News in brief
Greenwich issues rainbow crossing plea
State Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich has issued a last-ditch call for NSW Roads and Transport Minister Duncan Gay to allow the “rainbow crossing” on Oxford St to remain permanently. At time of writing, the installation only had approval from the Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) authority to remain in place until the end of March. Mr Greenwich urged members of the public to phone Mr Gay’s office and register their support for the crossing. “The Roads Minister … may decide within the next 48 hours to remove our rainbow crossing,” said Mr Greenwich. “To keep the crossing, call the Minister today and ask him to allow it to stay. His office can be reached on (02) 9230 2329.”
CBD pedestrian improvements continue
A pedestrian short-cut between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets will be the next phases of the City of Sydney Council’s continuing project to enliven underused spaces in the CBD and improve pedestrian links. Hosking Place and Penfold Lane will be revitalised with granite paving, upgrading of streetlights with LED fittings and public art. “It is part of our ongoing strategy to enliven the City’s laneways to build a more vibrant and welcoming city centre,” said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. Work will begin in early 2014.
Everybody needs good neighbours
People across Australia are being encouraged to think of the person next door, across the hall or down the street this weekend, with Neighbour Day 2013 set to occur this Sunday, March 31. Neighbour Day founder Andrew Heslop said the focus of the event remained unchanged since its inception a decade ago. “Ten years on the message behind Neighbour Day is still the same,” he said. “Use the day as a catalyst for great relationships all year round by meeting your neighbours for the first time, or simply reconnect.” Visit www.neighbourday.org for more information.
