Fish markets flex mussel with NSW Government

BY DHEEPTHI NAMASIVAYAM

Managers of the Sydney Fish Markets (SFM) have heavily criticsed the NSW Government over their lengthy inaction on plans to redevelop the run-down site in Pyrmont.

Grahame Turk, who has been the managing director of the Sydney Fish Markets (SFM) for nearly a decade, told The City News that despite several meetings with state ministers, the Government has been slow to follow up on a master redevelopment plan that they approved three years ago.

‘It’s been like squeezing a sponge ‘ you get nothing out of them,’ Mr Turk said.

The SFM board has reaffirmed the ultimatum they set in May this year ‘ that if a decision has not been made by the NSW Government by September, they will take matter into their own hands.

‘We will either have a solid response [from the State Government] for the redevelopment of the whole site, or we will progressively undertake major maintenance projects,’ Mr Turk said.

According to Mr Turk, the site is in desperate need of a renewal. The car park surface is uneven; a complete drainage system needs to be implemented to control the smell; and the leaking roof of the SFM offices needs to be fixed, he said.

So far, these repairs ‘ which alone will cost between $10-12 million ‘ have been delayed in anticipation of a response from the Government about funding other parts of the proposed development.

Planning Minister Frank Sartor originally approved a masterplan for the site in 2005. Since then, the SFM has presented a more detailed proposal to various NSW ministers, which includes a public space with waterfront views (in place of the existing carpark) and a new harbour foreshore boardwalk.

Although the entire project is estimated to cost around $80 million, the SFM only requires $30 million from the NSW Government for the construction of the new open space.

But up to this point there has been no response, which Mr Turk said has been ‘frustrating”. Until such funding is approved, the SFM will not be in a position to submit appropriate development applications to proceed with the work.

The City News contacted Mr Sartor’s office, but was advised that the Minister was on leave and unavailable for comment. Mr Sartor’s spokesperson said it was likely that the matter was still being considered if a decision hasn’t been made public.

Despite this, the local community support has been positive.

Anne Fraser, convenor of the Blackwattle Cove Coalition (BCC), said the members of her community group had discussed ways of supporting the SFM’s proposal at a meeting last week.

While the logistics of their strategy is yet to be determined, Ms Fraser said they have been looking into potential ideas to support the site. This includes lobbying federal and local tourism ministers, running a celebrity chef competition and holding special events on the SFM site to raise awareness In the local community about the redevelopment plan.

‘We are very much in favour of supporting him (Graham Turk) and trying to develop some kind of snowball community feeling towards the proposal he’s put forward,’ she said.