Foreshore Parks Languish

Darling Island residents have asked for the control of traffic, parks and development applications to be tranferred to the council, saying the current situation with the SHFA is not working.

Resident Rick Bayley said any change in responsibilities could not be effected until the expiry of a 12-month defects liability period on the last development to be completed in the area, which occurred late last year.

Resident Philippa Jacks said the SHFA had refused to make any improvements to local parks or to deal with traffic issues. Clean-ups for major events like New Year's Eve were difficult to secure as neither council nor the SHFA wanted to take responsibility.

"We have what could be two lovely

parks — Metcalfe and Ballarat — which are like our front garden. It's potentially a fabulous space, but the SHFA control it and won't do anything to improve the parks, which have weeds and diseased plants. It's a disaster," she said.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore has lobbied the State Government to hand over the responsibilities of statutory authorities

like the SHFA and the Redfern Waterloo Authority, arguing that decisions affecting communities should be made by locally elected representatives.

Meanwhile, news stand operators at Circular Quay claim that SHFA rent hikes are forcing them out of business. Rents increased to $350 a week, which operators said they could not afford.

Photo: PHIL ROGERS - Lobbying for change: Rick Stevens, Philippa Jacks

Source: Central 11 March 2009