State Transit Authority,
Region 6,
Reply Paid 2132,
STRAWBERRY HILLS 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
Noting that Pyrmont now has a resident population of more than 13,000 and a worker population of around 16,000, Pyrmont Action has been seeking improvements in public transport to and from Pyrmont for a number of years. What we have seen has been the gradual erosion of services including:
• Drastic reduction in services that link Pyrmont to the Inner Western suburbs with the completion of the Anzac Bridge
• Change of route of the 443 from Market to King Street, resulting in no public transport services linking to Town Hall for a large number of Pyrmont residents
• Removal of the 449 bus to Broadway without consultation with potential users
• Fewer services of the 501
• Increase in unreliability of 443 and 501 services.
In addition, the STA introduced a “service” – the 448, known as the “Fairfax Special” which provides a peak hour express service one-way to Pyrmont in the mornings and from Pyrmont in the afternoons. Drivers are expressly prohibited from picking up passengers on the return trip. Even when allowed passengers, it is noted that at most it may be 1/3 full.
We note that Balmain and Glebe residents enjoy “cross country” bus services eg the 445 takes passengers from Balmain to Leichhardt and Glebe residents can get to Coogee. If Pyrmont residents want to go to Balmain they either have to take the 443 bus to QVB and transfer to a Balmain bus or take the unreliable 501 to Rozelle and then transfer.
Some examples of poor service have been observed:
• The 501 often arrives early at the first stop in Pyrmont in Miller Street, necessitating passengers with appointments having to take a taxi, especially when the next bus is late
• At the stop on the corner of Pirrama Road and Harris Street, one often observes two or three 443 buses proceeding to the Maritime Museum, yet passengers can wait up to half an hour for a bus to return to take them to the CBD.
• Passengers waiting for a 443 at the QVB stop often observe up to eight 442 buses pulling up, but experience a delay of up to ¾ of an hour for a 443 in peak hours. After such a delay, one then sees two 443 buses riding tandem.
We would like to make the following recommendations:
• Reinstate services from Pyrmont and Ultimo to Broadway Shopping Centre by either:
o Following local consultation regarding the most appropriate service times, reinstate the 449 service to Broadway to meet the needs of residents and workers; or
o Introducing a small bus shuttle service up and down Harris Street, possibly via Broadway Shopping Centre and/or QVB.
• Increase the number of 443 and 501 services to cater for the needs of residents and workers and to improve reliability
• Re-route the 443 back to Market Street, or to Druitt Street which now has a number of services using it safely (with the erection of the safety barriers) to provide a service to the centre of the City, and in particular to Town Hall station which is the only station with disabled access
• Permit the 448 to carry pre-paid passengers both ways
• Introduce new, or re-route existing services which can provide Pyrmont residents with improved public transport access to Balmain, and Inner South and Eastern suburbs eg by diverting either the 441 or 442 bus to Pyrmont and/or one of the 500 bus services.
We look forward to improved services in Pyrmont in the near future.
Yours sincerely,
Elizabeth Elenius,
Convenor
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Submission to the City of Sydney on Sustainable Sydney 2030
23 November, 2009
Clr Clover Moore MP
Lord Mayor,
City of Sydney
GPO Box 1591,
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Dear Clover,
We have perused the City’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 and applaud the big vision outlined, particularly in relation to transport. Whilst much of the document relates to large, long-term projects, eg the Central Station Gateway project, it identifies some nearer term projects.
Pyrmont Action has been involved right from the start of your Party’s administration. We have participated in the development of CUPA’s Strategy, in response to the City’s Draft Strategic Plan; we have attended numerous workshops; made submissions on the Local Action Plan; and we have made a substantial submission on the Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision. We have participated in the consultation process at every stage of the evolution of the City’s plan for Sydney. We have been consistent in our support of the Pyrmont Village concept, and the revitalization of Pyrmont Village projects now underway.
We note the plans for an Activity Hub in Ultimo which is close to the Cultural Heart located around UTS/the ABC, SIT and the Powerhouse Museum and agree that the latter is appropriately located for the provision of culture that is largely “received” by, as distinct from generated by the community. We also note that the Ultimo Community Centre is an excellent facility which serves the Ultimo community well and is accessible to members of that community. And the ITAC, a long-planned project, is a welcome active recreational facility for the City West precinct and the wider City.
However, the proposed Activity Hub focused on the Powerhouse Museum Forecourt is not easily accessible to Pyrmont, and the UCC is currently almost fully utilized, and cannot adequately serve the 15,000 residents and 18,000 workers of Pyrmont.
