Alex's Update Issue 198

Alex's Update Issue 198

5 December 2016

Digital Education, Crown Casino Tower, Darling Harbour Pedestrians, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, LGBTI Awards, Powerhouse Rally, Queen St Carols and Moore Park 150

DIGITAL EDUCATION

NSW school students risk falling behind in technology education and in Parliament I called on the government to adopt the national digital technologies curriculum to skill our future workforce to innovate, and expand and meet the needs of the digital economy. My speech: HERE and question to the Premier: HERE.

CROWN CASINO TOWER

It seems like every day there is a new proposal for a tower on our harbour. The latest from Star City Casino is for a 215-metre high hotel with residential apartments on its Pyrmont site. This would represent a mammoth increase on what is now on the site and what the LEP permits. Impacts would include overshadowing homes, wind tunnels, lost public and private harbour views, and strains on infrastructure and services. The proposal is not part of any long term strategic plan for the area and appears to be about matching planned and proposed towers at Darling Harbour and Barangaroo.

I have asked the minister to stop the proposal before it goes on exhibition: HERE.

DARLING HARBOUR PEDESTRIANS

I have repeatedly called for better pedestrian access between Ultimo/Pyrmont and Darling Harbour and the CBD, with representations, questions and meetings with departments. Promised improvements have been stymied by multiple government landowners and lack of coordination. Read my latest question in Parliament asks the Premier for a coordinated review to open up direct, safe and accessible access: HERE

WALSH BAY ARTS PRECINCT

The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Stage 2 State Significant DA is open for comment until 16 December, with an information session at Pier 2/3 10am-2pm Saturday 3 December. The proposal includes refurbished facilities for Wharf 4/5, new arts facilities and performance venues on Pier 2/3 and a new waterfront square between the wharves for outdoor art/cultural, commercial and community activities. Details: HERE.

LGBTI AWARDS

I’m honoured to be nominated for in the Australian LGBTI Awards 2017 in recognition of work towards equality in the category of Politician of the Year, up against a range of inspiring leaders. You can vote for awards in categories like celebrity, business, sports, employee networks and community initiatives. Voting is open until 31 December: www.australianlgbtiawards.com.au

POWERHOUSE RALLY

Support the Powerhouse Museum rally Saturday 10 December 12 noon on the museum forecourt. Further hearings for the Parliamentary Museums and Galleries Inquiry are listed for 17 February. Information: HERE.

QUEEN ST CAROLS

Queen Street West Woollahra Association’s annual community Christmas Carols event will have a BBQ, jumping castles, face painting, Santa and local choirs. It’s at Chiswick Gardens Ocean Street Tuesday 6 December 5.30-8pm. Details: HERE

MOORE PARK 150

Join in the celebrations for 150 years of Moore Park being a dedicated place of public recreation on Saturday 10 December 10am-3pm. The anniversary reminds us how important it is to protect these special places into the future. Details: HERE.

Let's work together to celebrate and protect our great city!

 

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