OZschwitz: Insane Council orders annual show day of private property

THE Fox trucking family must remove the privacy screens on the gates of Boomerang, their heritage-listed, harbourfront mansion in Elizabeth Bay, one day a year.

It has taken two years for the council to retrospectively approve the screens, part of fortress-style security installed without approval shortly after Boomerang was bought for $20 million in 2005.

The decision by City of Sydney Council will allow the public to take an annual peek from Billyard Avenue into the Foxes' front yard, notwithstanding any large vehicles on the semi-circular driveway.

While noting the screens had reduced the public's appreciation of Boomerang's garden and facade, the council planning officer Patrick Quinn determined that the family, headed by the trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, was entitled to privacy at the 1926 Spanish Mission showpiece.

"Boomerang has always operated as a private residence. Accordingly, the occupiers are only attempting to increase their own privacy," he said.

The Fox family have been lavish in the restoration of their much-admired home - starting with $600,000 splashed out on the garden.

The council's decision does not designate any date for the one day, or any requirement for advance notification to the public.

After an outcry over the installation, heritage advisers for the family informally floated the idea of an open day for its grounds, but the application to council did not include such a proposal.

The decision was made earlier this month. The family has a year to lodge an objection with the Land and Environment Court.

LNK

OZschwitz: Insane Council orders annual show day of private property

OZschwitz: Insane Council orders annual show day of private property

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