(Written Community Recognition Statements, 20 June 2023, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I congratulate community group 'Don't Block the Rocks' for their Barangaroo Central campaign being recognised by the National Trust. This well-deserved heritage award was not for an architect firm or heritage consultant, but a small local community group. The Millers Point Community Resident Action Group entered the Don't Block the Rocks campaign for the 2023 heritage awards and the campaign won the Advocacy award for their work to save historic Observatory Hill and The Rocks views. They've opposed the planned development of Central Barangaroo. I've supported this grass roots community campaign against the proposed 21-storey residential tower at Central Barangaroo and commercial buildings along Hickson Road that don't comply with the original Master Plan and would destroy early settlement heritage values. While the government is yet to finalise plans for the Barangaroo Central precinct, the new planning minister has committed to considering these concerns and has asked for revised plans. Don't Block the Rocks' success shows that community voices can still have a real say on our future and the places we live and care about.