Tuesday 12 July 2016

Fears Over Newcastle Rail Corridor Rezoning Proposal

BY IAN CROUCH

 Some Newcastle councillors believe the rezoning of the heavy rail corridor could become a done deal if the state government gets its way with the proposed amalgamation with Port Stephens.

With a rescission motion to overturn a vote to take legal action against the government to try to stop the merger going ahead still to be debated, Labor and Greens councillors say the rezoning proposal could be out of their hands.

Newcastle Councillor and state MP, Tim Crackenthorp says the decision needs to be made by the democratically elected council.


"I've got grave concerns that the Premier said that the people would have the final say on development in the rail corridor whereas Newcastle Council will probably be amalgamated with Port Stephens and that final say will come down to a government-appointed administrator", he said

Tim Crackenthorp