Monday 23 May 2016

Urgent - Enrol Today, Metro EIS, Keep Sydney Open, Marriage Equality, Paddington Bowling Club, Wrong Westconnex, Powerhouse Rally, Star Observer Seeks Help and Newsletter Correction

Urgent: Enrol Today

Today is the last day to enrol in time to vote for the federal election – rolls close at 8pm, go to www.aec.gov.au/enrol

Metro EIS

The Sydney Metro Chatswood to Sydenham Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is on exhibition for community comment, with a standalone underground rail line and stations at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo, along with new underground platforms at Central Station. This will mean compulsory acquisition of CBD properties around the new stations and more excavation and construction in the city.

There are information sessions 4–8 pm Wednesday 25 May at the Masonic Centre 66 Goulburn Street Sydney and 10am–2 pm Saturday 4 June at Redfern Oval 51 Redfern Street, Redfern. EIS comment is due by 27 June. Details HERE.  

Keep Sydney Open

I spoke in support of the nearly 12,000 people who signed petitions calling for reform of late night alcohol restrictions that would enable a safe, civilised, diverse and vibrant night life scene. I look forward to the government’s evidence-based review recommending improvements in August. My speech is HERE.

Marriage Equality Fundraiser

There is still time to join the fundraising cruise with Australian Marriage Equality on Thursday 26 May 6.30-9.30pm. Information and tickets at www.australianmarriageequality.org

Paddington Bowling Club

The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority supported most of the Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing’s 33 complaints about the Paddington Bowling Club, cancelling the club’s licence and imposing significant fines. A number of club directors and officers have been disqualified. I’ve asked ICAC to revisit the Department of Trade and Investment referral on corruption. Read my letter HERE.

Wrong WestConnex      

In Parliament I supported The Greens’ Government Information (Public Access) Amendment (Sydney Motorway Corporation) Bill, which would allow public access to documents for the WestConnex project. The government used its numbers to defeat the bill. WestConnex is publicly funded and the community bears the risks and impacts but the government has hidden details by transferring functions to the private Sydney Motorway Corporation. My speech is HERE. 

The Commonwealth Auditor-General is investigating the $3.5 billion federal funding to the destructive WestConnex toll-road and the City of Sydney has called on the Federal Government and Opposition to halt the project and is considering legal action following Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s request. I oppose this destructive project which will bring more traffic congestion to the inner city and CBD. Support the Westconnex Action Group campaign which is seeking volunteers to help, information HERE.    

Powerhouse Rally

The community Campaign Save the Powerhouse will rally again Saturday 28 May 1100am-12noon on the southern edge of the Powerhouse forecourt. Show your support for keeping the Powerhouse in Ultimo and building new cultural facilities in western Sydney in consultation with the community. Details at www.facebook.com/savethepowerhouse.

Star Observer Seeks Help

Australia’s longest running, community owned LGBTI media outlet is seeking volunteers for special events, editorial projects, historical archiving, working bees or IT development. This week they’re looking for help moving offices – packing up, moving furniture and unpacking boxes. Contact Tim Trollip 0422 083 111 or [email protected].

Newsletter Correction

My latest newsletter states that the 28 social housing properties retained in Millers Point are for two years only; however I now understand that these properties will continue to be available for low cost housing.