The Hon Dr. Andrew Refshauge MP
Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Housing.
Level 31 Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place SYDNEY 2000

Dear Minister Refshauge ,

Central Honeysuckle REP No.3
Commission of Inquiry D.A. 211-06-2000

Thank you for your letter of the 9^th of October sent to your colleague Bryce Gaudry MP concerning our request for a Commission of inquiry to advise you on the above DA 211-06-2000.

There can be no confidence in the NSW Government’s planning process if the Minister is prepared to accept a Development Application that contravenes the concept and detail of the Regional Environment Plan without a Commission of Inquiry.

The Movement is aware of the circumstances surrounding your predecessor’s decision to ‘call-in’ any development application for the Honeysuckle Merewether Wharf area under Sec 101 of the EP&A Act and establish a commission of inquiry. The Parks and Playgrounds Movement supported the previous Minister’s action.

The REP Amendment No.3 was specifically prepared by the Department Urban Affairs and Planning at the request of the Minister to ‘contribute to the Government’s objectives for the Hunter’ and to control development at Central Honeysuckle.

Once again the Movement applauded your predecessor’s action.

The Hunter REP 3 triggers the supporting plans "Public Domain Concept Plan" (part of the REP document) and the Civic Precinct Urban Design plan.1995.

We are registered objectors to the DA 211-06-2000 because it is not in accordance with the detail and spirit of Hunter REP amendment No.3 for Central Honeysuckle.

Where a development is inconsistent with the REP1989 as amended, the REP shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency. ( REP1989 Clause 4.subsection 2)

It is absolutely essential that you be advised by an independent commissioner in respect to this development and we trust that this matter will receive your urgent attention and that a date for the Commission of Inquiry will be set in the near future.

Yours sincerely,