Letter to the editor: Apologies to Sacha Blumen

I apologise to Sacha Blumen for misquoting him over the proposed controversial drugs facility at 180 Victoria Street, Potts Point, a heritage-listed site (Letters, City News, May 19).  My misunderstanding was based on the excellent City News article (April 28) referring to the DA being submitted “after consultation with St Vincent’s College [objectors] … and Labor candidate Sacha Blumen”. My mistake assumed he was an objector.

Sacha Blumen is right to suggest that adverse impacts for this risible DA for drug-related activities should be “minimised”. But “minimised” does not just mean reduced: its means eliminated.

Sacha Blumen is wrong to support this DA lodged by Terry Clout, Sutherland Hospital admin officer, who describes this drugs facility on page 3, para 1 as a “medical surgery”. This is patently incorrect: no doctor will be on site.

Mr Clout’s DA statement, sections 2.1 and 2.4, state clearly its purpose is to replace the Kings Cross K2 needle exchange because of “the age of that building” and to “provide access to … injecting equipment”, open until 10pm 7 days a week. There is no set limit on the numbers of attendees.

The Plan of Management attempts to allay fears about “publicly discarded injecting equipment” but is hopelessly inadequate. It doesn’t provide CCTV or security personnel coverage. It suggests a simple back-to-base button to the local police station. The NSW Police Force have not indicated their support for this DA.

And its first floor layout is identical to the KX injecting centre; single chairs facing a blank wall and long shelf. This is described as a ‘meeting room’ but has no table.

With over 1,000 locals against it including nearby St Vincent’s Catholic Girls’ College, this DA is a form of ‘Kings Cross Creep’.

Sydney Council should refer it back to the Minister for another site in a non-residential zone.

Andrew Woodhouse
President, Potts Point & King Cross Heritage Society