Randwick City Mayor Murray Matson says the proposed privatisation of Port Botany will probably lead to increased truck movements and noise in Matraville and Banksmeadow.
He has called on the Premier to drop the idea for the sake of residential quality of life.
"We’ve already got a privatised airport which is not in my opinion working well for local residents. Now the State Government wants to release the reins on the port as well.
This could be a planning blunder on the same scale as Labor’s own excessive expansion of the port. Worried residents are now waiting to experience the full impact of that expansion when it becomes operational."
Media reports indicate that the State Government has now announced a scoping study to investigate offering a 99 year lease on the facilities.
The announcement comes just weeks after the Councillors voted on the Mayor’s recommendation to approach the State Government and request an acoustic assessment of the Port's operations.
The Mayor is now concerned that the Council’s suggestion won’t now be taken up by the State in case it impedes the success of the privatisation offer. He said,
"Council recently voted to request a detailed acoustic assessment from the State Government encompassing all Port related development. We also want the operators of the expanded facilities to consult with Council over the Operational Noise Management Plan as required of them under the consent.
I want residents put first. I hope that the State Government listens to the Council and assesses what the noise impact of the yet-to-be completed expansion will be on residents before making a hasty decision on privatising the Port."
The recent Council resolution reads as follows:
BACKGROUND:
Council Report containing Mayoral Minute Noise - Port Botany Development
Contact: Randwick City Greens Councillor Murray Matson