Monday 26 September 2016

Elizabeth Bay Marina Expansion, Ultimo Temporary School, Safe Schools, Debt Collectors, Land & Property Sale and Oxford Street Business

Elizabeth Bay Marina Expansion

Roads and Maritime Services has proposed an expansion of the Elizabeth Bay Marina, raising the deck above flood level and making it accessible, expanding the number of berths and allowing for larger boats, providing storage for kayaks and paddleboards, and moving the kiosk to the northern end. Three concept designs are labelled nautical, traditional and heritage.

The current facility is in bad repair and needs to be revitalised and I just lodged another question about when the government would repair the facility and lease out the kiosk. Read my question HERE. 

You can comment on the proposals online, telephone 1800 874 876 or attend drop in sessions at the Rex Centre Potts Point on Saturday 8 October 10.30am-2pm or Tuesday 11 October 5-8pm. Information HERE. 

Ultimo Temporary School 

The Department of Department of Education has submitted changes to the Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 26 - City West to allow a temporary school at Wentworth Park until December 2019 while Ultimo Public School undergoes redevelopment. The temporary school will be removed when the new 800 student school is operating.

The DA needs to address lead pollution and locating the temporary school inside the greyhound facility rather than on parkland. These plans should have been developed after the Parliamentary Inquiry reports. Comment is due Tuesday 4 October, go to planspolicies.planning.nsw.gov.au

My latest question to the Minister for Racing seeks assurance that Wentworth Park will be returned to open space and recreation use. My question is HERE. 

Safe Schools

I joined parliamentary colleagues from across the political spectrum to show support for LGBTI and same sex attracted students and the school programs like ‘Safe Schools’ that protect them from bullying and abuse. Unfortunately the issue came up through a petition calling for the program to be abolished and the contribution from some members fed community misinformation; however LGBTI allies in the house continue to grow. My speech is HERE. 

Debt Collectors

The government is de-licensing the debt collection industry so that anyone can conduct debt collection and repossession activities. This will likely lead to a rise in debt collection agencies, which are not covered by an Ombudsman or ASIC guidelines, and are known to harass vulnerable people who can’t keep up with their bills. During debate I asked the government to follow other states and protect social security payments from direct debt recovery. My speech is HERE. 

Land & Property Sale

I opposed the bill to privatise NSW Land and Property Information because it risks the quality of service, property fraud and increased costs in buying and selling a home. The bill is another government sell-off services at the expense of community benefit. My earlier question to the minister is HERE. 

Oxford Street Business

I’ve again asked the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure about the government’s plans for light rail in Oxford Street, which could reduce noisy bus traffic adjacent to the kerb and improve amenity for pedestrians and businesses. My question HERE.   

Oxford Street needs changes to liquor restrictions to encourage live music and diversity of venues, as well as encouragement of new types of businesses that complement the existing businesses that have been serving our community for so long. I’d like new businesses that bring people to the area and help make Oxford Street the cool quirky LGBTI street it should be. See the media report HERE. 

The NSW Small Biz Bus will be at Taylor Square Darlinghurst with Clearly Business on Wednesday 5 October 9am-3pm to provide information and advice for small businesses. You can make an appointment by telephone 8222 4814 or email [email protected].