserve the unique environmental and heritage elements of the area,” Ms Sharpe said. 

“The Minister’s last minute back flip makes it seem that the consultation with council was insincere.

“The local provisions in the draft LEP are crucial to protecting the World Heritage Area from urban development.

“The Blue Mountains is one of the jewels in our state’s crown – why wouldn’t Minister Stokes want to protect it?

“The Blue Mountains needs a flexible LEP, and there is still time for the Liberal Government to listen to community concerns and ensure these provisions are included in the final Plan.”

Member for the Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said: “The Council lobbied to include measures to protect the heritage homes and unique character of the villages across the Blue Mountains.

“It’s just disingenuous for the Liberal Government to ask for community input if, in the end, it won’t be considered.”

Mayor of Blue Mountains City Council Mark Greenhill said: “The Council has worked hard for over two years to ensure we get an LEP that will work for us – it’s a huge slap in the face for the Minister to tear up our plans.”