October 16th, 2006
Media Release
Two Hills Weeping Figs in Selwyn Street Paddington, estimated to be at least 50 years old and listed on the City of Sydney Council’s Register of Significant Trees, were turned to pulp last week.
Yet less than 12 months ago, the City of Sydney Council proudly announced the creation of the Register of Significant Trees in which the figs of Selwyn Street are described as: ‘in some cases over 50-70 years old, with cultural/historical and social significance as well as significant visual/aesthetic appeal.’
Greens Deputy Lord Mayor Chris Harris: “The fact that the two figs were causing damage to property is not in dispute. The issue is why council is trashing the Register on which it spent substantial amounts of rate -payers money.
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Posted in Council, Environment, Photo Gallery
October 11th, 2006
Media Release
Greens Cr. Chris Harris celebrated 10 years of Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) at the graduation of their class of 2006.
Cr. Chris Harris, “The Greens know that human beings have always valued dogs for their friendship and protection. This bond is particularly strong for people with disabilities. You only have to look in the faces of the new owners of the four graduating ADA dogs to see it. These dogs are amazing, they pick up keys, open doors, turn lights on and off and push the button at the pedestrian crossings. The city is pleased to make Martin Place available for the graduation ceremony.
“The City of Sydney’s support for Assistance Dogs Australia is consistent with the council’s increased investment into disability access for locals and visitors alike, making it easier for people with disabilities to get around the city.” Cr. Harris said
Cr. Harris again, “What’s more, these cute, cuddly puppies not only change the lives of people with physical disabilities, they also change the lives of the people who foster them. Some of the puppies are given to prisoners to rear. This makes a huge difference to the inmates who take on a pup, which in turn then makes an enormous difference to a person with a physical disability. It’s a program where the whole community benefits - a very Greens way of solving a problem.
“As Greens Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney, I am honoured to have been part of the celebration of an organistation that, for 10 years has helped so many Australians.” Cr. Harris said.
Posted in Media Release, Photo Gallery, Access
June 15th, 2006
Greens City of Sydney Councillor Chris Harris and Greens parliamentarian Lee Rhiannon MLC conducted a Martin Place protest meeting which was attended by about 100 cyclists.Changes to roads following the Cross City Tunnel debacle caused traffic chaos and increased air pollution in Eastern Sydney and so the government, following a parliamentary inquiry, has decided to reverse some of those road changes.
In order to create an extra right turning lane into Palmer St on William St westbound, the RTA has announced that it will remove the bicycle lane on the north side of William St between Palmer St and the Kings Cross Tunnel. In addition it will remove cycle lanes in Kings Cross Road and Craigend St.
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Posted in Transport, Photo Gallery
April 3rd, 2006
Yesterday I attended the launch of the Greens affordable housing bill at Pyrmont Point Park. Syliva Hale delivered a short speech to launch the bill and this was followed by a few words from the Mayor of Waverley, Mora Main and myself.
Pyrmont was chosen as the location for the launch as the successful City West affordable housing scheme has been established in this area for some time and now provides affordable accommodation for over 900 people.
The bill has been drafted as an amendment to the Environmental Planning legislation and would allow councils to require new housing developments of 10 units or more to provide a minimum of 10% of new housing units for people on low and moderate incomes. The affordable units would be managed by non-profit housing co-operatives or the Department of Housing.
Audio: Affordable housing remarks - April 2, 2006 at Pyrmont Point
Posted in Photo Gallery, Housing, Audio
March 11th, 2006
An excellent turnout from the Greens at Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras last week.
One of our active ISG members, Michael is a professional photographer and took dozens of great pictures.
Featured here is one of myself (in blue) standing by the rainbow flag together with state parliamentarian Lee Rhiannon (yellow) and federal Senator Kerry Nettle (orange).
A couple of more snaps below showing our large happy crowd donning the rainbow colours, celebrating sexual diversity and keeping up the pressure for absolute equality.
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Posted in LGBTI, Photo Gallery
