Monday 11 April 2016

Powerhouse in the Dark, SCG Moore Park Takeover, Edgecliff Upgrade Delay, Marriage Equality Fundraiser and Community Grants

POWERHOUSE IN THE DARK

Media reports suggest that the government has decided to relocate the Powerhouse Museum to a site on the Parramatta River, on land that the local council and community want kept as open green space. I’ve called for full release of the relocation plan to ensure the project is viable before taking this much loved institution from its purpose built site.
 
With funding unclear and local community support questionable, there are questions about the viability of this plan. 

When I met with Parramatta resident groups last week, they made it clear they want a museum that celebrates Western Sydney and not one the government tells them they should have.

SCG MOORE PARK TAKEOVER

Pressure is mounting on Moore Park with the government soon to confirm whether and how it will spend $1.6 billion on sporting stadia across the state. While the Premier responded to my question in Parliament that any stadium would occur on SCG land, there are mixed messages and the SCG Trust and sports minister are pushing to build on Kippax Lake and Centennial Park Trust land.

Meanwhile the SCG has released an artist’s drawing of its planned rugby and sports science building on the Gold Members Car Park. The new lease arrangements for this development were hidden in statute law – usually reserved for ‘routine clean-up’ legislation. In response to my opposition the minister promised to work with me to address concerns but he hasn’t responded to my letter requesting a meeting with affected residents.

I intend to introduce a bill in Parliament shortly that would ensure development on SCG land goes through an open and transparent environmental assessment.

EDGECLIFF UPGRADE DELAY

The minister’s latest response to my question in Parliament about upgrading the Edgecliff Interchange does not give timeframes for access to be improved, and says that the project is still in the design phase: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/la/qala.nsf/c1e52c2011c46013ca2574a20081ab75/97fa785ca31c9326ca257f6400105b50

MARRIAGE EQUALITY FUNDRAISER

Australian Marriage Equality is raising money for the equality campaign, with a Sydney Harbour cruise on Thursday 26 May 6.30-9.30pm. Help make marriage equality a reality through a positive campaign uniting Australians in support of fairness and equality. Details:

www.australianmarriageequality.org/shop/event/australian-marriage-equality-fundraising-event/

COMMUNITY GRANTS

Woollahra Council has community and cultural grants on offer of up to $1,000 as well as $5,000 grants, with applications due Friday 20 May. Details: www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/community/services/community_grants/community_and_cultural_grants

Community groups can apply for grants of up to $15,000 for social and environmental projects that help create a more sustainable future through SUEZ, with applications due 16 May. Information: http://suezcommunitygrants.com.au