Monday 13 February 2017

Parliament Sits, Noisy Motorcycles, Light Rail Trees, Seniors Concerts and Grants Available

Parliament Sits

NSW Parliament sits again this week after the summer break, and I’ll use all opportunities to speak out and push for government action on community concerns. You can see the year’s sitting days HERE. 

Noisy Motorcycles

Intrusive noise from large groups of noisy motorcycles late at night has been a concern for some years and getting effective action has proved difficult. Noise regulations are impractical, requiring you to report licence plates to the EPA (telephone 131 555 or www.epa.nsw.gov.au/mvreporting) so that vehicles can be called in for inspection.

Kings Cross Police and the RMS carry out weekend joint operations on Cowper Wharf Road with noisy vehicles tested on the spot. I’ve asked the Surry Hills and Sydney City Police Commanders to carry out similar operations in the CBD and Oxford Street precincts.

With a new roads minister and a new environment minister appointed, I’m following up again for more effective enforcement.

Light Rail Trees

Recent heatwave conditions remind us about the importance of street trees. I’ve again asked the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure to review tree removal plans through the Sydney electorate for the light rail service. There are opportunities to retain, replant and increase the number of trees and tree canopy on the light rail route. My letter is HERE. 

Seniors Concerts

This year’s Seniors Festival is on 3-12 March: www.nswseniorsfestival.com.au.

Four Premier’s Seniors Gala Concerts will be held at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour at 11am and 2.15pm on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 March. Seniors can get up to four free tickets, including wheelchair accessible seats, through Ticketek or phone 1300 130 613 (expect delays).

Grants Available

The City of Sydney has a range of grants and sponsorships: accommodation, community services, cultural and creative, environmental performance, festivals and events sponsorships and matching grants. Applications close 5pm Monday 13 March.

You can ask questions of the grants team at special Q&A sessions on 15 and 28 February (bookings essential) or attend a submission workshop on 24 February. Details HERE.

Woollahra Council has grants of up to $5,000 for projects to revitalise Oxford Street Paddington as part of the Activate Oxford Street program. Submissions close 17 February. Information HERE.