Tuesday 24 November 2015

SCG Sleight of Hand, High School Update, Christmas in Pyrmont, Creative Corner Festival, Gambling & Animal Cruelty Aided, Parramatta Road Plans, Darlinghurst PS Markets, World AIDS Day & Give A Dog A Bone, Keep Kitty Happy

SCG Sleight of Hand

Licence for a five to six storey Australian Rugby Union centre with a sports science facility on the Sydney Cricket Ground Gold Members Car Park was snuck into a bill devoted to tidying up miscellaneous laws. Despite the longstanding convention of removing statute law provisions that cause concern, the government with the support of Labor, blocked my amendments to remove this change from the bill. It is unclear how far advanced plans are and we may not know until it is too late because the SCG does not have to consult on an environmental impact statement.

This is public land dedicated for public recreation and I encourage you to write to the Premier to oppose development of this site online HERE or email [email protected]. My speech is available HERE and the Sydney Morning Herald article HERE.

High School Update 

Last week I met with representatives from the education department to get an update on plans for the new inner city high school at the Cleveland Street Intensive English School. They confirmed plans to relocate the existing school to a new site and begin work on the new high school to be ready for Term one in 2020. Officers also confirmed that they will continue community consultation for the new high school and are working with the City of Sydney to ensure heritage protections and access to Prince Alfred Park. 

Christmas in Pyrmont 

I’ll be joining constituents to celebrate the Ultimo and Pyrmont communities’ support and local activities on Sunday 29 November 12-5pm. Information HERE. 

Creative Corner Festival 

Join me Saturday 28 November 10am-5pm at the Creative Corner Festival celebrating the Arts Precinct of Paddington between Barcom Street, Greens Road and Hopewell Street. Information HERE. 

Gambling & Animal Cruelty Aided 

The government with the support of the opposition handed cash windfalls to poker machine operators and to horse and greyhound racing in two separate bills. In Parliament I argued that there are better things to spend government funds on than propping up industries that rely on problem gambling and animal cruelty. My speeches HERE and HERE.

Parramatta Road Plans 

The government has exhibited broad proposals for long-promised Parramatta Road redevelopment, including retail and commercial activities and taller residential towers. Changes are planned to occur after construction of the Westconnex Motorway, which the government claims will reduce traffic congestion on Parramatta Road. View the Parramatta Road ideas and comment before 18 December HERE. 

The latest Westconnex details reveal a cost blowout to $17 billion, tolls likely to deter motorists and another interchange at Parramatta Road near Missenden Road, with increased traffic at Broadway and into the city. See the latest Business Case HERE and HERE.

Darlinghurst School Market 

Friday 27 November 5pm sees the Christmas Twilight Market at Darlinghurst Public School.

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is 1 December – time to remember those lost to HIV, those living with HIV and to help prevent HIV. Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre is screening the film ‘Transmission: the journey from AIDS to HIV’ as part of World AIDS Day 6.30pm Monday 30 November. Details HERE. Bobby Goldsmith Foundation also has film screenings for World AIDS Day information HERE.

Get the facts on HIV HERE.

Give a Dog a Bone, Keep Kitty Happy

‘Give a Dog a Bone, Keep Kitty Happy’ supports pet rescue groups and organisations helping homeless people with pets, including RSPCA Yagoona, Monika’s Doggy Rescue and HIV support services. You can drop pet treats and toys for cats and dogs into my office or one of the other 15 drop-off points. Details HERE. Download and sign my animal welfare petitions HERE.