Monday 4 July 2016

PAC Approves Casino, Crown Land Inquiry, Small Bar Licence Review, NAIDOC Week and Orlando Benefit

PAC APPROVES CASINO

Lend Lease and Crown’s proposal for a tower with casino, luxury hotel and apartments on what was to be Barangaroo South’s only public waterfront park has been approved. The Planning Assessment Commission claims it could not relocate the building because Parliament approved the gaming facility on the specific site, but the legislation appears to allow the Barangaroo Delivery Authority to change the map and if not, Parliament could approve a change anyway. 

I opposed the casino in Parliament, made submissions against the concept plan and tower proposals, and appeared before the commission. Imposed conditions do little to address concerns that this tower will diminish the public experience of Barangaroo for private profit. Casino details HERE and Modification 8 details HERE

CROWN LAND INQUIRY

The Legislative Council has established an Inquiry into Crown Lands to examine its use and management, commercial use and disposal, effective protection and opportunities to increase Aboriginal involvement in the management of Crown land.

I hope that the Inquiry results in changes that prevent the threats faced across NSW like that at the Paddington Bowling Club. I am also concerned that it does not promote the sale of Crown Lands, which provide essential habitat to threatened species and I will work with environment groups to oppose any threats. Information HERE

SMALL BAR LICENCE REVIEW

The government is reviewing the small bar licence category introduced in 2012 for bars with up to 60 patrons. Most small bars continue to use the general (hotel) bar or restaurant licence categories, which were made accessible to smaller venues in response to Clover Moore’s campaign. I share the City of Sydney’s view that the Small Bar Licence patron limit should increase to 120 patrons to cover all small bars. Small bars of 120 patrons or less rarely contribute to violence and must continue to be economically viable. You can comment by 15 July HERE

NAIDOC WEEK

NAIDOC Week 3-10 July sees events across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NSW Parliament has an Indigenous art exhibition and cultural activities in conjunction with the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Tuesday 5 July 10am-3pm. Find local events at www.naidoc.org.au/events-calendar

ORLANDO BENEFIT

Local performers including Magda Szubanski, Joel Creasey, Bob Downe, Paul Capsis, iOTA, Emma Matthews, Simon Burke and Virginia Gay and the City of Sydney are holding a fundraiser for those killed and injured at the Orlando mass shooting. ‘From Sydney With Love – a concert for Orlando’ is on at Sydney Town Hall 8pm Monday 11 July. Tickets HERE