Clover's eNews—Friday, 2 December 2005—No. 275ACTION ON OPEN GOVERNMENTI am working at the local and state levels to improve access to public information by introducing new legislation into Parliament this week and continuing the review of the City’s procedures. On Thursday I gave a second reading speech for my Freedom of Information Amendment (Open Government – Disclosure of Contracts) Bill. The Bill amends current legislation to require disclosure of all major government contracts and specifically targets public disclosure of major government contracts with the private sector. The Cross City Tunnel contracts experience provides ample evidence why this is needed. My Bill deliberately proposes pragmatic and practical reforms to gain government support and action. It is based on the existing Premier’s Department guidelines, making these rules mandatory and giving them the force of law as recommended by the Auditor General. This Bill is a necessary step to restore public confidence and enable large infrastructure projects to proceed in NSW. Sydney desperately needs investment in major infrastructure projects, particularly public transport improvements, which are vital to sustain Sydney’s future development. I will be using the time before Parliament resumes in 2006 to consult publicly on the Bill, as well as getting input from the Government and Opposition. I welcome your comments. Next Monday, the City’s Finance, Properties and Tenders Committee will also consider a report recommending a Statement of Principles promoting access to information. The report outlines action already taken by the City to improve access and proposes further steps. Further information:
ANTI-TERRORISM OR ANTI-DEMOCRACY?The anti-terrorism legislation being rushed through State and Federal Parliaments has alarmed many of my constituents. I have received numerous calls and letters asking me to speak against the Bill. On Wednesday, I stood with the other five independents on one side of the Legislative Assembly to vote against the NSW Bill, while the Government and Opposition crowded together on the other to pass this draconian legislation. For many years, there has been a broad acceptance in the Australian community of the balance between law enforcement and individual civil rights. The threat of terrorism makes it timely to review this balance, but public debate is central to striking the right stance. I am very concerned that the new legislation is being rushed by our Federal Government, and by the New South Wales Parliament. We need to ensure that these changes do not compromise our identity and character as a welcoming and an inclusive community. Ironically, in the same week as the Terrorism Bill, I officiated at ceremonies at Town Hall for 500 new Australian Citizens, and talked about our being a diverse, inclusive community. As George Williams, Professor at the Gilbert & Tobin Centre of Public Law, warned us several years ago, “We must not pass laws that damage the same democratic freedoms we are seeking to protect from terrorism.” The NSW Government rammed this Bill through Parliament while in Victoria the Government has left its Bill to lie on the table for reflection and debate until the 6 February next year. Why did the NSW Government rush this before the Federal Bill was passed? The rush was undemocratic and will result in the loss of freedoms and the breeching of international human rights agreements. We need responsible and responsive government in NSW. Read my speech in Parliament: ERSKINEVILLE NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICE CENTRE OPENSOn Saturday at 11.00am, I officially opened the City’s newest Neighbourhood Services Centre (NSC) in Erskineville Town Hall. The Centre joins our existing NSCs in Glebe, Kings Cross and Redfern, and will serve residents of Erskineville, Newtown, Alexandria, Beaconsfield and Rosebery. All of the City’s usual over the counter services will be available from the Centre. Residents will be able to use the Centre to lodge DAs, apply for parking permits, obtain recycling and green waste bins, pay rates, apply to make a relationship declaration or receive other services provided by council. The Centre has a staff of four—the Neighbourhood Services Manager, Cathy Rush, planner Steve Goodwin and customer service officers, Mia Page and Adam Lander. As Neighbourhood Services Manager, Cathy will manage the Centre, and ensure that local residents, businesses and ratepayers are able to obtain quick, friendly and convenient access to Council services and information. Cathy will also work at building and maintaining constructive relationships with residents and local community organisations. She will follow up their concerns with Council, help resolve local issues and provide feedback to Council on the quality and effectiveness of services and facilities in the local area. Additional upgrade work at the Erskineville Town Hall are planned for mid 2006 to install a new disabled access ramp at the front of the building, new toilets including a disabled access toilet, and additional storage facilities. Contact the new Erskineville Neighbourhood Service Centre:
REVITALISING OXFORD STREET RETAILFollowing a detailed study into Oxford Street marketing options, the City has developed exciting strategies to use its properties to revitalise retail on the strip for the benefit of local residents and traders, and will soon begin discussions with the local community on the proposals. The study by consultants Dimasi, Saunders Retail and MapInfo identified the current mix of retailers and key shopper market segments; reviewed comparable locations in Melbourne and Sydney; identified competing locations; and examined a potential desirable mix of specialty stores, marketing and physical changes to position the precinct for the future. The study found that 889,420 people lived within a 10km radius of Oxford Street and over 21,200 people lived within 500m of the street. The local population is expected to grow by over 28 per cent by 2016 and has an average income 70 per cent above the Sydney average. The study recommended that the precinct needed to re-establish a solid identity which built on its historical and current strengths, in a similar way to Chapel Street and Acland streets in Melbourne. Initiatives which could help achieve this included attracting the right retail mix to the district with anchor tenants such as a small supermarket; physical improvements such as awnings and facades (particularly to restore the heritage appearance); and branding and marketing campaigns. As one of the major property owners along Oxford Street, Council is able to work with local businesses to create a dynamic mix of shops that will meet the local community’s needs and draw visitors and tourists to this historically important retail area. MURAL PROGRAM FOR EDGECLIFFCongratulations to Woollahra Municipal Council for its new project to develop murals to enliven and beautify the Edgecliff Interchange. I have been calling on the Minister for Transport to improve access, safety and amenity, in response to residents and bus passengers’ concerns, but upgrade work is not scheduled until 2011 and 2012. The “Our place, our space” project includes workshops for budding young artists to discourage graffiti and develop their graphic design skills so they can get future employment. Workshops will be held from 12 to 18 December at the Drill Hall Rushcutters Bay, with teacher Stuart Barber. For information and bookings:
MACDONALDTOWN TRIANGLE REDEVELOPMENTI have raised with the Minister for Transport concerns of Macdonaldtown and Erskineville residents about the impact of RailCorp’s redevelopment of the Macdonaldtown Rail “Triangle”. I have written requesting a further public meeting with local residents and seeking protection from noise associated with the project. I previously wrote to the Minister about this project in July, but have not received a reply. However, the Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (TIDC) this week informed me that, due to public concern and representations, the consultation period has been extended until 14 December 2005. Submissions can be made to the TIDC at mail@tidc.nsw.gov.au or to Director Planning and Environment, Locked Bag 6501, St Leonards NSW 2065. Residents who have contacted me say that there has been no Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed cleaning facility and stabling for eight trains. They are concerned that both the construction and ongoing operations will have significant noise impacts. I understand that there is confusion about what is being proposed, with some residents understanding that the facility will be a turnback, while others understand that a stabling facility is proposed. Residents have also reported that a noise barrier will be built to a height of six metres, however the trains are four metres high. They fear that the proposed noise barriers will not prevent noise 24 hour impacts from power generators, train engines and brakes, as well as cleaning operations. Residents may wish to contact the local Member of Parliament to make representations on this matter: Kristina Keneally MP, Member for Heffron, Suite 305 Level 2 Westfield Office Towers, Pagewood 2035, telephone 9314 2339 or email kristina.keneally@parliament.nsw.gov.au. EVENT ALERT!
WWW.CLOVERMOORE.COMClover's eNews is a regular update to keep the community informed on important issues, events and campaigns. To join the free email subscription list, email clover@clovermoore.com with SUBSCRIBE eNEWS in the subject and your name, email address and suburb in the body of the email. You can also subscribe here on line. — Clover Moore, Independent Member for Bligh |
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