The Barangaroo development at East Darling Harbour has come under scrutiny amid claims from the Opposition that it’s being treated as a cash-grabbing opportunity by the State Government.

The Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird says the three groups pitching for the development contract are being asked to commit millions of dollars as part of their bidding proposals.

But the head of the authority charged with assessing the plans, says the upfront fees are simply standard procedure for this kind of development.

Mr Baird told 2SER’s Sophie Tarr, he fears that the cash-strapped NSW government – whose latest budget has a forecasted deficit of $990 million – may award the contract based on revenue, rather than on merit.