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What are the main issues facing your area over the next 10 years?
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Comment 1 27 Jan 2010, 6:42 PM
Population pressures, including homelessness and its attendant issues; illegal dumping and general rubbish/cleanliness issues; street crime and feeling of lack of safety at night; youth-related issues due to lack of alternatives to petty crime/vandalism; alcohol-related violence and other anti-social problems; deterioration of green spaces and playgrounds.
Comment 1.1 27 Jan 2010, 7:25 PM
As a resident and home owner in Marrickville for 8 years I can report that illegal dumping of general rubbish in my area is now unprecedented.I am embarressed by the streetscape, it's looking like a ghetto.Where's the community pride and ownership? There are a large number of rental properties-maybe tenants just don't care? Some days it makes me depressed just to walk down the street with my children. Council needs to drive greater awareness about clean up resources that are available to the community free of charge.
Comment 1.1.1 28 Jan 2010, 3:08 PM
There is a high turn over of new residents in some low-rent blocks, many of whom are not only new to the area but also to the country. For them the main example for disposing of rubbish is to throw it in the street because other residents who should know better do the same.
Even in cases where it is clear who are the dumpers, the council simply does not follow up to challenge them. There's one pile of rubbish on a street corner that I reported directly to a council dumping office in early December. It's still there and growing by the day.
King Street on the weekends is becoming a complete rubbish tip. What few bins remain are full to overflowing. It's *disgusting*. There appears to be little to no coordination with Sydney City Council for King St services.
Comment 1.1.1.1 29 Jan 2010, 8:03 AM
I agree that rubbish breeds more rubbish. Not all tenants don't care about their local area or are messier, but often landlords and council are not providing enough bins - also the recycling collection should not be just fortnightly - most other council areas collect recycling weekly, alongside rubbish. Providing people who live in apartments with ways to compost or at least dispose of their compostable waste in some way would also help. Worm farms are well and good, but they can be messy and require constant care - not everyone is willing or has the time. But cleaning up straight away is key - this applies to graffiti as well.
Comment 1.1.1.1.1 31 Jan 2010, 11:12 PM
Much of the on-street rubbish is cheap furniture - stuff that was inevitably going to break or quickly deteriorate. A bit of consumer education along the lines that cheap is often more expensive (and wasteful of resources) in the long run could be useful.
Comment 1.1.1.1.2 4 Feb 2010, 12:24 PM
"Providing people who live in apartments with ways to compost or at least dispose of their compostable waste in some way would also help."
Agreed. We live in an apartment & use the bokashi system. I have found someone with a garden in another part of Marrickville who will take our bokashi. But if there was a collection & distribution system then that would be handy for both apartment dwellers & gardners. This may even be something amenable to private enterprise.
Comment 1.1.1.2 1 Feb 2010, 12:52 AM
It would help if the council more proactively promoted its free pick-up service, plus the benefits of sending reusable material to the Reverse Garbage Centre on Marrickville Road.
I've also found the freecycle.org service a great way to get rid of unwanted household goods. People actually come and take the stuff away!
Comment 1.1.1.2.1 4 Feb 2010, 12:26 PM
Just as "neighbourhood watch" schemes were developed to collectively reduce crime, I think we need some kind of environmental equivalent. And it will definitely involve a bunch of different groups such as the council, the reverse garbage centre, etc.
Comment 1.1.1.2.1.1 4 Feb 2010, 1:26 PM
Good point Matt.
I'm continually amazed that so many people seem to think it's OK to litter. We've got fines, we've got community education from various levels of government but some people still refuse to change their behaviour. Maybe a stronger message from their neighbours, peers and the general community would help, along with messages about composting and illegal dumping.
Comment 2 30 Jan 2010, 10:17 PM
Intensifying the greening of Marrickville is the major issue. Reducing car-dependence, wasteful consumption and energy use and planting more trees and other vegetation.
On the social side Council should be encouraging more sporting and other physical activities and providing high standard cultural facilities. The promised new Library plus support for genuinely innovative artists and arts organisations are also needed. While the Council has limited resources perhaps the Rudd government might increase Council funding during its next term.
