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
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