High Density Housing Planned for Ku-ring-gai
Reverend the Hon. Gordon Moyes: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Lands, representing the Minister for Planning. Is the Minister aware that high-density housing creates unpleasant living environments with fewer trees and therefore less shade and pollution filtration, increased heat that does not dissipate, hard surfaces that do not absorb run-off, as well as glare and noise from surfaces mercilessly reflecting light and echoing sound? Is the Minister aware that the high-density housing planned for northern Sydney suburbs would overload the infrastructure that was designed to serve a much smaller population—such as, the water system, which has seen rationing; the power grid, which has been failing; the sewers, which have flooded; the roads, which are overcrowded and deteriorating; and the increasingly ailing public transport systems? Is the Minister aware that a Swedish study found a 70 per cent higher rate of psychosis in the most densely urbanised population? Can the Minister explain—
The Hon. Amanda Fazio: Point of order: The question is out of order because it contains extensive argument. I seek a ruling.
The President: Order! It is certainly a very highly detailed question, but I will allow the Minister to answer it.
The Hon. Tony Kelly: I am not aware of those allegations made by Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes. I will pass the question on to the Minister for Planning.