Alexandria Park School Rocks, Barangaroo Modified, Casino Deals, New Hopestreet Centre, Family Day Care, National Day of Climate Action and Mobile Muster

Last week I toured and saw the inspiring learning underway at Alexandria Park Community School. This school will be the main public high school for the Sydney electorate after changes to catchments and I've asked the Minister for Education to make sure that there are direct school buses for students in my electorate to get there.

Last week, Lend Lease took me through changes to its Barangaroo concept plan including relocation of the hotel onshore. This is a better outcome than the earlier proposed hotel built into the harbour. Plans will be posted at: www.barangaroosouth.com.au/

In response to my request for a transparent process and protection of public open space, the Premier promised changes, including for the proposed Packer/Crown casino, would undergo a public environmental impact assessment and that 50 per cent of the site would remain public space. The Premier’s response HERE.

However, media reports indicate the proposed second casino will be approved, with legislation before Parliament this week, notwithstanding no tenders, no community consultation and changes that further weakened the unsolicited proposals process.

Casinos are places of loss and thousands of Australians have a gambling problem; I will oppose expansions to gambling. 

Yesterday I opened the new Woolloomooloo HopeStreet centre at their 30th anniversary celebrations. The building had been empty for many years, and the new use will improve welfare and job skills services and activate Cathedral Street. This week, Parliament will debate my motion commending funds for the Hopestreet problem gambling service and calling on the government to wind back gambling.

Family Day Care may be an option for you to obtain child care or become an educator. For details, come to one of the City of Sydney sessions at Ultimo Community Centre, 40 William Henry Street (Corner Bulwara Road) on Wednesday 13 November 2013 10.30-11.30am or Monday 18 November 2013: 6.30-7.30pm. Information HERE. 

Join me at the Sydney Day of Climate Action at Prince Alfred Park next Sunday, 17 November, information available HERE.

My office is a collection point to recycle old mobile phones as part of Mobile Muster. You can drop off unused phones, batteries, cords and chargers for recycling, allowing reuse of costly materials while keeping dangerous chemicals out of landfill. Information: www.mobilemuster.com.au/

Have a great week

Alex Greenwich
Independent Member for Sydney