Issues
City of Sydney makes changes to heritage planning controls
Posted on 14th March 2026
We gave Council feedback on heritage impacts of proposed DCP changes. The amended controls, largely supporting strong heritage values, took effect on 23 January. We will continue to critically review advertised DAs.
The end of the working harbour?
Posted on 6th March 2026
Bays & Foreshores Convenor writes: the State Government’s ‘Bays West’ plans, if implemented, will see the end of our the working harbour. Since this article’s publication, the Government has announced the plans will go ahead.
News from the Blue Wren Subcommittee, March 2026
Posted on 17th March 2026
The subcommittee continues to press for Glebe’s Hill to become a wildlife refuge; Orphan School Creek Bushcare group is saddened by recent extensive vandalism, and Palmerston Landcare is thriving with new equipment.
Norma Hawkins (1922–2026)
Posted on 14th March 2026
Vale Norma Hawkins, a Glebe icon, a treasure, a great community member, a wonderful and amazing person who contributed so much to all the lives she touched, how lucky we were to have her on our side.
Wentworth Park good news
Posted on 29th December 2025
Premier Minns has announced that Wentworth Park will be returned to the public for mixed use of open space, sport and recreation. Thank you to all those members who have been campaigning for this outcome for many, many years.
Message from the President: Bulletin update
Posted on 29th December 2025
From next year the Bulletin will be distributed electronically to all members. The December 2025 edition of the Bulletin is the last that will be printed.
Minister to reconsider change that would create chaos on local roads
Posted on 29th December 2025
The NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, has promised to reconsider the proposed closure of the Bank Street exit on the eastern end of the Anzac Bridge.
Annual Spring Bird Survey Report 2025
Posted on 1st December 2025
Our 2025 snapshot survey of birds in Glebe and Forest Lodge. An outstanding count of 36 Australian figbirds this year, but the most numerous were Rainbow lorikeets.
New planning laws may backfire
Posted on 29th December 2025
Today’s regulatory push to cut planning red tape risks creating a significant decline in housing quality and community amenity, and opportunities for community input.
Another blue wren sighting in the Rozelle Parklands
Posted on 29th December 2025
The new parklands are providing suitable habitat, close to Glebe.
Million Dollar Disgrace
Posted on 20th November 2025
Local Glebe residents and members of the Animal Justice Party protested outside the Wentworth Park greyhound racetrack on the day of the Million Dollar Race, keen to see the whole park returned to the community. The CIty of Sydney has released plans for what the park could look like.
Fish market update
Posted on 20th November 2025
The new Sydney Fish Market is scheduled to open on 19 January next year. Local residents are concerned visitors will want to park in nearby streets, where parking spaces are already in high demand.
News from the Blue Wren Subcommittee: November 2025
Posted on 28th October 2025
Updates from the Blue Wren group including the sad discovery of deliberate damage to seedlings and establlsihed plants in the Orphan School Creek Reserve.
Glebe Talks: Fishy Business
Posted on 2nd October 2025
Hear former senator John Faulkner on his new book, ‘Fishy Business’, detailing the history, characters, and politics of the Sydney Fish Market. Wed, Nov 5, 6–7 pm, Gleebooks Café. $30 (incl. food/wine).
Wentworth Park decision up in the air
Posted on 2nd October 2025
In 2020, the NSW Government promised that Wentworth Park would become public open space when the greyhound racing lease ends in 2027. It now says no final decision has been made.
New proposal for Glebe Island Bridge
Posted on 8th October 2025
Architect Andrew Benn has reimagined Glebe Island Bridge’s restoration, arguably preserving its heritage while enabling the expanded ferry service planned for the new Sydney Fish Market.
Whack-a-mole traffic solution
Posted on 8th October 2025
Proposed changes to the Western Distributor will put more traffic onto the streets of Glebe and Pyrmont.
Recent Development Applications
Posted on 8th October 2025
Each week the Heritage Subcommittee reviews the City of Sydney’s website for DAs relevant to Glebe and Forest Lodge. A list is on our website.
Vale Neil Macindoe
Posted on 24th September 2025
Ted McKeown honours Neil Macindoe, former Society president and planning convenor, known for his role in the 1996 film Rats in the Ranks. Neil passed away in June.
A win-win solution for Glebe’s Hill
Posted on 19th September 2025
The Society has written to the City of Sydney proposing a win-win solution for Glebe’s Hill, between the the Jubilee Park Light Rail Station and the Tramsheds.
Development applications in Glebe and Forest Lodge, from July 2025
Posted on 29th September 2025
The Heritage Subcommittee reviews the City of Sydney’s website for Development Applications (DAs) each week, to see if there are any heritage issues that should be commented on.
Transport and Traffic Subcommittee Annual Report 2025
Posted on 8th September 2025
Some things have improved since last year, but others remain unresolved. Ongoing issues include Bridge Road, ebikes on pavements and bus routes.
Heritage Subcommittee Annual Report 2025
Posted on 13th August 2025
The Heritage Subcommittee met monthly in 2025 to research, advocate, and engage with the public on Glebe’s history and heritage. It reviewed 107 DAs, responded to public queries, published articles, and contributed to heritage policy.
Blue Wren Subcommittee Annual Report 2025
Posted on 15th August 2025
The subcommittee and the bushcare groups have made much progress in the past year towards increasing the diversity, abundance and distribution of indigenous fauna and flora in Glebe–Forest Lodge.
The shared pedestrian-cyclist footpath by the new Sydney Fish Market
Posted on 13th August 2025
The shared pedestrian–cyclist path at the new Fish Market poses serious safety risks. With foot traffic expected to increase and no separation of pedestrians from bikes, accidents are inevitable.
Update on Bridge Road
Posted on 12th August 2025
Bridge Road remains a key city route amid disruptive, noisy works. Safety concerns over the permanent cycleway persist, with limited transparency and mounting community frustration.
President’s Message: August 2025
Posted on 12th August 2025
Glebe’s Hill researchers recommended transforming the degraded site into biodiverse greenspace. Further information required: how contaminated is the soil and how can it be remediated?
Report on Bridge Road Cycleway Public Meeting
Posted on 12th August 2025
At a packed 6 July meeting, safety auditor Zoran Bakovic presented his Bridge Road cycleway audit. The Transport Minister and departmental reps were absent. Locals voted against the proposed design.
News from the Blue Wren Subcommittee: August 2025
Posted on 15th August 2025
This month, two of the bushcare groups share how their recent engagements with the City of Sydney could significantly boost their efforts to enhance biodiversity across their sites.
Vale Neil Pennell Macindoe (21 March 1945 – 27 June 2025)
Posted on 29th July 2025
We’re saddened by Neil Macindoe’s passing. His impact on Glebe through Leichhardt Council and the Glebe Society was immense. Memorial: Sat 5 July, St Helen’s Community Centre. All welcome.
