| |
|
|
|
Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 14 July 2009 AUSTRALIA'S BEST PLANNING SYSTEM DELIVERS OVER 3,800 JOBS IN JUNE More than $3 billion of capital investment and 3,863 jobs will be generated as a result of 37 major projects approved by the NSW Government in June 2009. Mr Rees said the June approval figures show that the planning system in NSW was delivering real results – investment that created jobs for NSW families. “An effective planning system is one of the most useful tools the Government can deploy to stimulate jobs and economic investment,” Mr Rees said. “This is about streamlining planning approvals and encouraging job-generating projects to NSW. “Since September last year, the NSW Government has approved projects generating some $17 billion in investment and nearly 60,000 jobs across the state.” The Premier made the announcement while inspecting construction at the first of four stages of the Cochlear Limited headquarters at Macquarie University with Planning Minister Kristina Keneally. “This project was approved under Part 3A in January 2009, generating up to 350 construction jobs over the life of the project,” Mr Rees said. “The first stage of the Cochlear Limited headquarters is due to be completed in September 2010 and will house up to 1,500 staff. “The remaining three stages will require further planning approval and have the potential to accommodate an additional 1,500 jobs. “This is just one example of a proposal that was assessed through the NSW Government’s streamlined major project system and is now underway supporting jobs. “And for each one of these construction workers, the Cochlear Limited development represents weekly wages for their families.” Ms Keneally said the June Major Project update showed a clear difference between the NSW Government and the Opposition. “The NSW Government is creating Australia’s best planning system. By using the Major Project Assessment System we are streamlining planning approvals and inviting job-generating projects to NSW,” Ms Keneally said. “In contrast, the Opposition promises to abolish Part 3A and the Major Project system, replacing it with nothing – creating unnecessary red tape that will strangle investment in NSW.”
Ms Keneally said this was the third release of monthly figures since the Government launched the Major Project update in April. “These monthly updates provide the community and investors with timely and accurate information about the performance of the NSW Planning System.” During June 2009: • 37 Major Projects had been approved creating 3,087 construction jobs, 776 operational jobs and over $3.3 billion of capital investment in NSW. • Of these, 13 were approved by the Minister under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. • The remaining 24 were approved by the Department of Planning through different parts of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 • The Planning Assessment Commission also provided advice to the Minister on 2 projects during June: The Metropolitan Coal Project and the Lizard Rock Concept Plan. • As a result of advice received from the PAC, the Minister declined the request to consider the Lizard Rock site as a Part 3A Major Project or a potential State Significant Site and decided that it should not be included on the Metropolitan Development Program. “There were several projects that contributed significantly to another great result in June 2009,” Ms Keneally said. “Approval of the largest Wind Farm in Australia, the Silverton Wind Farm, contributed 700 construction jobs, 120 operational jobs and over $2 billion of capital investment. “After extensive public consultation and review by the PAC the Metropolitan Coal Project approval contributed more than 370 jobs and $50 million of investment to NSW.” Projects approved in June include: • Silverton Wind Farm – 820 jobs • Museum of Contemporary Art, Alterations and additions – 1,000 jobs • Rosehill Recycled Water Scheme, Camellia – 135 jobs • Port Kembla Coal Terminal Project – 119 jobs • Royal North Shore Hospital – Acute Hospital and Community Health Facility – 500 jobs • Metropolitan Coal Project, Helensburgh – 370 jobs • Gullen Range Wind Farm – 195 jobs • Mount Point Piper Power Station – Western Rail Coal Unloader – 110 jobs • Pemulway Mixed Use Development (Concept Plan), Redfern – 300 jobs
For full details on approvals for June, go to http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/planningsystem/pdf/090714%20Major%20Project%20Figures%20June.pdf
|