Changes to bus services - have your say by Friday 29 Jan | New M5 EIS - make a submission here by Friday 29 Jan | A metre matters and other new road rules from March | Petition to allow school travel on light rail | Campaign to save the Powerhouse continues

We have hit the ground running in 2016 with a number of campaigns and projects to make the electorate of Balmain a better place to live and work. From human rights issues to local bus stops, it is both the big and small things which add up to create a place where we feel comfortable and of which we are proud.

With a number of massive building developments planned, we are at a crossroads of this community’s future.

While the state government is favouring the road (pun intended) of making public transport less accessible, overwhelming local services and increasing dependency on the car, I am working to take us on the other path – one of smart and sensitive urban development, a world-class public transport system and creating a more liveable city.

Last year we showed that a strong community is powerful... 

We helped gather over 10,000 signatures against WestConnex and over 1,400 submissions on the M4 EIS. Our evidence-based approach is working to set the alternative agenda of improved public transport, less congestion and improved air quality.

I successfully facilitated over $200,00 of grants to local schools, sporting clubs and women's refuges.

I gave over 60 speeches in Parliament, and met directly with Ministers and departmental officials, to advance campaigns like championing public housing, supporting TAFE and public education, expanding the light rail, improving NSW's woeful record on renewable energy, and challenging corruption in politics.

The media took notice and reported on issues important to our community, including cruise ship pollution in White Bay, protecting Callan Park, development of Glebe's Bidura, green space in Bays Precinct, and over-crowding in local public schools. I will keep you updated through these regular e-newsletters, Facebook and Twitter, so please read, watch and listen to discover what is happening in your area, and to add your voice to one of our many campaigns should you wish (and share with others you think will be interested)!

Best wishes and thank you, as always, for your support.

Jamie Parker
Member for Balmain

CHANGES TO BUS SERVICES: ANNANDALE, CAMPERDOWN, LILYFIELD, LEICHHARDT & ROZELLE

Transport for NSW and Roads and Maritime Services are considering changes to a number of bus services in the local area, including removing some bus stops and altering on-street parking.

Stops under review include:

• Darling St, Rozelle
• Balmain Rd & Perry St, Lilyfield
• Norton St, Leichhardt
• Parramatta Rd, between Leichhardt and Camperdown

You can view the proposed changes here

Feedback is open until Friday 29 January. You can email to [email protected] or post to PO Box 973, Parramatta CBD NSW 2124 (remember that postage is now $1 and letters could take a few days to arrive). Please copy [email protected] so I am aware of your concerns.

WORRIED ABOUT THE IMPACT OF WESTCONNEX? MAKE A SUBMISSION ON THE NEW M5

The NSW Government has released the next WestConnex Environmental Impact Statement, this one for the New M5 (see St Peters interchange pictured), and are now calling for public submissions.

This will be a massive Los Angeles-style mess of flyovers right next to Sydney Park, pouring 1000s of cars and trucks onto already congested local roads. It will be a disaster for our city and will change the Inner West forever.

While it may feel like only yesterday we were calling for submissions (we received a staggering 1,427 submissions for the M4 Environmental Impact Statement), this is a battle we must undertake on many fronts.

Please take 5 minutes to make your submission here.

The deadline is 29 January 2016.

HEAR ABOUT THE NEW ROAD/CYCLING RULES?

Tragically, NSW has the worst statistics in the country for cycling fatalities and serious injuries. We know that a minimum distance of one metre does make a difference in saving lives. Last year there was significant support for our online petition and I have been working with a wide range of organisations to change the law. Collectively we have made a huge step forward in cycling safety.

From March 2016, a two-year trial will begin of the ‘metre matters’ rule that requires motorists to leave a minimum distance of one metre when overtaking a cyclist in speed zones up to 60km per hour and 1.5 metres in zones above 60km per hour.

The NSW Government, however, also announced punitive measures that appear out of proportion and may well discourage people from jumping on their bike rather than using their car. As my Greens colleague Mehreen Faruqi said: "It’s ridiculous that the new $319 fine for not wearing a helmet is almost double the fine for driving in a bike lane, which is $177."

The one-metre+ rule is a positive step, but the best way to keep cyclists safe and the city moving freely is quality cycling infrastructure, particularly separated cycleways. You have my commitment to keep pushing for more progressive improvements for cyclists.

View new rules and penalties here.

REDUCE ROAD CONGESTION, BUS OVERCROWDING AND SCHOOL COSTS

As students prepare to return to school next week, it seems a good time to remind you of our campaign for light rail to be included in the School Student Transport Scheme. After yesterday's announcement of 90 additional peak hour services per week on the Inner West Light Rail, there is now no excuse.

Allowing school transport passes to be used on light rail will alleviate pressure on other public transport used by commuters and should be encouraged. If the government is serious about public transport, it's a simple and obvious step.

Jamie has met with both the previous and current Minister for Transport, and we feel we are getting close to a resolution. We have collected over 1600 signatures on our petition - if you haven't already signed, please do so here. If you have signed, please share far and wide.

INQUIRY: PUBLIC HOUSING MAINTENANCE

There is currently a parliamentary inquiry into the management of public housing maintenance contracts in NSW. The committee is taking public submissions until 5 February. Please click here for details.

POWERHOUSE MUSEUM UPDATE

Following the state government's plans to sell off the landmark Powerhouse building in Ultimo to property developers, Jamie is organising a summit to investigate key issues of the move and propose alternatives.

Should the government succeed in its sale to developers, it will be another step in the steady sell-off of our city’s vital historic and public spaces.

You can add your name to our petition to keep the Powerhouse Museum in public hands here, and read Power struggles on the Western Front published in City Hub this month.

CONTACT
My team and I are available to help with concerns you may have about public housing, public transport, health, planning and development, education, childcare or any other local or state issue. Call us on 9660 7586 or email [email protected]