Public and Affordable Housing, Heritage Fleet, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Lockouts, Free Trees and Clean Up Australia Day

Last week, I met with Surry Hills public tenants at Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s community meeting, and next week we catch up with Woolloomooloo tenants to hear concerns and get action. I walked around the Woolloomooloo precinct with tenants and am following up concerns with Housing NSW, council and police.
 
We need new investment in social and affordable housing, and action to redress repair backlogs. My submission to the Inquiry into Social, Public and Affordable Housing calls on the government to retain and increase inner city social housing, maintain Housing NSW properties properly, and provide adequate support for vulnerable tenants including community development workers on larger estates. We need incentives to build affordable housing so that key workers can continue living in the inner city. My submission is HERE.
 
I encourage you to also make a submission, due this Friday HERE.

New 1.30am lockouts and 3am cease alcohol sale rules now apply in the CBD, Oxford Street Darlinghurst and Kings Cross. Last Friday I walked Oxford Street with police and community representatives to discuss the changes and prepare for Mardi Gras. I saw and heard positive reports about police operations at the weekend Harbour Party, following xtensive work by LGBTI organisations and Surry Hills Police Commander Tony Crandell.

 I’ve asked Kings Cross Police Commander Mick Fitzgerald to ensure police are prepared to address concerns raised by residents about parties at backpacker hostels, and for the key taxi changeover time at 3am when alcohol sales stop. In response to my concerns raised at the City of Sydney Pedestrian, Cycling and Traffic Calming Committee, I was told that council is working with the NSW Taxi Council to ensure there are taxis on hand at this crucial time. 

I’ve had contact from venue workers saying that they have lost shifts or jobs. Please let me know your experience of the new rules in operation.

The Planning Assessment Commission is holding public hearing on the proposed Sydney Heritage Fleet Base in Bank Street Pyrmont 4pm Monday 10 March at the Harris Community Centre Quarry Street Ultimo. You can comment on the proposal and recommendation by registering to speak, phone 9383 2112. The Department’s Assessment Report: www.pac.nsw.gov.au (reference: D275-14). My submission (HERE) asked that the government ensure the project does not impact on residential and foreshore amenity.

I’m concerned that Sydney Ports will assess its own proposal for upgrade of the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay. Following an alert from residents, I’ve asked for a briefing and for the Minister to ensure independent assessment. My request in HERE.

The City of Sydney offers a free tree to residents to encourage greening of the city. Details are HERE.

Happy Mardi Gras! For a list of events during the festival click HERE.

Have a great week

Alex Greenwich MP
Independent Member for Sydney

PS. Don’t forget Clean Up Australia Day Sunday 2 March details HERE.