South Australia Shadow Minister for Planning David Ridgway

Parliament Says “Not Yet” To ALP Riverside Deal

Victor P Taffa

The State Opposition has used its parliamentary powers to thwart a Labor move which would have allowed a single minister to dictate development on the Torrens River south bank.

“Labor effectively wants planning approval without submitting a plan. No responsible Parliament anywhere in Australia would tolerate such impudence.” Shadow Planning Minister David Ridgway said.

Without announcing it publicly, Labor removed the Convention Centre and its environs from the protection it enjoyed under the Park Lands Act.

Using regulations rather than legislation, it reclassified the Convention Centre as a “Crown development”.

“But the Legislative Council can move to disallow a regulation within 14 Parliamentary sitting days, and that’s exactly what the Upper House did this afternoon.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“That means Labor cannot unilaterally dictate the sites for high-rise office towers, other developments or the location of the pedestrian bridge.”

“Before we allow these regulations we need the Premier to come clean. We need answers. We want Labor to reveal his masterplan for the entire precinct, including the bridge and all the other proposed developments.” Mr. Ridgway said.

“The Liberal Party will not allow Rann and his backroom Labor mates to impose a flawed design.”

“For example, we want, to see the design of an extravagant the $40 Million footbridge before Parliament gives its permission to build.” Mr. Ridgway said.