By Duncan Leys, President, Bulletin 1/2024, March
Best wishes for the New Year to all Society’s members.
2024 is shaping up to be a most interesting year, one full of challenges.
The opening of WestConnex has been a disaster for many local residents but has gone from the news bulletins, displaced by the asbestos-contaminated mulch fiasco. I was staggered to see so much of Glebe’s and Forest Lodge’s greenspaces taped off from the public.
The State Government’s proposed changes to zoning laws around transport hubs has generated an enormous number of emails to the Society from concerned residents, particularly from our neighbours in Five Dock and Haberfield. There are two proposed changes to planning laws: the Transport Oriented Development Program State Environmental Planning Policy (TOD SEPP) and the Low- and mid-rise housing State Environmental Planning Policy (LMRH SEPP).
The message we are getting is that Glebe/Forest Lodge will be spared the worst of the impacts of TOD, but watch this space as there are other changes contained in the LMRH proposals which may well have a significant impact on us.
The New Sydney Fish Market’s scheduled opening has been pushed back from the end of 2024 to early 2025. For projects of this type, there is no guarantee that scheduled milestones will be met. My understanding is that the plan for traffic, parking and public transport is not ready for public release. What is certain is that congestion around the New Sydney Fish Market will be worse than it is now.
The conservation work on Bidura is due to start in March 2024. I have seen removalists taking out office furniture but have not seen signs of conservation activities commencing.
Meanwhile, the Glebe Island Bridge continues to decay, and recently the State Government put up bollards to protect passing vessels – not the bridge – in case of a collision. This year we will be looking to refocus and energise our efforts to have the bridge returned to working order.
I am pleased to report that after two years of being acting Editor of the Bulletin, Allan Hogan can step down as we have found a new Editor. Allan will remain on the Communications Subcommittee and we are very grateful that Allan has agreed to continue on the Management Committee. Allan has made an enormous contribution to the Society over the years, including serving as Vice-President and President. I am in awe of his way with the written word.
Tim Hesketh has volunteered to take on the role of Bulletin Editor, and this is Tim’s first Bulletin. Tim’s background is in engineering and academia and I am confident he will make a good fist of the role.
Three new people have expressed interest in joining the Management Committee which is a positive sign.
Cheryl Leckstrom has a background in nursing and social work and would be well placed to take a role in community development.
Janet Oakley has expressed an interest in transport and traffic. She has a background in law.
John Sergeant has a background in road safety and business and would take on the bays and foreshores role.
Louis Taborda is stepping down from his Community Development role as work commitments make it impossible for him to put in the time he feels is needed. I would like to thank Louis for his work for the Society and we would welcome him back were his circumstances to change.
I would be pleased to welcome Cheryl, Janet and John to the Management Committee. I believe they would bring new perspectives and skills to their roles, which is a great thing.
Best regards,
Duncan Leys
One comment. Please add yours.
Thank you for your kind words Duncan . I am very honored and thrilled to be a part of the Glebe Society. I look forward to a brighter 2024 for everyone in Glebe. I take my role very seriously and will endeavour to fulfill what is to come.