It is very noticeable that Sydney City Council areas are having much bigger and more lavish projects sited within them and perhaps that may be a reason to consider amalgamating with the city so that the Council might have more resources, more efficiently and rationally used.
Comment 3 1 Feb 2010, 4:45 PM
- need to increase tree canopy to shade and cool streets
- illegal dumping and general shabbiness
- increase community spirit, inspire and enable residents to look after their surrounds
- focus of street designs to move from cars to people, slow traffic down so safer for kids to walk around
- balance overdevelopment of private sites by concentrating on improving habitat values of public land
Comment 4 3 Feb 2010, 1:48 PM
The ageing population
The baby boom and facilities/services needed as these children grow up.
Trees – caring for ageing and planting more
Tackling illegal dumping and recyclable or useful resources going to landfill
Keeping our shopping strips vibrant, with a variety of useful shops
Comment 5 4 Feb 2010, 5:12 PM
I have lived in Marrickville for twenty years and arrived here as a teenager. When we first moved here, the suburb was still quite Greek and very Vietnamese.
I have noticed a rapid gentrification of the suburb (and corresponding rise in house prices and rents!)over the last five years. This basically means more Anglo-Saxon residents. Though this is perhaps inevitable in an area so close to central Sydney, I would be sad to see the multicultural flavour of the suburb, which is its greatest strength, lessen.
I think Council needs to think about the changing demographics of Marrickville over the next ten years. We need to work to ensure that our diversity continues to be celebrated and NESB communities remain a key component of Marrickville life.
Comment 5.1 5 Feb 2010, 1:34 PM
I agree but it is very difficult to have much effect on the real estate market. A few days ago the Herald was quoting the heads of Mcgrath and Raine and Horne who were both highly recommending buying in Marrickville and claiming that it would become "the new Paddington".
Comment 5.1.1 9 Feb 2010, 10:58 PM
This is a delicate, complex and emotive issue. As Australia's population rises, so too will Sydney's. Unless reasonably priced accommodation is provided then house prices will rise inextricably. The only ways to counter this are to provide more land in (ever decreasing) green belts in outer suburbs, or to offer more affordable medium to high density housing in existing suburbs. In reality a balance will probably be required. Perhaps Marrickville can do its part by planning attractive but affordable townhouse and apartment developments including for older people. This might encourage some older residents from the various ethnic backgrounds to stay in the suburb rather than retiring to places like Brighton Le Sands. They could then live near their children and we could retain some diversity.
Comment 5.2 26 Feb 2010, 12:37 PM
Much of what made Kings Cross and Glebe the vibrant places they were has been diluted. Mostly likely inevitable I know, but we should try to retain as much of our character as possible.
I can foresee the factories and warehouses being replaced by lots of new apartments. While the more human scale and attractive streetscape this will bring have benefits, warehouses/factories mean jobs for the local economy as well as the cheap studios/cultural spaces which make Marrickville such an interesting place to live.
I think Council needs to work very carefully to balance future residential development with industry and retail space, and as much as possible influence the mix of businesses so we retain useful, attractive and independent shops, rather than rows of $2 shops at one extreme, and rows of exclusive boutiques at the other.
Comment 6 7 Feb 2010, 12:36 PM
I'd like to see a campaign to get residents to take responsibility for their own rubbish ( big or small amounts) and be proud of keeping their street clean as a community; obviously needs to be backed up by promoting council clean-up service e.g. collecting e-goods etc.which I know is expensive. A clean green street campaign could be instigated with some goalposts mentioned and a positive reinforcement message e.g the people who live in this street are making an effort to keep it (our home patch) looking clean and green..so far it's been successful in the following ways: blah.blah. You can help by...blah. Maybe some street worthies could go door-to-door to hand out some leaflets. A street party could be organised by committed residents to publicise or cap off the effort. People are more motivated if there's a community spirit e.g. they know some of their neighbours, and even a sense of mild competition to achieve a goal. Picking up 1 plastic bottle or bag out of the gutter every few days isn't hard work and a clean street is less likely to be rubbished.
