Properties at risk by new law

A section of new planning laws flagged by the Minster for Planning, Frank Sartor, to acquire land by force to onsell to private developers involves two properties, in Darcy Street. required for Parramatta's proposed $1.4 billion Civic Place redevelopment. The Sydney Morning Herald says the minister wants to override a Land and Environment Court decision that council could no compulsory acquire these properties to allow the developer, Grocon, to proceed with the project. The paper notes that critics say the amendment allowing the minister to do this was buried on page 126 of the draft planning reform bill. The issue was cover by all four commercial TV stations in their news broadcasts.