15 October 2025
The Greens are concerned that the Labor Government has been given new powers to acquire council land for commercial developments after their amendments to the Northern Parklands Bill were opposed by the Upper House last night.
The State Government’s Northern Parklands Bill, which establishes a trust for developing parklands in the northern suburbs, contains provisions that give the State Government the power to acquire land across the state without consent of the councils and seek contributions from ratepayers to pay for its development. The bill also includes provisions which potentially enable the government to construct hotels and resorts on these new parklands.
“People who live in the northern suburbs deserve green open space that they can enjoy, but this bill should not include a back door that allows the State Government to seize public space against the wishes of councils and local communities, nor should it support commercial development that requires ratepayers to pick up the bill,” said Mr Simms.
“The Upper House has given the government of the day a blank cheque to seize public space for development and pass the bill on to councils and their ratepayers.”
Mr Simms moved a series of amendments to the bill, including to exclude high-risk commercial developments such as hotels and resorts, prevent the Government from acquiring council land without consent, and ensure the Government obtains agreement of councils before seeking any contributions from them.