Complying Medium Density Development
Almost exactly a month after imposing this Code, as outlined in the May Bulletin, in the face of strong protest, the Minister for Planning has suspended its operation in the major growth centres of Ryde and Canterbury-Bankstown. Other high-rise projects have been suspended as well. Moreover, other Councils have been advised they can also apply for suspension.

The reason given is one that has vexed the whole question of large-scale development for a long time in Sydney: the failure of infrastructure, especially transport, to keep up with development. This is despite the Plan for Greater Sydney repeatedly emphasising that adequate growth of infrastructure is essential.

Whether or not you agree that Sydney’s population can safely be increased, the character and rate of that increase is under greater scrutiny, and so it should be. Sydney now has an oversupply of high-rise apartments, and this has had little effect on the cost or availability of housing, especially for those of more limited means.

Although these suspensions have little effect on Glebe, for reasons stated previously, they certainly affect the rest of the City, as does the poor infrastructure planning.

 

The street furniture for which Guido Gouverneur received a National Trust Heritage award. (image: ‘Newtown Graffiti’)

National Trust Heritage Award
For many years the workshop of an artisan blacksmith, Guido Gouverneur, has supplied most of the decorative metal work adorning Sydney’s heritage precincts. This includes the bench seats in Glebe Point Rd, the frames of which were cast in bronze, giving them a distinctive appearance that blends with the character of Glebe’s main street. They are all Heritage Items.

The National Trust has recognised Guido’s work with the 2018 Heritage Award.

The Heritage Skills Award recognises ‘a volunteer, teacher, professional individual or apprentice who has demonstrated the application of craft skills that have been key in repairing or adapting a heritage site.’ (https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/heritage-awards-2018-winners/)

 

Harold Park Affordable Housing Turns the First Sod

The Lord Mayor’s newsletter shows Clover and the CEO of City West Housing, which is developing the site, doing some digging on the corner of Ross St and Wigram Rd.

An expected 75 affordable dwellings will be provided by the end of 2019. The proposal includes a green accessible roof.

Editor’s Note: A video of the Lord Mayor talking about this development and affordable housing more generally can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/clovermooresydney/videos/1831454413559150/