Fire Safety Vital, Botanic Gardens Masterplan, Future State Library, Olivia Gardens, Changing Racial Discrimination, Homelessness Funds, Palm Sunday, Fitzroy Gardens Playground and Wayside Hits 50 

A major redevelopment for the Botanic Gardens and Domain was released on the weekend. My recent electorate-wide survey reinforced the priority I’ve given to protecting open green space and I’ll be closely reviewing the Master Plan which is on exhibition HERE. Community comment is due by 4 May. I will make a submission and welcome your thoughts on the masterplan.

Inner city fire stations are regularly closed when officers are sick or moved to other stations, you can read more about this HERE. I’ve written to the minister and asked questions in Parliament to ensure the city is not put at risk by these rolling closures, caused by funding cuts. You can read my question HERE.

Following concerns raised by constituents about the State Library of NSW redevelopment, I’ve written to the minister twice and asked a question in Parliament. You can read the correspondence HERE. The Government has done very little consultation on their plans, and I have asked the Minister responsible to hold a public meeting to discuss the plans with the community. 

After meetings with homelessness service providers, I’m concerned that new funding rules will drastically cut inner city services, leaving people on the street, particularly homeless women, and have raised this with the minister HERE. 

Olivia Gardens residents have contacted me about the difficult time they’re having dealing with Transport for NSW about compulsory acquisition of their homes for the new light rail service. I’ve asked the minister for a fair process (Details HERE)  and raised concerns through questions in Parliament HERE.

The federal government proposes to weaken longstanding protections against racial hatred in the Racial Discrimination Act. I encourage you to consider the proposals and make a submission by 30 April HERE.

Congratulations to the City of Sydney for the upgraded Fitzroy Gardens playground! I joined Lord Mayor Clover Moore, all Independent Team City of Sydney Councillors and the design team at the official opening on the weekend. The new playground is loved by local families and businesses. 

This Sunday,  the 2014 Palm Sunday march will focus on justice for refugees it starts at 1pm at the Hyde Park fountain. Details HERE. 

Also this Sunday Don’t forget Wayside’s 50th anniversary celebration. Details HERE.

Have a great week!

PS. There are only a few more seats left for my upcoming fundraising dinner to Keep Sydney Independent.
Details HERE.