News Briefs

Removal of Sydney monorail a possibility

Some Sydneysiders may be relieved that plans to develop the Darling Harbour precinct may mean the removal of the 3.6km monorail circuit.

Infrastructure NSW is drafting plans to redevelop the Darling Harbour Convention Centre in partnership with one of three consortiums on a shortlist for the multimillion-dollar building contract. A final tender round will be released in March, but according to a Sydney Morning Herald article, senior government sources said Infrastructure NSW is happy to see the monorail’s ageing infrastructure removed if it is missing from the design of the winning bidder.

Opened in 1988, this once iconic structure has suffered with the rise of the Australian dollar and resulting slump in tourist numbers. Last year, in show of her support of an extended tram network through the CBD, the Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the monorail was “ugly and intrusive.”

Amphibious wheelchairs return to beaches

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) has responded to an outcry from the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia (DSAA) over the SLSC’s alleged ban on amphibious wheelchairs.

In a press release, the SLSA said they can confirm that there is no ban on beach wheelchairs and that all beach wheelchairs currently operated by clubs are covered under SLSA’s insurance.

This statement comes after an email, dated November 30, gave directions to clubs to destroy, dispose of or return beach wheelchairs to organisations that donated them because they were not insured.

Bridge closing

The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be closed to general traffic this weekend and next, from 10pm Friday until 5am Monday, for waterproofing and resurfacing of the bridge deck. Emergency vehicles, buses, hire cars, motorcycles and taxis will still be able to use the bridge, but commuters are warned to expect delays.

Nimble feet for the elderly

Twice weekly ballroom dancing classes for senior citizens could bring back the balance and strength needed to prevent falls in elderly Australians, according to University of Sydney researchers.

The dance project has been funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and will be led by Dr Dafna Merom, an Honorary Associate at the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health. Dr Merom said falls are one of the most common health problems among older people, and this study has the potential to reduce the incidence of falls for elderly Australians by as much 37 per cent. She is aiming to introduce classic ballroom dance routines at 13 aged care centres and retirement villages across Sydney.

The study will be the first of its kind internationally to test the effectiveness of typical community social dance programs on falls and cognition in older people.

By Kristie Beattie