We would like to make the case for the provision of additional community/youth and sporting facilities to complement the Pyrmont Village and to prevent it becoming just another dormitory suburb. Pyrmont is now the size of a medium to large-sized country town, with its own identity and needs. In particular we lack meeting rooms, rehearsal spaces, arts and educational infrastructure and sporting and active recreational facilities. Since the rapid influx of so many residents into the Pyrmont peninsular over a very short period, it has been marvelous to see the development of a strong community spirit, sense of identity, and loyalty to the place and its people. We pull together in times of need (eg the current CBD Metro controversy) and contribute substantially through volunteer efforts, eg:
• The Pyrmont Ultimo Wildlife Corridor project
• Fund raising projects for charities eg the Jacksons Landing Christmas Concert
• Events eg the Wentworth Park Community Games and the Pyrmont Arts Festival
• The establishment of the Pyrmont Community Bank
• The establishment of the Pyrmont Choir and Children’s Choir
• The Pyrmont Library Link and Book Exchange
Yet we lack even the most basic infrastructure taken for granted in even small country towns and villages, most of which can boast a village or town hall and/or school of arts. Unlike most other suburbs within the City’s boundaries, Pyrmont has no old Town Hall or other civic buildings which can be converted to new community uses.
The following submission brings together ideas from previous submissions, comments on the current City plans, and presents a way forward which can be at least cost neutral:
Pyrmont Village Activity Hub
We note that the proposed Harris Street Activity Hub focused on the forecourt of the Powerhouse Museum can “nurture the conditions for further development” (SS2030, p58). We are encouraged by this, and also by the advice that in 2011 the City will be revisiting the Local Action Plans and calling for new projects and revisiting those ideas not addressed in the current LAP.
We further note the core elements of Activity Hubs include transport interchange, primary school, business centres, library, community space, childcare, Wi-Fi hotspot, fresh food market, bike parking, health and medical, City of Sydney service centre and a range of optional activity centres dependent on local character and need (our emphasis)
Pyrmont offers the following in support of Village Hub Status:
• Transport interchange – bus, light rail, CBD Metro, ferry
• A vibrant business community supporting large media companies, IT companies, American Express, Star City, tourist hotels, local hotels, as well as many small businesses
• The nucleus of a Library Link (although it needs to be better housed and supported)
• Two supermarkets (Coles, IGA)
• Three medical centres, numerous dentists and other therapists
• Two banks
• Post Office
• Major cycle and pedestrian links
• Local theatres
• 2 childcare centres (more are needed)
as well as local tourist attractions such as the various foreshore parks and the Sydney Fish Markets which provide a distinctive local character. However, the only social infrastructure provided is the Pyrmont Community Centre and the Maybanke Centre. These cannot meet our current needs or demographic, let alone the several thousand more residents and workers to come. We explore options for consideration in both the near-term, and within the context of the 2011 LAP development.
1.0 Pyrmont Community Centre – The inadequacies of the PCC to meet the needs of the community have been outlined previously. They include:
• It is not purpose built
• A large part of the building is leased as a pre-school and after hours school activity centre and is therefore unavailable and unsuitable for other activities
• It is no longer a public space as it is classified as “operational” which requires an emphasis on user-pays, semi-commercial activities
• It is noisy and unsuitable for meetings even when rooms are available
• Community access is restricted by overly bureaucratic eligibility criteria and processes
Donald Denoon (CUPA), in consultation with members of the community, has developed proposals which, if adopted by Council, may assist in providing expanded opportunities for community use of the Pyrmont Community Centre:
• Revive the PCC as a social facility by identifying and developing a range of activities tailored to the needs of the community, eg U3A/adult education services; fitness courses for over 55s; bridge, mahjong, table tennis. These can be organized by residents
• Releasing space for the volunteer-managed book exchange and library link and a reading room
• Cub/scout group, computing courses, internet access
• Provide drop-in centre facilities with coffee machine, tables, chairs, newspapers
• Historical displays
• Meeting rooms
• Rehearsal space
To revive the PCC will require in the short-term:
• Sound-proofing of rooms
• Development of fee structure and processes that encourage, rather than inhibit, non-commercial, community activities
• Expanded hours of operation, possibly using trained volunteers after hours
• Publicising the range of community activities
• Renegotiation of SDN contract to free up space for community use in the evenings and at weekends
• Establishment of a management committee to advise Centre staff on community interests, to formulate priorities and to inform the community of the Centre’s facilities, and to foster the Centre as a Neighbourhood Centre.
