News in brief

Better late than never

All trains on the Eastern Suburbs-Illawarra line are now 100 per cent fully air-conditioned, giving rail commuters between Bondi and the CBD cooling or heating, as appropriate. The move comes as part of a process of overhauling Sydney’s existing rail network under NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian and Sydney Trains CEO Howard Collins. The initiative was welcomed by Coogee Liberal MP Bruce Notley-Smith. 
”Compared to March 2011, when only 2/3 of trains were air-conditioned trains, I’m happy to report that those in the Coogee electorate can travel into the City in comfort,” said Mr Notley-Smith.

Detox your home

Sydney householders are being asked to scour their garages, sheds and homes for unwanted toxic chemicals and hand them over to the City of Sydney Council for Chemical Cleanout Day. The council will operate a free drop-off point at Sydney Park Depot, St Peters this Saturday, July 6 from 9am to 3.30pm, giving people the opportunity to safely dispose potentially toxic items such as solvents, batteries, pesticides and poisons. “This free service provides an excellent opportunity to ensure the safety and health of your home and family, whilst protecting the environment,” said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

Kings Cross cab upgrade

Increased lighting, better signage and CCTV cameras will be installed at the busy Bayswater Rd taxi rank in Kings Cross, in a bid to boost safety and convenience at one of Sydney’s biggest late-night transport trouble spots. The upgrade, which will be conducted by the City of Sydney Council using a $200,000 Federal Government grant, is scheduled to commence in early 2014. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “These improvements … should make passengers feel safer as they wait in line, and drivers will feel more secure about picking people up from the rank due to the improved safety measures.”