5 December 2023
A move by the Government to exempt Mount Barker developments from national energy efficient standards risks creating another planning disaster for the area, warn the SA Greens.
Today, InDaily revealed that the State Government has granted exemptions to the Mount Barker growth area from the National Construction Code requiring a 7 star energy rating.
“It’s bizarre that the Government would seek to exempt any new developments from these new energy standards at a time of climate crisis. The Mount Barker area has been dogged by poor planning decisions, from poor public transport infrastructure to road congestion. Sadly this is another misstep,” said Greens Planning Spokesperson, Robert Simms MLC.
“There’s a real risk that cutting corners now will only doom those who purchase these new properties to higher power prices in the long run, as energy efficiency measures are more cost effective. There’s also the risk of more costs down the line, with properties needed to be retrofitted to improve standards as communities continue to grapple with the effects of climate change.”
“Why should the people of Mount Barker lag behind the rest of the country when it comes to the energy star rating? Once again, the people of Mount Barker are being dudded by Labor’s poor planning decisions and capitulation to developers.”