In the longer term, the building requires renovation and expansion into nearby vacant or derelict buildings and land.
Recommendation – that the Pyrmont Community Centre be renovated and transformed from a semi-commerical facility to become a Neighbourhood Centre, assisted by a local community management committee.
2.0 Bank Street Foreshore Park
The NSW Maritime site and 1 Bank Street are zoned Public Recreation. The Bank Street Master Plan stipulates development of these sites for passive boating and parkland. A plan was developed through consultation between representatives of the local and passive boating communities which have been trying to progress the development of the Foreshore Park for the past 3 years. With the acquisition of 1 Bank Street, and in the context of the Bays Precinct Task Force deliberations, further discussions are now occurring between the original group, the Heritage Fleet and NSW Volunteer Marine Rescue organizations to ascertain whether the needs of all the boating organizations can be met on this site and offshore. Consensus has been reached that the southern half of the NSW Maritime site can be parkland, and responsibility for the park’s development and maintenance transferred to the City of Sydney. Pyrmont Ultimo Landcare Inc is looking to provide landscaping on a volunteer basis. Council will be asked to provide:
• Initial site preparation as required
• A stormwater tank to receive water from 1 Distillery Drive, noting that Lend Lease has offered to install stormwater piping from Distillery Hill to the site provided a tank is in situ
• Irrigation piping
• Lawn
• Local native plants and mulch as required
The future of the northern end of the NSW Maritime site has been proposed as suitable for active recreation, the nature of which will be determined through community consultation but which could include:
• Tennis/netball court/s
• Boules court
• Skateboard rink
There is a commitment from both the NSW Government and the City of Sydney to the completion of the Harbour Foreshore Walkway and it is our recommendation that this be a high priority for Council in the next Local Action Plan, if not before.
Recommendation – That the City of Sydney commence negotiations with NSW Maritime regarding the transfer of responsibilities for the establishment of public parkland on the southern half of the Bank Street Foreshore Park; that negotiations commence with Vivas Lend Lease regarding the installation of a stormwater tank adjacent 1 Distillery Drive in Bank Street; that the City of Sydney initiate community consultation regarding the future of the northern half of the Bank Street Foreshore Park; that planning commence on the Harbour Foreshore walkway.
3.0 Wattle Street Depot
We understand that the future of this very large Council-owned site is being considered by the Property Division of Council. This review has been taking place for some years now and we have been unable to obtain any information on what may be recommended. We have attempted to contact Nicholas Male-Perkins over the past several weeks but have been unsuccessful. There has been no community consultation. This site presents Council with an opportunity to provide a major City/Inner West facility as well as the locus for the Pyrmont Village Activity Hub, through its redevelopment. As Pyrmont Action recommended in its submission on the last Local Action Plan, the Wattle Street Depot is ideal for mixed public/commercial uses. Its location meets the criteria listed in Sustainable Sydney 2030 and, with provision of some additional lift access from Jones Street to Wentworth Park station, will be particularly well served by bus, light rail and the CBD Metro. In this regard, we note that the City owns derelict land which is an extension to Jones Street, running north to the edge of the old Hell Hole Quarry.
In addition, the site is close to Glebe, where there is a similar shortfall in provision of social infrastructure and it is adjacent Wentworth Park and Wentworth Park Sporting Complex. It will be possible to close the current greyhound racing carpark now occupying public parkland and to provide a commercial carpark in the basement of the proposed new development to serve both the greyhound patrons and Sydney Fish Market visitors. Commercial space could be provided, as well as an upper floor of purpose-built public space, including a possible child care centre. The roof can be developed as active recreational space, to complement the adjacent Fig Park passive recreation area. It has also been suggested that part of the site be left undeveloped for use as a community garden. The Wattle Street depot represents the last opportunity for the provision of much needed social/youth/recreational/sporting facilities to serve not only Pyrmont Village but the City and the Inner West. Through a mixed redevelopment approach, these public facilities can be provided from revenue generated by the commercial use of part of the site.
Recommendation – that the Wattle Street Depot site remain in public ownership; that Council initiate public consultation on its future use prior to the development of the 2011 LAP.
We put forward these recommendations in the context of Sustainable Sydney 2030 and look forward to working with Council to realize them.
Yours sincerely,
Elizabeth Elenius
Convenor
Clr Clover Moore MP
Lord Mayor,
City of Sydney
GPO Box 1591,
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Dear Clover,
We have perused the City’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 and applaud the big vision outlined, particularly in relation to transport. Whilst much of the document relates to large, long-term projects, eg the Central Station Gateway project, it identifies some nearer term projects.
