Tuesday 31 May 2016

Short-Term Letting, Darling Harbour Development, Art for Alzheimer’s, The True Cost Film, Local VIEW Clubs and Sports Grants

Short-term Letting

A parliamentary committee is currently looking at the regulation of short-term terming, which many constituents tell me is an important part of the sharing economy. However, some people are hijacking this business model to make significant profits at the expense of neighbours, community, housing affordability and city planning. Some apartments have become quasi hotels and in Parliament I called for protections including improved enforcement, legislated time limits, bonds, strata approval by special or unanimous resolution, and requirements for booking sites to provide information to enforcement bodies.

My speech is HERE and information on the Parliamentary inquiry, which held hearings again this week, information HERE.  

Darling Harbour Development

Meanwhile the government has announced a four year program of upgrades in Darling Harbour that includes repairs to Pyrmont Bridge, lowering and widening the Campbells Cove foreshore promenade and upgrade to Cockle Bay Wharves. While work on heritage foreshore structures is welcome, the precinct’s amenity is at risk from multiple tower proposals and I will continue to make submissions as they go on exhibition.

Information HERE. 

Art for Alzheimer's

Join me and Alzheimer’s Australia ambassador Jacqui Louez Schoorl 6-8pm Thursday 2 June at The Yellow House 57-59 Macleay Street Potts Point to launch the Art for Alzheimer’s exhibition of artwork that will be sold and installed in aged care homes (including Elizabeth Bay’s Lulworth House) to improve the lives of people living with the disease. Details HERE. 

The True Cost Film

‘The True Cost’ shows the injustice of how our clothes are made – slavery and unfair wages and conditions. The Freedom Hub www.thefreedomhub.org and Baptist World Aid’s Behind The Barcode project www.behindthebarcode.org.au are showing this film 6.30-9.30pm Friday 3 June at The Station 58 Bowman Street Pyrmont. Details HERE. 

Local View Clubs

Representatives of local VIEW Clubs recently briefed me about their inspiring work. ‘Voice, Interests and Education of Women’ (VIEW) groups get together to make a positive difference for women and children, working with the Smith Family to make sure that all kids get an education. The clubs provide social activities and opportunities to help disadvantaged families.

There’s a literary luncheon on Tuesday 7 June at the Gaden Centre Edgecliff Road Woollahra with crime thriller author Jane Harper, information HERE.

The Harbourside East VIEW meets at the Vibe Hotel Rushcutters Bay, the Sydney City VIEW meets at The Bowlers Club York Street, and they are establishing a new club in to meet at the Gaden Centre. Information HERE. 

Sports Grants

Congratulations to the Chinese Youth League of Australia and ACCA Dragon Boat Racing Team on their success with Local Sport Grant Program small grants. I was pleased to support these projects that will help the groups buy equipment, provide training and involve more participants. Details HERE.