News Brief
Ice Bear sculpture raises climate change concern for World Environment Day
A life size polar bear sculpture made of ice will be on display at Custom’s House at Circular Quay from Friday.
The sculpture will slowly melt at the Quay as part of World Environment Day on the following Sunday.
World Environment is a United Nations initiative that has been running since 1972 to raise awareness for a number of global environmental problems like climate change.
Sydney’s Ice Bear will raise funds for WWF-Australia, 1 Million Women and the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.
The three environmental groups will be campaigning for climate change action in nearby stalls.
The ice sculpture will be lit at night as part of Sydney Vivid festival 3D light projection at Custom’s house.
NSW government to work with city on 2030 Sustainable Sydney plan
The NSW Government is set to begin working with the City of Sydney over the implementation of Clover Moore’s city plan for 2030.
In meetings with Ms Moore, Premier Barry O’Farrell and Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian indicated they were willing to help implement the Mayor’s Sustainable Sydney plan for 2030
“They are interested in working in a partnership with us. That’s how it should be; we can work together in the interests of the city,” Ms Moore said.
Sustainable Sydney 2030 has been in the process of planning and consultation since 2008.
The City of Sydney Council is now looking for support from the NSW Government and local business owners to start implementing the 2030 plan.
The plans, which are available on the council’s website, include making George Street (Bathurst to Hunter Street) entirely for pedestrians and cyclists, developing an open street cafe culture and running trams from Central Station to Circular Quar.
Ms Moore and the City of Sydney Council met CBD retail store owners on Wednesday to discuss the City’s plans and other ideas to improve the CBD’s business and culture.
“We want to have a really exciting night economy,” Ms Moore said.
Ms Moore said she the City of Sydney council was happy to take advice from local business owners on the plan.
“It’s an open book at the moment,” she said on Wednesday night.
City of Sydney plans light rail development in Green Square
The City of Sydney is planning a light rail expansion through Waterloo as part of the $8 billion dollar Green Square development project.
Land will be purchased by City of Sydney on Lachlan Street to allow room for a rail link between Central Station and Green Square.
Mayor, Clover Moore said the project was essential for bringing jobs and homes to one of Sydney’s biggest development areas.
“Green Square is Australia’s largest urban renewal project and will deliver 20,000 homes and 22,000 jobs – but it could become a congestion nightmare without an integrated network of heavy rail, light rail, buses and more direct bike links,” said Ms Moore.
“Green Square is an important opportunity to deliver sustainable urban development with an emphasis on green infrastructure, to lower greenhouse emissions and encourage sustainable transport.”
The City of Sydney, who have already secured land in Amelia Street as part of the project are calling on the NSW and Federal Governments to help progress the Green Square development
“We are serious about ensuring Green Square delivers on its potential and call on the Federal and State governments to commit to building affordable and efficient public transport to service the Green Square community.
“The vision for Green Square Town Centre includes a central boulevard linking public piazzas and facilities, but this thoroughfare won’t be possible if we don’t open up the Portman Street end,” said Ms Moore.
