Application lodged for Glebe Island expo space

Infrastructure NSW has lodged a planning application to build an interim exhibition centre at Glebe Island.

The temporary facility labelled ‘Glebe Island Expo’ will be used to support the NSW major events industry while Darling Harbour’s Sydney Entertainment Centre undergoes redevelopment.

“Glebe Island Expo is part of a Sydney-wide solution to support the ongoing success of the NSW events industry while construction work takes place at Darling Harbour from late 2013 to late 2016,” said Infrastructure NSW Project Director, Tim Parker. Mr Parker said the facility will meet demands of the exhibition and convention industry, generating more than $100 million in economic benefit for the state’s economy every year.

“Without Glebe Island Expo, the events industry would suffer and much of that economic benefit would leave Sydney and NSW,” he said.

But the State Government and Infrastructure NSW have been criticised for failing to release details on estimated costs and transportation to the area.

“The Opposition knows very little about the plan at the moment,” said Steve Whan,  Shadow Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing. Mr Whan echoed the Opposition Leader John Robertson’s criticism of the costs coming “at a time when the government is cutting education funding along with many community services”.

“We would be concerned if large amounts of taxpayer dollars were used to fund the construction of this facility,” he said.

Greens MP for Balmain, Jamie Parker said while he understood the need for an exhibition centre, the scheme “can’t work unless the government delivers improved accessibility by opening the old Glebe Island bridge as well as exploring opportunities for light rail”.

Mr Parker’s view was supported by Mayor of Leichhardt, Darcy Bryne who questioned the current traffic management plans and huge ramifications it will have for local residents.

“Strangely this plan appears to have been drawn on the back of an envelope, [where] without a path for pedestrians from the city, this site risks becoming a white elephant that will cost Sydney valuable events,” said Mr Byrne.

However, Planning Minister Brad Hazzard has hinted there may be improved ferry services to the site, while Mr Whan said if it is “properly planned and fully serviced by public transport, it should have a limited impact on the Inner West community”.

As part of its application, Infrastructure NSW investigated community and environmental issues as well as issuing a request for proposals (RFP) from companies interested in designing, building, operating and then removing the interim facility in 2016.

The plans for Glebe Island Expo are currently on public exhibition. Submissions can be made to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, who are assessing the application.

By Jonathan Mimo