Barangaroo - let's get on with it

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, FEBRUARY 21, 2011: The approved masterplan for the development of Barangaroo South has been through an extensive process of public consultation and modification.  Revisiting design ideas and plans will only delay this critical project further.

The economy of Sydney and NSW is relying on the 6000 permanent new jobs and 3000 direct and indirect construction jobs Barangaroo South will generate. The landmark hotel will become an icon and will be the first luxury hotel built in Sydney in more than a decade.

The time for debate is over. Sydney needs the new hotel and offices, which will meet 40 per cent of the forecast demand for office space over the next 10 years.

If this level of introspection had occurred for the venues for the Olympics, we might have needed to put the opening ceremony back until 2020. For goodness sake, let's get on with it.

John Lee, Chief Executive
Tourism and Transport Forum, Sydney