Monday 12 December 2016

Liquor Changes, Local Grants, Prison Recidivism, C2E Strategy, Central Revamp, Forced Out, Keep Kitty Happy, Beneath the Surface & Women of the Year

Liquor Changes

From January, live performance and live entertainment venues in the CBD, Darlinghurst and Kings Cross will have their 1.30am lockout moved to 2am and their 3am closure moved to 3.30am 30am for a trial two year period. While I welcome this small relaxation, many say half an hour extra trading for a limited number of venues is not enough to improve Sydney’s declining nightlife.

The 60 patron limit for small bars will be lifted to 100 and they will be exempt from the liquor freeze, but the patron limit should have been lifted to 120 so that existing small bars with restaurant or hotel licences can transfer their licences.

Sydney is a global city and needs a vibrant late night scene. I continue to argue that with transport, renewable licences and tools to prevent the saturation of night venues in hot spots, we could lift the 1.30am lockout for venues that have live music and entertainment, small bars and well managed venues while maintaining safety benefits.

I will monitor the effects and work with the government on improvements including review of the trial. Details HERE. 

Local Grants

I am pleased to announce the successful applicants for $200,000 in Community Building Partnership capital grants for upgrades in 2017:

• waterproof rooftop garden at St Canice Church Rushcutters Bay;
• medical evacuation sea boat for Sydney Heritage Fleet Pyrmont;
• homelessness service entrance repairs Christ Church St Laurence Sydney;
• disability access lift Australian Design Centre Darlinghurst;
• disability access upgrade St Johns Church Darlinghurst;
• building upgrade Australian Chinese Community Association Surry Hills and
• office update for the National Council of Women Sydney.

Congratulations to the funded groups!

PRISON RECIDIVISM

I supported the Independent Member for Lake Macquarie’s motion calling on the government to reduce the number of people in jail, particularly young people, Indigenous people and those on remand. A record 12,641 people are in prison and the number continues to grow. Nearly 70 per cent of these re-offend and we need active programs to educate, rehabilitate and address underlying disability, mental illness, disadvantage and trauma. My speech is HERE. I’ve asked the minister to invest in post-release programs to ensure prisoners are re-integrated, HERE.

C2E Strategy

UrbanGrowth NSW has released a ‘transformation strategy’ for the Central to Eveleigh precinct, to guide redevelopment over the next 20 to 30 years. The strategy includes huge population increases in new developments, but also the long-promised redevelopment of Redfern Railway Station, 15 per cent open space, 8 to 11 child care centres, better pedestrian and cycle links, up to five community centres and 5-10 per cent affordable housing. Details HERE.

Central Revamp

Transport for NSW has begun redesigning Central Railway Station to accommodate metro and light rail. The aims extend to improving the interchange, access, amenities and facilities, and creating civic spaces and commercial opportunities. I understand this is a 5 to 15 year strategy. Details HERE. There are online forums, a survey and you can provide feedback directly, email [email protected].

Forced Out

It is not too late to support the crowdfunding for the film ‘Forced Out’ that documents the lives of members of the Millers Point, Dawes Point and The Rocks community whose homes are being sold and have to leave the area. Trailer is HERE and funding details HERE. 

Keep Kitty Happy

You can still drop off toys, treats and food for cats and dogs to help animal shelters and rescue services, particularly at this time of year when they deal with an influx of dumped pets. My office is one of 20 collection points, information HERE. 

Beneath The Surface

Artist Jennie Feyen launches her art-science environmental documentary film Beneath the Surface, created with environmental scientists working in the ocean, sea and water on Saturday 10 December 2-5pm at Culture at Work in Pyrmont. Details HERE. 

Women of The Year

You can nominate women who’ve made outstanding achievements for the 2017 Women of the Year Awards HERE.