News Brief

City projects scoop architecture awards

Three City of Sydney projects have won five awards at this year’s National Architecture Awards, the highest number for a single client in the event’s history.

Surry Hills Library and Community Centre, by architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp, received a National Award for Public Architecture and a National Award for Sustainable Architecture.

Pirrama Park at Pyrmont, by architects Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects/Aspect Studios/CAB, received the Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design and the Paddington Reservoir Gardens, by architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer with JMD Design, received a National Award for Urban Design and National Award for Heritage.

Marine park moratorium sinks

The NSW state government has withdrawn its support for a proposed five-year moratorium on marine parks and sanctuaries in NSW.

The proposal to suspend the creation of new parks has been attacked following a campaign led by the Nature Conservation Council (NCC) and National Parks Association (NPA).

“The rejection of the Shooters party’s bill upholds the NSW government’s proud legacy on marine parks and could help chart a course for improving the long-term sustainability and productivity of our coastal fisheries,” NCC chief executive officer Pepe Clarke said.

Police assaulted

Two prison officers have been charged with the off-duty assault of two police officers at Newtown.

It is alleged two male plain-clothes constables left Newtown Police Station shortly after midnight last Friday and were assaulted by two men on nearby Australia Street.

Extra police attended and the men, both off-duty prison officers with NSW Corrective Services, were arrested and charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest, and common assault.

They have been granted unconditional bail and will appear at Newtown Local Court on November 16.