Hay 'shocked Since Day One' And Still Horrified

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday May 29, 2008

By MARIO CHRISTODOULOU

THE REACTION

WOLLONGONG MP Noreen Hay said yesterday she felt horrified after learning of the actions of developer Frank Vellar, who was found to have engaged in corrupt conduct.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) yesterday found former Wollongong planner Beth Morgan and Mr Vellar engaged in corrupt conduct during the assessment of Wollongong's Quattro development, earmarked for the corner of Flinders and Keira streets.

Ms Hay said if there was proof of wrongdoing, both Mr Vellar and Ms Morgan should be taken to court to "face the consequences".

"This has shocked me from day one," she said.

"It is very difficult when you are dealing with people you take in good faith and retrospectively one can feel quite horrified."

She joined Wollongong City Council's administrators in welcoming the ICAC report yesterday.

"Wollongong City Council welcomes the recommendations of the ICAC inquiry relating to the Quattro development consent released today," administrators Gabrielle Kibble, Col Gellatly and Robert McGregor said jointly.

They also made reference to the council's new Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel which, in the future, would make recommendations on controversial developments.

Planning Minister Frank Sartor also weighed into the debate after ICAC recommended he should suspend the 2006 consent for the $100 million Quattro development.

He said he would not hesitate to act on the ICAC recommendation and exercise his power to support suspension of the consent.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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