Wednesday 4 November 2015

Greater Sydney Commission, Bays Precinct Plans, Protecting Moore Park, Young People Voting, Free Range Labels, See Parliament in Action and Paddington Library

Below is an update of the work I have been doing in the parliament and the community, and information on how you can get involved in various activities across Sydney.  

Greater Sydney Commission

Sydney planning seems to be more about developer opportunities and government coffers than long term public outcomes and I hope the new Greater Sydney Commission will lead to a more holistic and coordinated approach. The commission will draft district plans with councils and establish infrastructure priority lists for government. During debate I warned that we need more than colour coded maps that identify how many residential and commercial lots an area can fit – we need sites secured for infrastructure including rail corridors and schools, and social and affordable housing must be delivered across Sydney, not just the city fringes. 

My speech is HERE.

Bays Precinct Plans

In response to the Premier’s announcement that the Bays Precinct could provide space for multinational company Google, I asked him to ensure the site provides affordable commercial space for Australian based startups. I will meet with Google soon to hear about its proposal for the precinct. My question is HERE.

Protecting Moore Park

The Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust has released seven ‘big ideas’ for the future of Moore Park, which will form the basis for its long term master plan next year. The focus must be green open space for the recreation needs of Sydney’s growing population, with future development and car parking ruled out.

It is vital that people who use the park make a submission so that the trust has a mandate in support of protecting the parklands from alienation. Please send me a copy of your submission. Information HERE.  

YOUNG PEOPLE VOTING

An estimated 500,000 eligible young Australians are not enrolled to vote. I’m keen to make it easier for them to enrol through Service NSW when they get a driving licence. SmartRoll already links some RMS records to NSW electoral enrolment, and should be extended to federal enrolment to vote. Information HERE and to enrol to vote go to HERE. 

Free Range Egg Labelling

Help make sure that new labelling rules do really mean ‘free range’ by making a submission to the federal government’s consultation before 2 November. A good guide: hens need easy access to the range, overhead cover, some shaded areas, foraging vegetation and space – 1,500-2,500 birds per hectare. Sheds or barns need laying nests, perches, litter for foraging, objects for pecking and space – maximum 9 birds per square metre. Details are HERE.

You can make a submission through the RSPCA HERE or CHOICE HERE. 

Visit Parliament

See NSW Parliament in action, tour the heritage building, meet some MPs and watch the Upper and Lower Houses in session Tuesday 10 November 4.30-6.30pm. You must book for the Late Night Sitting program and tours. Details HERE or telephone 9230 2047.

Paddington Library

After a revamp, Paddington Library re-opens Saturday 7 November 12-3pm. Details HERE. 

Have a great week!