FUSE BLOWN ON SUBSTATION

A petition signed by 350 people was presented to Parramatta City Council condeming Integral Energy's plans to build a substation in Elizabeth Street, Granville.

"The local neighbourhood were very vocal at a recent protest meeting and called upon the Minister for energy to reverse his decision to build the substation in EliZabeth Street", Garrard said.

"While the State Member, Daid Borger said that he would oppose the government on this issue, more recent comment distributed within the electorate would seem as though he actually sees the development as a 'plus' for the local area', said Councillor Garrard.

Local activist, Neil Harbridge said, "The planning process bypasses the local council planning process".

At the Council Meeting, councillors concluded that there had not been proper public consultation, and that the Council's planning department could have chosen a more appropriate location.

Local residents are now seeking a meeting with the Minister.

PARRAMATTA MISSES THE BUS

The Minister for Transport, Mr David Campbell has failed to give the people of Parramatta equality with those of other regional centres. While the eastern suburbs of Sydney enjoy a smorgasbord for travel options, the 'Capital of Western Sydney' simply suffers.

Further more, Newcastle and Woollongong have been given a free transport system but Parramatta is made 'pay its own way'. Parramatta residents have spent $2.5 million to introduce the 'Loop' bus but the State Government continues to deglect its Labor homeland.

Councillor Garrard believes that this is the price which Parramatta residents pay after believing David Borger as Mayor and then compared to his ability not to deliver, when he got elected to Parliament.

"Buses services are already under attack in Holroyd and South Granville, yet the State Government adopts an approach to make the less well off in our community suffer".

BORGER RUNS AWAY

In what must be regarded as an unprecedented action upon 'neighbourhood living', the State Labor Government has by-passed Parramatta City Council and sought to have objectionable developments introduced into Elizabeth Street, Granville (power sub-station) and 4 other housing sites in South Granville.

Residents have failed to capture the attention of State Member Borger, who is also the Housing Minister, as he refuses to address residents on the issue of unwanted medium density development.

The Parramatta Advertiser reports, "I won't indulge in a slanging match with Cr Paul Garrard.... and I also want to spend Saturday morning with my two-year-old daughter", Borger said.

"The residents of this area will not be over-riden by a State Member who just does not know his area", said Councillor Garrard.

Developments in Markey Street and Sheahan / Kirk Avenues are the point of debate, where the State Government is using the powers under its 'Infrastructure Legislation' to bully local communities.