Maitland people are urged to attend a rally in Newcastle on Saturday calling on state and local governments to give citizens a better hearing.
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The rally has been organised by a group of non-politically aligned people who want better outcomes from all governments.
“There is anxiety over the unwillingness of governments to consult with residents while they make secret deals that appear to benefit a select group of ‘insiders,” group spokesman David Blyth said.
“Hunter citizens are keen to see development that promotes a happy, healthy and prosperous community.
“But there is great concern in the region about us getting poorly treated by recent government planning and development process and decisions.”
Mr Blythe highlighted three issues of concern: The removal of passenger rail from Newcastle CBD, the spot rezoning to allow three high-rise towers in the heritage precinct and a secretive deal around the leasing of the Port of Newcastle.
Speakers at the rally on Saturday will include Corinne Fisher of the Better Planning Network and Professor Garry Glazebrook, a transport and urban planner who specialises in the evaluation and design of sustainable transport system and their integration into the urban environment.
n The rally in Civic Park opposite Newcastle City Hall begins at 10.30am.
