Monday, 7 April 2008     
Big developer rejects donation claims
By MARIO CHRISTODOULOU

Veteran community activist Jill Walker is not surprised that developer Stockland donated thousands of dollars to the NSW Labor Party while their controversial Sandon Point proposal was being assessed.

Yesterday, the Greens Party released figures that showed developers, including Stockland, were donating millions to the Government while their development applications were decided.

Stockland, who also donated money to the Liberal Party, rejected the claims and said they expected their developments to be assessed on their merits.

But some, like Ms Walker, are not convinced.

"It doesn't surprise me and in fact I'm surprised (Stockland have not donated) a lot more," she said.

Ms Walker's fight against Stockland's proposed 181-lot subdivision of Sandon Point made national headlines in November 2006 when she defeated NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor in a landmark court decision, which, for the first time, recognised the impact of climate change on coastal developments.

Mr Sartor has appealed against the decision. Yesterday, the NSW Greens demanded a royal commission into the issue after releasing the figures on developer contributions.

Mr Sartor said a royal commission is not needed, insisting each proposal was assessed on its merits.

South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris yesterday joined the chorus of voices criticising the Labor Government.

Mr Rorris, a strident critic of developer donations, has previously described political contributions as a "cancer" on democracy.

He said yesterday public opposition in the Illawarra was turning against the Government.

"The tide of opposition is rising against the Iemma government's crazy development agenda."