Pyrmont Action has been involved right from the start of your Party’s administration. We have participated in the development of CUPA’s Strategy, in response to the City’s Draft Strategic Plan; we have attended numerous workshops; made submissions on the Local Action Plan; and we have made a substantial submission on the Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision. We have participated in the consultation process at every stage of the evolution of the City’s plan for Sydney. We have been consistent in our support of the Pyrmont Village concept, and the revitalization of Pyrmont Village projects now underway.
We note the plans for an Activity Hub in Ultimo which is close to the Cultural Heart located around UTS/the ABC, SIT and the Powerhouse Museum and agree that the latter is appropriately located for the provision of culture that is largely “received” by, as distinct from generated by the community. We also note that the Ultimo Community Centre is an excellent facility which serves the Ultimo community well and is accessible to members of that community. And the ITAC, a long-planned project, is a welcome active recreational facility for the City West precinct and the wider City.
However, the proposed Activity Hub focused on the Powerhouse Museum Forecourt is not easily accessible to Pyrmont, and the UCC is currently almost fully utilized, and cannot adequately serve the 15,000 residents and 18,000 workers of Pyrmont.
We would like to make the case for the provision of additional community/youth and sporting facilities to complement the Pyrmont Village and to prevent it becoming just another dormitory suburb. Pyrmont is now the size of a medium to large-sized country town, with its own identity and needs. In particular we lack meeting rooms, rehearsal spaces, arts and educational infrastructure and sporting and active recreational facilities. Since the rapid influx of so many residents into the Pyrmont peninsular over a very short period, it has been marvelous to see the development of a strong community spirit, sense of identity, and loyalty to the place and its people. We pull together in times of need (eg the current CBD Metro controversy) and contribute substantially through volunteer efforts, eg:
• The Pyrmont Ultimo Wildlife Corridor project
• Fund raising projects for charities eg the Jacksons Landing Christmas Concert
• Events eg the Wentworth Park Community Games and the Pyrmont Arts Festival
• The establishment of the Pyrmont Community Bank
• The establishment of the Pyrmont Choir and Children’s Choir
• The Pyrmont Library Link and Book Exchange
Yet we lack even the most basic infrastructure taken for granted in even small country towns and villages, most of which can boast a village or town hall and/or school of arts. Unlike most other suburbs within the City’s boundaries, Pyrmont has no old Town Hall or other civic buildings which can be converted to new community uses.
The following submission brings together ideas from previous submissions, comments on the current City plans, and presents a way forward which can be at least cost neutral:
Pyrmont Village Activity Hub
We note that the proposed Harris Street Activity Hub focused on the forecourt of the Powerhouse Museum can “nurture the conditions for further development” (SS2030, p58). We are encouraged by this, and also by the advice that in 2011 the City will be revisiting the Local Action Plans and calling for new projects and revisiting those ideas not addressed in the current LAP.
We further note the core elements of Activity Hubs include transport interchange, primary school, business centres, library, community space, childcare, Wi-Fi hotspot, fresh food market, bike parking, health and medical, City of Sydney service centre and a range of optional activity centres dependent on local character and need (our emphasis)
Pyrmont offers the following in support of Village Hub Status:
• Transport interchange – bus, light rail, CBD Metro, ferry
• A vibrant business community supporting large media companies, IT companies, American Express, Star City, tourist hotels, local hotels, as well as many small businesses
• The nucleus of a Library Link (although it needs to be better housed and supported)
• Two supermarkets (Coles, IGA)
• Three medical centres, numerous dentists and other therapists
• Two banks
• Post Office
• Major cycle and pedestrian links
• Local theatres
• 2 childcare centres (more are needed)
as well as local tourist attractions such as the various foreshore parks and the Sydney Fish Markets which provide a distinctive local character. However, the only social infrastructure provided is the Pyrmont Community Centre and the Maybanke Centre. These cannot meet our current needs or demographic, let alone the several thousand more residents and workers to come. We explore options for consideration in both the near-term, and within the context of the 2011 LAP development.
