Alex's Update Issue 263
Monday 7 May 2018
Driver Drug Testing, Hanson Concrete Submission, Capital Grants, Coffee with Cops, Robbos’s Ride, Elder Rights & Imperial vs Colonial
DRIVER DRUG TESTING
Mobile drug testing operations will now test for the presence of cocaine – they already test for cannabis, speed, ice and MDMA – and the government will double the number of operations in the state. Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious safety issue and I support this being a criminal offence, however I do not support the separate ‘presence offence’ for having any detectable level of a prescribed drug in the system even if it has no impact on their ability to drive.
Drug use in the community is high and many people will suffer convictions and loss of licence as a result of changes. I told Parliament that this is another step in the failed ‘war on drugs’, of which the biggest success has been to support the growth in organised crime. My speech is HERE.
HANSON CONCRETE SUBMISSION
I opposed plans for a 24 hour 7 days a week concrete batching plant on Glebe Island. Like the multi-user facility proposed next door, it represents an unacceptable intensification of port activities that will erode residential amenity for Pyrmont residents opposite. All-night shipping should not be permitted at ports in densely populated areas until shore to ship power can be used. My submission asked for air quality monitors at residential receivers and for the department to verify all claimed figures and predictions on air and noise. I slammed the dubious claims made that impacts of adding hundreds of trucks to the already congested road network would be minimal.
My submission is HERE. You can object until 15 May HERE.
Join the Jacksons Landing Action Group to help protect local amenity, email [email protected] and sign my petition opposing the Glebe Island Multi-Use Facility HERE.
POWERHOUSE GAMES
In Parliament the government continued to praise its decision to ‘relocate’ the Powerhouse to Parramatta and I spoke of my concern at its attempt to pit western Sydney against the inner city and east. The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences has an extensive collection that can be shared across the state. While I welcome retention of fashion and design and a planned new theatre at Ultimo, I am worried that the final decision is really an excuse to maximise private development on the existing Powerhouse site. My comments in Parliament are HERE.
I’ve asked questions in Parliament to find out if any undertakings have been given to developers over the land, HERE.
CAPITAL GRANTS
Do you know a community group that needs a small grant to buy build or repair buildings or equipment? The minimum amount is $2,500, with up to $330,000 for each electorate. Applications close Friday 15 June, apply HERE.
COFFEE WITH COPS
Kings Cross and Surry Hills Police are holding informal events where you can meet local police and discuss safety concerns tomorrow Tuesday 8 May. Surry Hills Police are at Ovo Cafe Oxford Village 63 Oxford Street at 9.30-11.30am. Kings Cross Police are at John Montagu Cafe 144 Cathedral Street Woolloomooloo 10-11.30am.
ELDER RIGHTS
The City of Sydney and NSW Elder Abuse Hotline are holding Older Adults Support Hubs where you can drop in for information and advice about legal rights, relationships, accommodation, domestic violence and aged care.
ROBBO’S RIDE
Local Paddington resident Rod Mackay Sim is cycling from Sydney to Surfers Paradise, raising funds for Youth Off The Streets – his 10th effort. You can donate to support his efforts HERE.
IMPERIAL VS COLONIAL
Parliament’s A Little Night Sitting Tuesday 15 May 5-7pm looks at NSW becoming independent from Britain, with Professor Anne Twomey recounting the struggle between Imperial and Colonial law. Free but bookings essential, information HERE.