Skate Park for Barangaroo?

An artists impression of what the Barangaroo development may look like when completed. The large park on the headland in the centre of the image could be an ideal place for a skate park.

 

 The issue of a skate park in the Sydney CBD has been an ongoing one.   My Greens colleague Councillor Chris Harris and myself have over the past year been heavily involved in campaigning to have one built to meet the needs of the many skaters who live in and visit the City. 

 Sadly, while Lord Mayor Clover Moore talks big on the issue she has recently pulled the plug on two very promising projects, one at Prince Alfred Park and one at Millers Point.  In both cases her primary reason for doing so was the objections of local residents, which I feel represent the views of a vocal minority unduly influenced by unfair stereotypes about skaters.    

Taking a pragmatic approach to the situation I moved this motion at a Council meeting on the 10th of May directing Council to negotiate with the Barangaroo Delivery Authority (BDA) to have a skate park included in the plans for this new development.  Barangaroo is set to be a large new precinct on the eastern side of Darling Harbour including commercial and residential areas and, most importantly for these purposes, a large park on the headland.  The size of the proposed headland park would allow a skate park to be built far enough away from residences to alleviate the concerns raised about the two previous proposals.    

Council passed my motion unanimously so now the final decision on the skate park will rest with the BDA.  The Lord Mayor and Council CEO have already approached the BDA, as per the motion.  I will also be meeting with the BDA and below is the text of a letter I sent to the CEO of BDA, John Tabart, outlining why I believe the proposal deserves serious consideration.  I would encourage any who supports this proposal to write to Mr Tabart – john.tabart@barangaroo.nsw.gov.au – and do the same.

Looking at Woolloomoolloo

This week I attended a community/police meeting in Woolloomoolloo to see what issues are worrying residents in the area. The constant issue of homeless people sleeping rough is still incredibly contentious with many residents asking the police to ensure that rough sleepers are moved on in the early mornings and that their swags are stashed away before people get up for work. There is a heavy police presence in the area which is focused on “managing” the homeless rough sleepers. An average of one person is arrested per week for drug related offences but many residents would like stronger police control.

One of the most exciting suggestions that came up during the meeting was a request from Rosmary Cutrone of the Woolloomoolloo Aerosol and Street Art Project for space at the back and side of Bourke St park for a safe painting space for local youth. Rosemary created and organised the wall art in the ex community garden on HNSW land in Forbes Street which highlighted the talent of local youth when given a project to work on.

There are many issues with local kids drinking and wandering the streets at night and any project that gives them some direction would be greatly welcomed by residents. I will be calling on Council to consider supporting Rosemary’s exciting initiative.

Upgrade work on Walla Mulla and Bourke St Parks should soon get underway and I expect this will cause major displacement of rough sleepers back into the City and the Domain. The recent homeless persons street count noted many people sleeping within the CBD.

However the upgrade will provide the opportunity for the establishment of projects like Rosemary’s and it is incumbent on Council to allow such positive projects a chance to develop.