Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today called on newly appointed Premier Kristina Keneally to continue negotiations for the purchase of Currawong Beach as a State Park.

At the same time as Kristina Keneally was appointed Premier, Unions NSW quietly exchanged contracts for the sale of Currawong to property developer Eco-Villages Australia Pty Ltd for $11 million in 12 months time.

As the Minister responsible for rejecting the subdivision and re-development of Currawong, Mr Stokes believes the new Premier has an opportunity to intervene and ensure the site is protected for future generations to enjoy.

“This is a chance for the government to make a real contribution towards environmental and heritage protection in NSW”, Rob Stokes said today.

“It’s promising to have a new Premier who’s visited Currawong and seen first hand the importance it holds.

“The challenge now is for her to ensure its future is protected.

“Purchasing Currawong as a State Park would protect this unique bushland beachfront heritage and allow everyone to enjoy its beauty.

“Currawong’s too important to lose.  The test for this government is ensuring this doesn’t happen.

“The close links between NSW Labor and the property developer purchaser of Currawong mean that a Labor Government is uniquely positioned to negotiate the sale of Currawong to the people of NSW.

“There’s no better buy in Sydney, and no better opportunity for the Premier to assert her authority”, Rob Stokes concluded.