Media Release

Peter Gutwein MP
Shadow Treasurer

Thursday 4th February 2010

Anger Grows at Mt Stuart Drive

Last night more than 40 residents met at Mr Stuart Drive to express their concerns regarding the State Government’s plans to build public housing units in the area.

The residents do not oppose public housing being in the area. However, they are very concerned that the proposed units are not in keeping with existing houses in the area.

Residents said that they would be more accepting of the proposal if the plan was to build houses or larger units that were in keeping with the style of existing buildings.

I am concerned that their appear to be flaws in the approval process announced under the Nation Building Stimulus Plan.

For example:

• It appears that from day one steps were missed out. Council should have been engaged early in the process, but weren’t notified until advertisements were placed in newspapers;
• The process clearly allows for modifications to the housing designs to reflect the concerns of residents – no modifications were made despite more than 40 representations; and
• The independent reviewer was never provided with the submissions made by the residents, only a Government summary of the locals’ concerns.

For these reasons and because I believe that these developments will alter the nature and character of the existing neighbourhood, the responsible Minister Lin Thorp and the Treasurer Michael Aird should agree to a review of their decision.

Residents are planning another meeting on Sunday 7th of February at 3pm to demand action from the State Government. I invite the Treasurer and the Minister to attend as well as any other Bass Labor members who are interested in the concerns of their constituents.