News in brief

‘Tell Clover You’re Angry’ BBQ

Occupy Sydney has announced a protest and barbecue on the steps of Town Hall, opposing the City of Sydney Council’s removal of the Occupy Sydney protest site and 24/7 homeless feeding centre in Martin Place. The site, which was dismantled by City staff and NSW Police on July 3, was reconstructed by Occupy Sydney participants within hours, and has been raided and rebuilt at least four more times. “A barbecue for the homeless will [be held] as supporters gather for a noisy demonstration,” said a statement on Occupy Sydney’s Facebook page, promoting the ‘Tell Clover You’re Angry’ protest. “Come with noise making implements. Bring barbecue food. Come hungry. Bring your anger into focus.” The event will start at 5pm this Monday, July 29, coinciding with that night’s Council meeting.

Plan for more public toilets

No-one will have to walk more than 400 metres to find a public toilet in Sydney’s CBD or ‘villages’ under a new City of Sydney Council plan. The draft strategy outlines 15 new public toilets in streets and parks, as well as a voluntary scheme to encourage retailers, cafes and other businesses to open their toilets to the public. “This strategy is designed to give visitors to Sydney more clean, easily accessible public toilets,” said the City’s Director of Operations, Garry Harding. The strategy also recommends retractable pop-up urinals, which are widely used in Europe, for the entertainment precincts of Kings Cross, George St and Oxford St.

Sydney transport fix ‘pays for itself’

The completion of three Sydney infrastructure projects would pay for itself, according to a new study. The analysis by Allen Consulting Group, commissioned by the Lord Mayors of Australia’s capital cities, found extending light rail to Green Square, completing inner Sydney’s bikeway network, and pedestrianising George St would cost over $1.3 billion – but the resulting economic benefits would cover costs within four years. “The city’s transport network is not coping and needs urgent investment,” said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. “These three key projects could help turn it around – and this study shows they would cover their costs in just four years.”

Workshops aim for better drivers

An upcoming workshop is set to give a boost to parents teaching kids to drive. The City of Sydney Council’s two-hour ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ workshop, organised in partnership with NSW Roads and Maritime Services, will offer supervisors practical advice on how to provide the most effective driving lessons. “Giving new young drivers the practical skills to handle Sydney’s busy roads with confidence and with awareness of other road users is important for keeping our roads safe,” said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. The workshop will be held from 6pm Tuesday, July 30 at Customs House, Circular Quay. The workshop is free but bookings are essential and can be made by phoning (02) 9265 9333.