Changes threaten council plans

A State Government plan to reduce development contributions could "pose a threat" to projects such as foreshore maintenance, according to Gosford Council's acting director of environment and planning Mr John Parkes.

Mr Parkes said that parks, libraries and childcare centres planned for the Gosford Local Government Area were "under threat" because of the plan.

"Not only is the Government planning to slash the amount of funds councils can collect in development contributions, but it is also going to dictate what the remaining funds can be used for," Mr Parkes said.

"We have worked out we could lose substantial funding planned for crucial basic infrastructure like parks, road improvements and community centres if the Government's changes proceed.

"But until the legislation is released, it is not known exactly what projects will not proceed."

Mr Parkes said that the findings of the Local Government Inquiry, released in 2006, revealed councils across the State are already facing a $6.3 billion infrastructure back log.

Gosford mayor Cr Jim Macfadyen echoed calls by the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW for the Government to halt implementing the changes.

"Cutting development contributions would not only threaten planned facilities in new areas, but cause overcrowding of, and reduced access to, existing facilities," Cr Macfadyen said.

"Councils are already financially stretched and not in a position to pick up the shortfall.

"We're calling on the Government to freeze implementation of the changes so that all of the impacts on NSW communities can be properly assessed."

Press release, 2 Jan 2007 Kate Carragher, Gosford Council