Blacktown Council rate Hike Sparks party Division, Self-reliant Revolt
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A controversial rate increase and a contentious $42 million land sale in Blacktown, New South Wales, have triggered a fracturing within the local Labor party, leading two councillors to declare independence and fueling accusations of political maneuvering. The fallout centers on a 2022 decision to sell a significant portion of land and property in Blacktown’s city center to developer Walker corporation without a tender process, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from dissenting councillors.
Contentious Land Sale at the heart of the Dispute
The sale to Walker Corporation, the firm behind the Parramatta Square transformation, resulted in the Blacktown city Council itself becoming a tenant, renting its own chambers from the developer. This arrangement has become a focal point of opposition, with critics arguing it represents a poor financial decision for the municipality. One former Labor councillor, now independent, voiced strong objections, stating, “I can support a [special rate variation] for maintenance, but not one for a bad decision made by councillors in the past.”
The councillor, a recently retired chief inspector for the Blacktown Area Command after nearly 40 years in law enforcement, expressed disillusionment with local politics.”When I was elected,I swore an oath to do my very best for the people of Blacktown and the city,” he said. He further lamented a lack of trust in colleagues, asserting, “I cannot respect, I cannot trust, people who I believe do not have the community at heart.” His primary concern is ensuring financial sustainability and avoiding burdening future residents with current debts.
Labor Divisions and Accusations of Self-Interest
The dispute over the land sale and the subsequent push for a rate increase led to a split vote, with two councillors – Israel and Fitzgerald – breaking ranks with their Labor colleagues. israel, a trade unionist, is now facing disciplinary action from the Labor party for her opposition. She stated her resignation was necessary “to fight for the best interests of my constituents.”
However, a senior Labor official accused the pair of prioritizing “their own self-interest,” pointing to the Liberals’ nomination of israel for the position of deputy mayor. The official defended the rate rise as essential for three key areas: addressing a backlog of maintenance work, constructing new council offices, and managing sites developed by the NSW government.
Concerns Over Future Financial Burden
Fitzgerald reiterated his concerns that the rate increase would unfairly impact future generations. “The rise would leave future residents with our bills today,” he stated. He acknowledged a broader disillusionment with party politics,adding,”I’m a believer in the Labor Party but not a believer in some of the Labor Party who play politics at a very inept and risky level.” He expressed openness to policies across the political spectrum, noting, “Labor, Liberals and the greens all have some fascinating policies I support and respect,” but ultimately felt unable to support certain projects in good conscience.
The situation highlights a deep rift within the blacktown City Council.Why did this happen? The core issue stems from a 2022 land sale to Walker Corporation without a tender, which critics deem financially unsound. Who is involved? Key players include dissenting Labor councillors Israel and Fitzgerald, now independents, the Blacktown city Council, Walker corporation, and senior Labor party officials. What is the outcome so far? Two Labor councillors have declared independence,facing party disciplinary action,and the rate increase remains a point of contention.How did it end? As of now, the situation remains unresolved, with ongoing debate and potential for further political fallout. The future of the rate
