Councillor Chris Harris

Media Release
Greens Cr Chris Harris has welcomed the government’s decision to re-open Bourke Street south of William Street in Darlinghurst.”I’m pleased that the Greens were able to be part of the community’s success in getting Bourke Street reopened ” said Cr Harris.

“It was a tough battle with the NSW government and the Lord Mayor of Sydney backing the closure. But with a petition where 3500 people signed to reopen Bourke Street as opposed to the 250 signatures to keep Bourke street closed, it was just a matter of time before the government finally had to reverse its decision.”

“Businesses have gone bankrupt because of this closure and others are hurting. Locals reported great difficulty getting around their own neighbourhood because of the traffic jams which also increased the air pollution in eastern Sydney.” said Cr. Harris.

“While it was fantastic to see members of the various community groups collecting signatures, providing evidence to the CCT enquiry, meeting with government ministers and RTA officials and organizing community forums, it’s distressing that these people were not supported by their local member.”

“As the Greens representative on the City of Sydney Council I congratulate all the people who have worked so hard for the benefit of the community in eastern Sydney,” said Cr Harris.

Work begins on the reopening of Bourke
Street on Monday the 26th of June and should be completed by the 6th July.