1.0 Pyrmont Community Centre – The inadequacies of the PCC to meet the needs of the community have been outlined previously. They include:
• It is not purpose built
• A large part of the building is leased as a pre-school and after hours school activity centre and is therefore unavailable and unsuitable for other activities
• It is no longer a public space as it is classified as “operational” which requires an emphasis on user-pays, semi-commercial activities
• It is noisy and unsuitable for meetings even when rooms are available
• Community access is restricted by overly bureaucratic eligibility criteria and processes
Donald Denoon (CUPA), in consultation with members of the community, has developed proposals which, if adopted by Council, may assist in providing expanded opportunities for community use of the Pyrmont Community Centre:
• Revive the PCC as a social facility by identifying and developing a range of activities tailored to the needs of the community, eg U3A/adult education services; fitness courses for over 55s; bridge, mahjong, table tennis. These can be organized by residents
• Releasing space for the volunteer-managed book exchange and library link and a reading room
• Cub/scout group, computing courses, internet access
• Provide drop-in centre facilities with coffee machine, tables, chairs, newspapers
• Historical displays
• Meeting rooms
• Rehearsal space
To revive the PCC will require in the short-term:
• Sound-proofing of rooms
• Development of fee structure and processes that encourage, rather than inhibit, non-commercial, community activities
• Expanded hours of operation, possibly using trained volunteers after hours
• Publicising the range of community activities
• Renegotiation of SDN contract to free up space for community use in the evenings and at weekends
• Establishment of a management committee to advise Centre staff on community interests, to formulate priorities and to inform the community of the Centre’s facilities, and to foster the Centre as a Neighbourhood Centre.
In the longer term, the building requires renovation and expansion into nearby vacant or derelict buildings and land.
Recommendation – that the Pyrmont Community Centre be renovated and transformed from a semi-commerical facility to become a Neighbourhood Centre, assisted by a local community management committee.
2.0 Bank Street Foreshore Park
The NSW Maritime site and 1 Bank Street are zoned Public Recreation. The Bank Street Master Plan stipulates development of these sites for passive boating and parkland. A plan was developed through consultation between representatives of the local and passive boating communities which have been trying to progress the development of the Foreshore Park for the past 3 years. With the acquisition of 1 Bank Street, and in the context of the Bays Precinct Task Force deliberations, further discussions are now occurring between the original group, the Heritage Fleet and NSW Volunteer Marine Rescue organizations to ascertain whether the needs of all the boating organizations can be met on this site and offshore. Consensus has been reached that the southern half of the NSW Maritime site can be parkland, and responsibility for the park’s development and maintenance transferred to the City of Sydney. Pyrmont Ultimo Landcare Inc is looking to provide landscaping on a volunteer basis. Council will be asked to provide:
• Initial site preparation as required
• A stormwater tank to receive water from 1 Distillery Drive, noting that Lend Lease has offered to install stormwater piping from Distillery Hill to the site provided a tank is in situ
• Irrigation piping
• Lawn
• Local native plants and mulch as required
The future of the northern end of the NSW Maritime site has been proposed as suitable for active recreation, the nature of which will be determined through community consultation but which could include:
• Tennis/netball court/s
• Boules court
• Skateboard rink
There is a commitment from both the NSW Government and the City of Sydney to the completion of the Harbour Foreshore Walkway and it is our recommendation that this be a high priority for Council in the next Local Action Plan, if not before.
Recommendation – That the City of Sydney commence negotiations with NSW Maritime regarding the transfer of responsibilities for the establishment of public parkland on the southern half of the Bank Street Foreshore Park; that negotiations commence with Vivas Lend Lease regarding the installation of a stormwater tank adjacent 1 Distillery Drive in Bank Street; that the City of Sydney initiate community consultation regarding the future of the northern half of the Bank Street Foreshore Park; that planning commence on the Harbour Foreshore walkway.
3.0 Wattle Street Depot
We understand that the future of this very large Council-owned site is being considered by the Property Division of Council. This review has been taking place for some years now and we have been unable to obtain any information on what may be recommended. We have attempted to contact Nicholas Male-Perkins over the past several weeks but have been unsuccessful. There has been no community consultation. This site presents Council with an opportunity to provide a major City/Inner West facility as well as the locus for the Pyrmont Village Activity Hub, through its redevelopment. As Pyrmont Action recommended in its submission on the last Local Action Plan, the Wattle Street Depot is ideal for mixed public/commercial uses. Its location meets the criteria listed in Sustainable Sydney 2030 and, with provision of some additional lift access from Jones Street to Wentworth Park station, will be particularly well served by bus, light rail and the CBD Metro. In this regard, we note that the City owns derelict land which is an extension to Jones Street, running north to the edge of the old Hell Hole Quarry.
