Monday 10 July 2017

I believe the Powerhouse should stay in its current home where it has strong community support and is easily accessible. More of the amazing collection currently in storage should be on display.

Monday 26 June 2017

3XN Architects and GXN have been awarded the contract to design the master plan for a new Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay, with more foreshore dining and shops, a bigger carpark and more direct pedestrian access to Wentworth Park.

 According to media reports, the Premier says that the current site will be sold for apartment development to pay for the $250 million project and traffic congestion will be considered after the detailed plan is finished, see HERE. 

Monday 19 June 2017

The government committed $244 million to the Sydney Modern extension to the Art Gallery of NSW enabling the project to proceed. Plans have changed since my last briefing in 2015 when I raised concerns about loss of parkland. It is not clear whether all issues have been addressed and I will seek a further briefing. The gallery needs new exhibition space, has engaged world-renowned architects and I support the project, however it is vital that plans protect much needed inner city green open space.

Information HERE. Final plans should go on exhibition later this year on the planning department’s website, HERE.

Monday 5 May 2017

The ‘This is Sirius’ exhibition celebrates the purpose-built brutalist Sirius building at The Rocks and its residents, with about 60 exhibits and a preview of the documentary ‘Forced Out’ about the destruction of the Millers Point social housing community. The exhibition is at the Annie Wyatt Room, National Trust Centre Observatory Hill from 8 to 16 June 10am-4.30pm. Details: http://saveoursirius.org/

Monday 29 May 2017

The planning minister responded to my objections to the proposed 39-storey tower above the Harbourside building at Darling Harbour, telling me that the department has asked the applicant to do further work on height, location, podium scale, neighbour impacts, public space and amenity. It’s not clear whether this will lead to improvements, but it is a sign that the government has understood our serious concerns. I will monitor the situation and provide updates.

Read the minister's response HERE. 

Read my letter HERE.

(Question Time, 10 May 2017, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

My question is directed to the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight. Will the Minister work with me and the Woollahra and City of Sydney councils to improve the vitality, safety and amenity of Oxford Street?

Thursday 4 May

Macquarie Bank has submitted an ‘Unsolicited Proposal’ to the NSW Government for major redevelopment of buildings linked to the planned Martin Place Metro Station. There are information sessions on Tuesday 9 May 11am-2pm and 4-7pm and Wednesday 10 May 4-7pm at Space, Ground Floor 9-19 Elizabeth Street. Two proposals will be submitted to the Department of Planning. Details: www.metromartinplace.com.

Friday 21 April 2017

Euston Road will suffer major traffic impacts as a result of Westconnex. Rally with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Clr Jess Scully, Mehreen Faruqi MLC, WestConnex Action Group Rhea Liebmann and resident Paul Davies 12pm Saturday 22 April, corner Euston and Sydney Park Roads, Alexandria. Information HERE.

Friday 21 April 2017

I welcome the announcement that the Ultimo Powerhouse could be retained along with a new museum in Parramatta. This could be a Powerhouse Museum win-win. The Powerhouse has 400,000 artefacts, 95 per cent of which are in storage. This huge collection could easily be shared across several sites – there is no need to close the Ultimo museum. The two big museums could leverage off each other, with more exhibitions, more on display and more special events.

Friday 21 April 2017

The government’s response to the ‘Inquiry into the Adequacy of the regulation of short-term holiday letting in NSW’ is positive, with an options paper on regulation to be released for public comment. I’ve called for wide community consultation. There is widespread concern that the inquiry recommendations needed refinement: short term letting platforms have a place but laws have to limit impacts on neighbours and the community and protect residents’ rights to the quiet enjoyment of their homes.