Comment 7 9 Feb 2010, 7:56 AM
Five generations of my family have lived in Marrickville (I'm the 4th) and I love the area - especially the multicultural aspects, the library, the proximity to the city, great food, shops. Although my children are currently young, I am concerned about Marrickville High School. I know it's a state government responsibility but I'd love it if there was a community action group combined with council to lobby the government and provide local support to change the reputation and results of Marrickville High School.
Comment 7.1 11 Feb 2010, 9:23 AM
Marrickville High is a dificult issue. I can't see it coming out of its enrolment/reputation slump. While it caused an outcry when the government wanted to close it that is the right case of action.
Some of the money saved could be put into the strong state schools - Tempe and Dulwich Hill. As the area inevitably gentrifies further the position of Marrickville High will only further weaken - there is no way these new residents would consider enrolling their children there.
I know I'll get quite a few 'Disagrees' to this post but the automatic 'No' that greets almost all school closures is not always sensible and soundly-based. Three state high schools fairly close to each other is not viable long-term.
Comment 7.2 15 Feb 2010, 10:44 AM
Erskineville public school was facing closure too until a dedicated P&C association galvanised. They fundraised, held events and cultivated a stronger school community, and it's now a highly desirable school.
This sort of community building from the ground up is probably harder to achieve with a high school but I imagine it would be a good step forward, and a good base to lobby for more support.
Comment 7.3 23 Apr 2010, 9:53 PM
I too am concerned about Marrickville High....but I don't know why.
Where I grew up in the country, we all went to several primary schools and then all merged together in the local high school. No private schools (just a small catholic one) and I finished school with kids I started Kindy with. I want that for my kids. I want them to go to the local high school. But, I don't know anyone who says "We'll be going to M'ville High".
But no one can clarify what the issue is, it's just rumour and gossip from what I have seen. I don't know what we can do about this other than sending our kids there and making it strong again?
Comment 8 13 Feb 2010, 12:03 PM
TRAFFIC - Marrickville residential streets are used by many people outside of Marrickville residents as back streets to avoid main roads such as Princes Highway, Canterbury Rd. Many councils simply close off such road forcing cars back on to the main roads that the traffic was designed for. Returning the local streets to residents and making them safer and more desirable streets to live in.
Will Marrickville Council consider the re thinking of the many narrow streets that run from Addison Rd down to Marrickville Rd that already have parking on one side and 2 way traffic and create an effective more…
Comment 9 25 Feb 2010, 9:50 AM
Boarding Houses - Marrickville.
There are approximately 200 boarding houses in the Inner West region. They provide a crucial housing alternative for people who can't afford private rental or are have not been able to obtain social housing. However, conditions in many boarding houses are appalling and residents have virtually no rights or protections available to private / social housing tenants.
There's a need for organised support for various organisations to promote services for boarding house residents as well as networking with boarding house owners. The owners need carrots and sticks to improve living conditions as well as establishing some sort of security of tenure for residents. At the moment, people living in boarding houses can be evicted overnight and have their possessions thrown out on the street.
Any input on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Comment 10 11 Mar 2010, 4:44 PM
- Population growth - new development must always happen in consultation with the local community and other stakeholders
- Increase transport options - more cyclce ways and walking options and less concrete so it's more bearable to walk and cycle - reduce the urban heat island effect!
- Water demand - how can we reduce the amount of potable water that is imported from the dams outside Sydney and use our local rainwater (there's HEAPS of it). And help landlords to implement sustainability measures as well!!
Stormwater health - improve the water quality that flows to the cooks river (Water Sensitive Urban Design), integrate this into Council's daily practices.
Comment 11 25 Mar 2010, 10:24 AM
Sustainability of community services.
Over the next 10 years, it will be even harder for community services to retain staff in a poorly funded sector. Any weakening in the service delivery of the community sector will result in pressure on Council to plug the gaps. Does Council want to wait till families start turning up at the Customer Service Counter wanting financial assistance and counselling because there's no funded community service delivering this in the area? I think not.The first step and least Council could do urgently is to fund a well-functioning Neighbourhood Centre in the Marrickille area providing services in a central location to residents. Secondly, Council needs to seriously lobby other levels of government to improve the sustainability of the community services sector, including certainty of funding, improved wages and conditions, and less administration. If Council doesnt take this area seriously, they'll find themselves squeezed to provide social services themselves in the next 10 years.