In addition, the site is close to Glebe, where there is a similar shortfall in provision of social infrastructure and it is adjacent Wentworth Park and Wentworth Park Sporting Complex. It will be possible to close the current greyhound racing carpark now occupying public parkland and to provide a commercial carpark in the basement of the proposed new development to serve both the greyhound patrons and Sydney Fish Market visitors. Commercial space could be provided, as well as an upper floor of purpose-built public space, including a possible child care centre. The roof can be developed as active recreational space, to complement the adjacent Fig Park passive recreation area. It has also been suggested that part of the site be left undeveloped for use as a community garden. The Wattle Street depot represents the last opportunity for the provision of much needed social/youth/recreational/sporting facilities to serve not only Pyrmont Village but the City and the Inner West. Through a mixed redevelopment approach, these public facilities can be provided from revenue generated by the commercial use of part of the site.
Recommendation – that the Wattle Street Depot site remain in public ownership; that Council initiate public consultation on its future use prior to the development of the 2011 LAP.
We put forward these recommendations in the context of Sustainable Sydney 2030 and look forward to working with Council to realize them.
Yours sincerely,
Elizabeth Elenius
Convenor
Convenor’s Report – General Meeting, 11 March, 2010
Whilst several of our campaigns have been wrapped up, there still appears to be a lot happening. Plans for Bank Street are still being discussed; traffic and transport are ongoing issues; and we continue to press for improved social infrastructure – and an accounting of Section 94 funds which have been (or should have been) collected from developers over the period the Ultimo-Pyrmont Scheme has been in operation.
Bays Precinct Task Force CRG
This large group came together quite well towards the end of Stage 1 of the Bays Precinct consultation process (helped by the withdrawal of a few members who were unable to agree on a number of issues eg the Cruise Passenger Terminal). Following a series of Workshops organised by John Brooks and myself, two documents were presented to the final meeting of the Community Reference Group on 1 March. One outlines a series of 11 Objectives and Principles which should govern integrated planning for the Bays; the other demonstrates how these Principles can be applied to the various sites around the Bays foreshore, and including the White Bay Power Station and the Rozelle Railway Yards. An overwhelming message is the need for integrated planning and we have also proposed that one Authority or entity be given authority over all sites to ensure a coordinated approach. These documents will be posted on SHFA’s website together with the rather grandiose Vision developed by a group of 5 members of the CRG independently of the rest of the membership. There are some interesting ideas in all documents and members are urged to look at them and provide comment. The CRG has asked for ongoing dialogue with the Task Force which will begin its work in April.
CBD Metro
I hardly need report on this as its fate has been widely reported. Several PA members continued to meet with the Metro people to try to broker a deal which got the entrance out of the square and we had made great progress, albeit still at the expense of terraces in Union Street. We welcome the news that the light rail will be extended to Dulwich Hill and to Circular Quay via Barangaroo and will continue to support Council’s efforts to have a service run down George Street. Similarly, we will make the case for the light rail ticketing to be integrated with the rest of the public transport network.
Bank Street
The Chinese Youth League has now firmed up its vision for the Sydney Water Sports Centre which will be located at 1 Bank Street. However, there are ongoing discussions on how the wharfage will be laid out offshore. One local strata situated close to Bank Street is opposing the relocation of the Sydney Heritage Fleet on the Public Recreation site owned by NSW Maritime. Alternative sites for the SHF have been proposed by the Bays Precinct CRG in Rozelle, Blackwattle and White Bays. NSW Maritime has indicated that it will take no action to clean up the sites or to install the public boat ramp until stakeholder groups have reached agreement. So there is considerable pressure on us to agree on the relocation of the SHF to Bank Street. This is also strongly supported by the City of Sydney. Stakeholders have asked NSW Maritime to commence negotiations with Council re it taking over responsibility for the park. Pyrmont Ultimo Landcare has written to NSWM to indicate its willingness to undertake planting work but some Council resources will be required re site preparation, stormwater storage tank and watering system, and installation of lawn. The Bays Precinct CRG has also recommended that Glebe Island Bridge remain closed (opening at set times like the Spit Bridge) for pedestrian/cycle traffic and for parking.
Wentworth Park/Fish Markets
Stage 2 of the Wentworth Park Sporting Complex work will be approved shortly. This involves the removal of the concrete walls along Wattle Street, and abutting the parkland, installation of a new fence 8 metres in from the existing fenceline, landscaping of additional parkland so released, and the removal of infill of the viaduct arches. John Brooks continues to meet with the Sydney Fish Markets staff. The Ice Works is being demolished but there is little progress elsewhere and the smells and general deterioration greatly detracts from our neighbourhood with no long-term solution in sight. The Bays Precinct CRG recommended Government funding of the proposed public domain eg parkland, foreshore walkway and repair of the seawall.
