Monday 24 October 2016

Fish Market Future, National Art School, Container Deposits, Elizabeth Bay Marina, Sport & Rec Centres, Fusion Fiveways Fair

Here is an update of the work I have been doing in parliament and the community, and information about how you can get involved in local activities.

FISH MARKET FUTURE

Media reports indicate that the Fish Market site could accommodate high rise towers with 2,670 dwellings. This would privatise the harbour foreshore and public water views, and choke transport and education infrastructure. In Parliament, I asked the planning minister to work with the community and council to determine an appropriate density for the site and he promised further public participation before “exact numbers” are determined.

My question is HERE. 

NATIONAL ART SCHOOL

Parliament debated the proposal to subsume the National Art School within the University of NSW after I submitted petitions of over 14,000 signatures. A merger risks the school’s independence, unique atelier educational model and occupation of Old Darlinghurst Goal. Government speakers continued to repeat that “no decision has been made”.

My speech is HERE. 

CONTAINER DEPOSITS

Parliament finally passed a container deposits bill with multi-partisan support after a sustained community campaign. I’d submitted petitions, asked questions of ministers and gave speeches calling for a scheme since my election. While there is some concern the bill does not require large retailers to provide collection points, the government says the incentives will make it likely they do. The scheme will commence in July 2017 and I will monitor its progress.  

ELIZABETH BAY MARINA

Proposed upgrades to the Elizabeth Bay Marina would increase the height of the facility and boat activity with more and larger berths. The marina needs revitalisation but the expansion would impact on Beare Park amenity through visual and noise pollution, lost harbour views, and traffic and parking congestion.

My submission asked the minister to reduce its scale and submit an open public development application for assessment rather than NSW Roads and Maritime Services self-assessment. Read my submission HERE. 

SPORT & REC CENTRES

The government is considering selling public sport and recreation centres: the places where school students and sporting teams go on camp. There is concern that quality of services could decrease while fees increase. Sales will attract measly funds for government revenue and seem more about an ideology of absolute government divestment.

I encourage you to print and sign the Public Service Associations petition against privatisation of this community service, download HERE. 

FUSION FIVEWAYS FAIR

Check out the Fusion Fiveways Fair on Saturday 29 October 12 noon to 4.30pm. There will be a dog show for 11 year olds and under, best dressed Halloween costume, food and wine tasting, 2 minute Soap Box talks, face painting and children’s story telling. Information HERE. 

Have a great week