Monday 16 October 2017

Sydney’s Water Risk, Marine Park Parked, Carers Count, Replacement Surveys, Strata Short Term Letting Forum, Woollahra Citizenship, William Street Festival & Walk Together

Sydney’s Water Risk

I opposed laws pushed through parliament to weaken protections of Sydney’s water catchment. The bill validated approval to expand the Springvale coal mine after the Court of Appeal ruled it unlawful based on its level of discharge into the catchment. While the government claims the laws secure the state’s electricity supply because the Mount Piper power station relies entirely on the mine for coal, the bill also included provisions to apply the weaker test used to approve the expansion – which the court ruled invalid –to any development in the catchment.

The prospect of an energy crisis over the closure of one coal mine that pollutes our water supply is strong evidence that we must transfer to green and renewable sources that don’t put our long term future at risk. My speech is HERE. 

Marine Park Parked

The government’s response to my question in Parliament about the long-awaited Sydney Marine Park was disappointing. While the minister provided positive words on the importance of the harbour, there was no commitment to any new protections. Marine protections have stalled significantly under this government and we need urgent action to expand our marine park estate. Sydney Harbour is an internationally recognised icon and has more fish species than the Mediterranean Sea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom: it is a good place to get the state back on track with international obligations to protect our waters. My question is HERE.

Replacement Surveys

Friday 20 October is the last day to request or collect a replacement marriage postal survey form if you have not received one. Call the ABS 1800 572 113 or ask online HERE.

Amnesty International is holding Love in Taylor Square! Thursday 19 October 6.30pm, information HERE and there is a ‘Yes’ rally on Saturday 21 October 1pm at Belmore Park, information HERE. 

Strata Short Term Letting Forum

With the Owners Corporation Network, I’m hosting a forum about the options for regulating short term letting on Tuesday 24 October 6.30-7.30pm in the NSW Parliament theatrette. Speakers include UNSW Professor Bill Randolph, Our Strata Our Choice’s Stephen Goddard and myself. The minister and shadow minister have also been invited. Register HERE.

Carers Count

Carers Week is 15-21 October, reminding us about the vital role carers play and Carers Day Out is a free day of wellness and relaxation, pampering, art, live entertainment and BBQ Tuesday 17 October 10am-2pm at Redfern Community Centre 29-53 Hugo Street, HERE.

Over 2.7 million family and friend carers in Australia provide 36 million hours of care and support every week to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, alcohol/drug dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail.

Woollahra Citizenship

Woollahra Citizenship Awards celebrate the individuals and groups who demonstrate excellent citizenship and contribute to Woollahra or the wider community. You can nominate individuals or groups in a range of categories, HERE – closing 31 October.

William Street Festival

The unique William Street Paddington festival is on again Saturday 21 October 11.30am-10pm, and will include Head On Photo Festival and Palace Cinemas, information HERE.

Walk Together

Saturday 21 October is also the day for national Walk Together events celebrating Australia’s welcoming of refugees and calling for a transparent pathway to permanent residency and citizenship for those on protection visas. The Sydney rally starts in Hyde Park at 11am and heads to First Fleet Park, information HERE.