March 2010 Newsletter by Councillor Dennis Huynh
Monday 01 March 2010
FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY NEWS
By Fairfield Councillor Dennis Huynh
More makeovers in Fairfield
Visitors to the Fairfield Town Centre will notice capital works being undertaken in the Smart and Spencer Streets vicinity in the coming months. Council is undertaking an Enhancement Project in the area as part of the Fairfield Town Centre Revitalization Project. This project has already seen several major beautification projects completed including the refurbishment of Thomas Ware Plaza and upgrades to Nelson, Ware, and Harris Streets. The Smart and Spencer Street Enhancement project proposes to relocate one bus stop to the northern end of Smart Street from the existing bus stop site – leaving two bus stops in the current location. Council also proposes to improve the visual quality and general amenity of both streets including an upgrade or cleaning of pedestrian footpaths that will be widened at some locations, the installation of trees and landscaping as well as new street furniture, artworks and improved signage.
Outdoor dining for Canley Heights
Al-Fresco Dining will soon hit the Canley Heights Town Centre with Council adopting an Outdoor Dining Policy for the busy restaurant strip. With a growing number of restaurants and cafes, Canley Heights is fast becoming a great local “eat street” – now thanks to the new Policy, residents will be able to enjoy balmy summer days and evenings dining outside. The amended Policy allows local businesses to offer outdoor dining with amenities such as tables, chairs, and shade structures. Local businesses need to apply to Council for approval to implement Outdoor Dining provisions and are encouraged to contact Council on (02) 9725-0222 for more information.
Car Park taking shape
Construction has started on the new multi-storey car park in Fisher Street Cabramatta. Council secured $5.6 million in funding for the new car park from the Australian Government through the over $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, part of the Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan. “Council identified Fisher Street as the only location where construction could be started within this time frame. We’ve completed demolition works of existing buildings on the site, planning approval has been issued and we are set to start construction” says Cr Huynh. This is fantastic news for the Cabramatta community. This project will provide much needed car parking for visitors to the Cabramata Town Centre. The new Fisher Street car park is one part of Council’s approach to car parking in Cabramatta. The car park addresses impacts of the Southern Sydney Freight Line and will be available to the community before the rail corridor is expected to open. During construction, car parking will be available from Cumberland Street for residents and visitors. Construction is scheduled to be complete in September this year.
Funding for Great Ideas!
Applications are now open for Council’s Community Cultural Development Grant Program. The Program was developed to assist local community organizations to implement arts and cultural projects which embrace cultural diversity, encourage community participation and address current social issues. Each year, Council awards grants of up to $4000 to organizations that fulfil this ideal. Funding will be awarded for projects that demonstrate artistic and cultural values with a sound budget and information plan and are achievable within a one-year period. Community organizations are encouraged to apply for funding before the closing date 22 March 2010.
Creating a more sustainable City
In conjunction with the NSW Environment Trust, Council offers a program to small to medium sized businesses called Sustain n SAVE which can help you reduce your environmental footprint and help you save money. As part of the program, there are a number of free informative workshops and events on offer which can help you learn more about how to incorporate sustainable solutions in your business while getting access to government funding, rebate opportunities and specialist support. Council is already working with more than 160 local businesses through the Sustain n SAVE program and invites any small to medium sized business who is interested in improving their efficiency and creating a sustainable community to contact Council’s Sustainable Business Project Officer on (02) 9725-0386