Letters

Metro protest a sham
As a resident of Pyrmont I’m looking forward to the Metro and a station at Pyrmont. The station location, although not ideal, is a good resolution to
what was previously proposed and out of Union Square. Yes, the four houses
to be demolished are on Union Street, not part of Union Square! The
aesthetic value of Union Square will now be preserved and the square/
cycleway will remain operational during construction. It would seem, and
Barry O’Farrell’s attendance confirms that the protest is a sham, hijacked
by people with personal agenda’s and political opportunists. Barry O’Farrell
has already said that if he’s elected at the next state election he will do
whatever it takes, even if construction has already started, to stop
construction and axe the Metro.

Michael Lomas, Pyrmont

A Tale of Two Suburbs
When Pyrmont residents pointed out that there are much more suitable locations for the State Government to put a new train station, the immediate reaction of City of Sydney Council was to agree with the residents, donate money and have councillors attend meetings and rallies in support.

When Rosebery residents pointed out that there are much more suitable locations for local government to put a new garbage truck depot, the immediate reaction of City of Sydney Council officers was to issue asinine replies such as ‘depots are essential, all communities have them’.

We all know that depots (and train stations) are essential, it’s where you site them that is the issue. In our case, Council has ignored both its consultant’s recommendation and its own policy to not locate depots adjacent to people’s homes.

The Rosebery Residents Action Group wishes the people of Pyrmont all the best in their fight against a government authority intent on imposing an essential facility in the wrong place.

Graeme Grace, Rosebery Residents Action Group

Metro will help create city of our dreams
Some good points in Michael Gormly’s “Cities abhor a vacuum” story –
especially about high lively cities function. I think politicians like
big empty spaces like this forlorn “city square” because they see
themselves addressing huge rallies there – all of their political
supporters of course!

I have been to such stirring functions, but not in Australia. The best
was in La Paz, Bolivia, with 50,000 people and competing military
bands playing discordant mariachi music, and multiple sound systems
with politicians all speaking at once. It was amazing.

But that’s not our culture. In Sydney the best we can manage (and it
was pretty good) was the rally in Union square to protest the Metro
station site today (July 4). There were about 500 people, all well
behaved – except a couple of the politicians like Jamie Parker and
Barry O’Farrell, determined to highjack the event. And the convener of
course – who was guilty of at least one bad joke.

But seriously, it was a successful rally. We can only pray for a
positive outcome.

One of the signature gatherers was at pains to point out me that they
were NOT opposed to public transport or The Metro. Good, neither am I.
She explained that my signature did not mean that I was endorsing the
Liberal Party, the nay-sayers who oppose EVERYTHING and would take us
back to the horse and cart like Sylvia Hale, or opportunists like the
Mayor of Leichhardt.

But there is confusion in the position The City News is taking. With your
continued opposition to the Metro, you are in danger of throwing the
baby out with the bath water. Clover Moore is supporting it because
she knows that once a more extensive system is operating, it will make
the city and livelier, more vibrant and sustainable place. Just as the
New York subway does to the city Jane Jacobs was writing about, all
those years ago.

Thats the city of our dreams. I hope it’s The City News’ too.

Russell Edwards, Drummoyne

Union Square rally a success

It was great to see people of all political persuasions at the Rally. Our local labour branch passed a motion of support, even if the upper eschelons of the Labour party such as the Nathan Reeces and David Campbells of this world were absent from the podium. Some 1,300 signatures were collected on Saturday mornig.  The people of Pyrmont have spoken!

They want the Metro station moved off the Square.
As the president of the Pyrmont Community Group,  Winner’s of a SMH Australia Day Award for Outstanding Community Service I can assure you we are independent, and
spin free.  We are determined to prevent the demoliton of our precious heritage for a railway station which should be placed in the transport hub of the Casino. We are meeting with the CFMEU on Tuesday and we will be urging them to place a Green ban on the site.
Don’t forget to attend the next meeting of the Metro Authority on Saturday 11th, from 10 – 4.00.p.m at  220 Pitt Street Wesley Centre.  See you there!

Jean Stuart, Pyrmont

Think outside the Square

Saturday’s rally to save Pyrmont’s Union Square was one of the most inspiring acts of community support that I have witnessed in recent years. It was great to see not only Pyrmont residents gather to save local heritage, but also those residents of Leichardt, Glebe, and Rozelle. It just shows the dedication that people have to preserve history as well as local business.

I fully support this campaign’s movement to bring in the Metro, but not at the expense of local business, jobs, community and heritage. Think outside the square: Move the Metro.

Amy McCorquodale, Pyrmont