Traffic and Transport
PA’s submission to the State Transit Authority reviewing bus services in and around the Inner West fell on deaf ears (verbal advice from STA). The STA decided to support only changes to outer suburban areas and to leave things as they are in Pyrmont. So we continue to have the farce of the 448 travelling empty on its return journeys. We were advised that the 448 is subsidised by Fairfax and it was through their generosity that us mere mortals are able to travel with the Fairfax staff one way.
The City’s controversial proposal to install a two-way bike path along southern Bulara Road is strongly opposed by local residents. At the Council Forum held on 3 March, plans for the cycleway were outlined. In discussion with officers following the meeting, it is apparent that Council has no idea how this cycleway can be extended north across the Allen Street off-ramp and across Pyrmont Bridge Road. Community groups are proposing that the status quo in Bulwara Road prevail, ie it stays a shared cycle/pedestrian/vehicle road, with a lower speed limit. South travelling cyclists can go down Jones Street and back up to Bulwara Rd at William Henry Street.
PA has also written to the Police Minister requesting improved policing of cyclists travelling along footpaths. We also raised the matter at the March Police Community Precinct Meeting and were advised that they had recently had a blitz on cyclists, with a number fined. We asked that this action be publicised.
Cultural/Social Infrastructure
Our letter to the Lord Mayor on ideas for projects for the next round of Local Action Plans (or sooner) for Pyrmont Village received a very unsatisfactory response. The Lord Mayor thanked us for our comments and advised that LAPs will be reviewed “within the next few years”. I have asked for more a more detailed response to the points raised in our submission.
Our meeting with the Director of Community Services at Pyrmont Community Centre was partly successful in that Council is now supporting the Over-55s exercise classes (2.30pm on Tuesdays). They have been very well attended and I can attest that every part of your body receives a good workout. Pyrmont Sings! has also been able to book a good room for rehearsals. PA missed out on a room booking in PCC but has been offered a slightly fixed up Maybanke Centre for regular meetings. We have applied for a better room for 2011.
Davey Flour Mill/Weighbridge Projects – The owner of the site submitted a DA for a clean-up of the site. We responded by recommending that Council and the developer consider the community ideas for a new building on the site. Anna Pender is yet to contact the developer to put forward our proposals. We continue to await a response to our requests for permission to get access to the weighbridge.
Badging Pyrmont Project
We have not had an opportunity to develop our strategy for the “badging” of Pyrmont.
Publicity and Fund Raising
We are delighted to advise that DentArtisan is sponsoring the development of the Pyrmont Action website. We hope it will be ready to launch at the UPTown Festival. A big thank you to Linda Qach for responding to our plea.
DON’T FORGET UPTown Festival at 11am on Saturday, 27 March. PA is joining with others in the Community Stall. Volunteers needed.
Elizabeth Elenius
Bays Precinct Task Force CRG
This large group came together quite well towards the end of Stage 1 of the Bays Precinct consultation process (helped by the withdrawal of a few members who were unable to agree on a number of issues eg the Cruise Passenger Terminal). Following a series of Workshops organised by John Brooks and myself, two documents were presented to the final meeting of the Community Reference Group on 1 March. One outlines a series of 11 Objectives and Principles which should govern integrated planning for the Bays; the other demonstrates how these Principles can be applied to the various sites around the Bays foreshore, and including the White Bay Power Station and the Rozelle Railway Yards. An overwhelming message is the need for integrated planning and we have also proposed that one Authority or entity be given authority over all sites to ensure a coordinated approach. These documents will be posted on SHFA’s website together with the rather grandiose Vision developed by a group of 5 members of the CRG independently of the rest of the membership. There are some interesting ideas in all documents and members are urged to look at them and provide comment. The CRG has asked for ongoing dialogue with the Task Force which will begin its work in April.
CBD Metro
I hardly need report on this as its fate has been widely reported. Several PA members continued to meet with the Metro people to try to broker a deal which got the entrance out of the square and we had made great progress, albeit still at the expense of terraces in Union Street. We welcome the news that the light rail will be extended to Dulwich Hill and to Circular Quay via Barangaroo and will continue to support Council’s efforts to have a service run down George Street. Similarly, we will make the case for the light rail ticketing to be integrated with the rest of the public transport network.
