News in brief
Image: A rainbow motif chalked outside Sydney Town Hall on Monday
Permanent GLBTI symbol for Taylor Square to be investigated
Labor City of Sydney Councillor Linda Scott has castigated her colleagues, including Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, for voting down her proposal of erecting a giant rainbow flag at Taylor Square, Darlinghurst to honour the GLBTI community. Ms Scott’s motion at Monday night’s Council meeting called for the flag to redress the removal of the temporary rainbow crossing, which was installed by Council but removed by the State Government earlier this year. But while her colleagues rejected her idea, Council unanimously endorsed a motion put forward by Deputy Lord Mayor Robyn Kemmis, who suggested the local community be consulted on ideas for a permanent GLBTI symbol of some kind, and unanimously supported a motion urging all Australian MPs to support marriage equality. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said symbols were important: “That’s why we proudly plant rainbow banners along Oxford St too.” Dozens of GLBTI community members were in attendance for Monday night’s rainbow flag decision, while dozens more outside chalked rainbow patterns on the pavement.
Oxford St/Bondi Rd clearways opposed
Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich and Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton have opposed clearways for Oxford St and Bondi Rd, which they say negatively affect local businesses and residents. Mr Greenwich has written to Roads Minister Duncan Gay, asking him to remove the 3pm-7pm afternoon clearway on Oxford St, which is designed to facilitate traffic movement during afternoon peak hours. Mr Greenwich said this would make outdoor dining more attractive and improve pedestrian safety. Additionally, Mr Greenwich said the speed limit should be capped at 40 kilometres per hour. Ms Upton said she opposed any plan to introduce weekend clearways on Bondi Rd. The State Government recently flagged the introduction of weekend clearways on suburban roads to help deal with traffic. “I believe a clearway on Bondi Rd would have a negative impact on local businesses, and on local residents who would likely see an increase in demand for parking on their streets,” Ms Upton said.