Comment 12 5 Apr 2010, 3:40 PM
Planning controls and the erosion of heritage protection. The area's traditional streetscapes, and its built heritage, are at serious risk of disappearing in the face of high density development.
Comment 13 15 Apr 2010, 8:45 PM
High density development, strain on public facilities with increases in population, rubbish and illegal dumping, increased traffic in the area, decline of public transport, aircraft noise, addressing the run-down and unhygienic shops on Illawarra Road, maintaining the character of the area, making the area more aesthetically pleasing and cleaner with less industrial emphasis, child care, maintenance of facilities, adapting to changing demographics.
Comment 14 19 Apr 2010, 1:37 PM
Housing affordability is a crucial issue in the area and this will only worsen under the combined pressures of population growth and gentrification. We have to build affordable and sustainable medium-density housing close to public transport and facilities. Land release doesn't make affordable housing - there are developers land banking in western Sydney, waiting until the prices are high enough before developing.
Marrickville needs to keeps its industrial areas and develop more affordable and diverse housing.
Comment 15 23 Apr 2010, 9:36 PM
Development, development, development.
I totally understand population growth and the need to fit many more numbers of residents into our local area. And I am not saying NIMBY.
But, council please, think carefully about where it goes. I know the development of the RSL site will be a living nightmare for some people, and I've had friends sell up already from that part of town, because they want out before it gets too crazy. But, it does seem like a reasonable location for such a thing, though certainly not so big and not so much shopping space when we have plenty of shopping spots along our main sts in M'ville.
Keep large developments centred around public transport hubs, and out of quiet sts.
And force developments and developers to be Greener and to contribute something to the local community.
Comment 16 23 Apr 2010, 9:37 PM
And....how can I emphasise this.....DON'T MAKE MARRICKVILLE LIKE ROCKDALE, HURSTVILLE OR BURWOOD!!!!!!!
Comment 16.1 30 Apr 2010, 4:59 PM
Yes, Rockdale especially is a disaster. I think we need to accept higher densities but it must be done with the highest standards of planning and built design.
Comment 17 23 Apr 2010, 9:43 PM
And....PROTECT THE TEENY TINY LITTLE BIT OF BUILT HERITAGE WE HAVE LEFT!!!
Developers and home owners decimated this place in the 60s, 70s and 80s. You can see it all around you and when you compare Marrickville with neighbouring suburbs like Dulwich Hill, Stanmore and the like....it aint pretty. Ugly red brick blocks of flats where once stood a grand Federation home with a garden. Pebble crete and concrete has replaced tiles and plants. Hideous shop fronts have replaced the quaint shopping strip that was once here...I know it is true and not a myth because my grandmother told me and I've seen the photos!!
And please do something with the front of the M'ville Town Hall....it looks terrible.
Thanks
Comment 18 28 Apr 2010, 7:27 PM
- Over-development & inappropriate high-rise.
- Developments which no little or no green space.
- Loss of heritage streetscape, mostly to inappropriate developments. Surely developers can be forced to do better.
- Traffic congestion.
- I am afraid if the proposed Metro extension goes ahead, it will negatively impact on our shopping strips.
- Cleanliness of shopping strips, particularly Illawarra Rd.
- Loss of green canopy both in private property & in our streets.
- Loss of wildlife habitat by development, tree removal & increasing use of cement.
- Heat Island Effect & adapting to climate change.
- Continued rehabilitation of the Cooks River.
- Loss of Parks like Tempe Reserve to roadways.
Comment 19 30 Apr 2010, 9:10 AM
We need to have a much more serious focus on increasing population densities. While Marrickville already has a fairly high density it will not be able to avoid playing its part in housing Sydney's growing population.
We should stop fighting higher densities (this fight boosts housing costs further and creates inter-generational inequities and economic inefficiencies) but instead focus on having the best standards for high-density developments and improved infrastructure that benefits all.