Bank Street
The Chinese Youth League has now firmed up its vision for the Sydney Water Sports Centre which will be located at 1 Bank Street. However, there are ongoing discussions on how the wharfage will be laid out offshore. One local strata situated close to Bank Street is opposing the relocation of the Sydney Heritage Fleet on the Public Recreation site owned by NSW Maritime. Alternative sites for the SHF have been proposed by the Bays Precinct CRG in Rozelle, Blackwattle and White Bays. NSW Maritime has indicated that it will take no action to clean up the sites or to install the public boat ramp until stakeholder groups have reached agreement. So there is considerable pressure on us to agree on the relocation of the SHF to Bank Street. This is also strongly supported by the City of Sydney. Stakeholders have asked NSW Maritime to commence negotiations with Council re it taking over responsibility for the park. Pyrmont Ultimo Landcare has written to NSWM to indicate its willingness to undertake planting work but some Council resources will be required re site preparation, stormwater storage tank and watering system, and installation of lawn. The Bays Precinct CRG has also recommended that Glebe Island Bridge remain closed (opening at set times like the Spit Bridge) for pedestrian/cycle traffic and for parking.
Wentworth Park/Fish Markets
Stage 2 of the Wentworth Park Sporting Complex work will be approved shortly. This involves the removal of the concrete walls along Wattle Street, and abutting the parkland, installation of a new fence 8 metres in from the existing fenceline, landscaping of additional parkland so released, and the removal of infill of the viaduct arches. John Brooks continues to meet with the Sydney Fish Markets staff. The Ice Works is being demolished but there is little progress elsewhere and the smells and general deterioration greatly detracts from our neighbourhood with no long-term solution in sight. The Bays Precinct CRG recommended Government funding of the proposed public domain eg parkland, foreshore walkway and repair of the seawall.
Traffic and Transport
PA’s submission to the State Transit Authority reviewing bus services in and around the Inner West fell on deaf ears (verbal advice from STA). The STA decided to support only changes to outer suburban areas and to leave things as they are in Pyrmont. So we continue to have the farce of the 448 travelling empty on its return journeys. We were advised that the 448 is subsidised by Fairfax and it was through their generosity that us mere mortals are able to travel with the Fairfax staff one way.
The City’s controversial proposal to install a two-way bike path along southern Bulara Road is strongly opposed by local residents. At the Council Forum held on 3 March, plans for the cycleway were outlined. In discussion with officers following the meeting, it is apparent that Council has no idea how this cycleway can be extended north across the Allen Street off-ramp and across Pyrmont Bridge Road. Community groups are proposing that the status quo in Bulwara Road prevail, ie it stays a shared cycle/pedestrian/vehicle road, with a lower speed limit. South travelling cyclists can go down Jones Street and back up to Bulwara Rd at William Henry Street.
PA has also written to the Police Minister requesting improved policing of cyclists travelling along footpaths. We also raised the matter at the March Police Community Precinct Meeting and were advised that they had recently had a blitz on cyclists, with a number fined. We asked that this action be publicised.
Cultural/Social Infrastructure
Our letter to the Lord Mayor on ideas for projects for the next round of Local Action Plans (or sooner) for Pyrmont Village received a very unsatisfactory response. The Lord Mayor thanked us for our comments and advised that LAPs will be reviewed “within the next few years”. I have asked for more a more detailed response to the points raised in our submission.
Our meeting with the Director of Community Services at Pyrmont Community Centre was partly successful in that Council is now supporting the Over-55s exercise classes (2.30pm on Tuesdays). They have been very well attended and I can attest that every part of your body receives a good workout. Pyrmont Sings! has also been able to book a good room for rehearsals. PA missed out on a room booking in PCC but has been offered a slightly fixed up Maybanke Centre for regular meetings. We have applied for a better room for 2011.
Davey Flour Mill/Weighbridge Projects – The owner of the site submitted a DA for a clean-up of the site. We responded by recommending that Council and the developer consider the community ideas for a new building on the site. Anna Pender is yet to contact the developer to put forward our proposals. We continue to await a response to our requests for permission to get access to the weighbridge.
Badging Pyrmont Project
We have not had an opportunity to develop our strategy for the “badging” of Pyrmont.
Publicity and Fund Raising
We are delighted to advise that DentArtisan is sponsoring the development of the Pyrmont Action website. We hope it will be ready to launch at the UPTown Festival. A big thank you to Linda Qach for responding to our plea.
DON’T FORGET UPTown Festival at 11am on Saturday, 27 March. PA is joining with others in the Community Stall. Volunteers needed.
Elizabeth Elenius
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