Experts raise questions as community raises funds for CUB court battle
July 17th, 2007With only fourteen days to go until local resident Matthew Drake Brockman takes on the mammoth beer mogul Foster’s and Planning Minister Frank Sartor, the Chippendale community along with other Sydney residents and supporters came together to help raise funds for the cause.
At UTS on Wednesday July 11, almost 100 residents braved appalling weather to eat, drink and be inspired.
Speakers such as Cate Faehrmann, Executive Director, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, accused the Government of being more about party politics than achieving any progress in addressing climate change and that Part 3A planning laws were dangerous and undemocratic for allowing one man to hold so much power.
Green Bans legend Jack Mundey, surprised everyone with his revelation that when it came to climate change, communities would have more success lobbying business rather than government – except of course at election time.
Caroline Pidcock, President of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, agreed adding that many developers were more aware of sustainability issues than government ministers.
Michael Mobbs then informed the audience that sustainability measures only add between two and eight percent to upfront development costs. This of course would be recouped over time through lower living costs. The audience was ready with applause and questions as to why our governments just don’t get it.
The evening was a great success with the small community of Chippendale raising over $1,000 for the court case.
The CUB court case is scheduled for July 25th and 26th. It will be a David and Goliath tussle at which anyone who is interested can attend.
