Latest news with #Strathfield
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why this brand new multi-million dollar home complete with a pool, spa and cinema room is set to be demolished
A multi-million dollar mansion will be demolished after a local council won a five-year court battle with the owners who built the home without seeking permission. Sydney plumber Rabi Malass and his 34-year-old wife, Sarah, bought a coveted block of land in Strathfield, in Sydney's inner west, for $2.8mllion in 2017. The home on Boden Avenue was already DA approved for a knock-down and rebuild but the couple wished to make alterations to the existing plans. They hired an architect to redesign the layout and the façade of the home who they believed had engaged with the Strathfield Council to seek approval. But as Sydney was plunged into lockdown amid the spread of Covid-19 in 2020, the couple were still yet to receive approval for the redesign. Mr Malass made an ill-fated decision to push on with construction so his workers could remain employed as council became 'uncontactable' despite multiple calls. He told the Land and Environment Court in 2023 that his architect had assured him council would not object to the minor changes, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. But, his architect had also urged Mr Malass to wait for approval as he might need a building information certificate (BIC) to protect the unauthorised works. Mr Malass told the court he was later shocked to discover his architect had never applied for approval for the modified development. In September 2020, council issued a stop-work order following a slew of complaints from frustrated neighbours. The issue escalated to the Land and Environment Court after a council inspector observed evidence building works were continuing. Fed-up neighbours claimed they saw workers in high-vis on a daily basis, heard drilling and even saw dust and smoke coming from the home. But, construction still didn't stop. Council inspected the property 10 times between June 2021 and September 2022 and observed 'significant building activity' at the home. A number of new features had been added without approval including a spa room, parking space, gym, playroom and a cool room. Meanwhile, Mrs Malass - who bought the property - has pleaded guilty to multiple contempt of court charges including continuing with unlawful construction work. Council told the court the contempt resulted in the Malass' putting the finishing touches on the new build and then unlawfully moving in. Mrs Malass was fined $20,000 for contempt in November, 2022. In 2024, Justice Nicola Pain issued an order for the family to vacate the property, demolish the unlawful work and comply with the original building plans. Despite the demolition order, the home is still standing as the Malass' make a last-ditch bid to salvage parts of the home. The family has since lodged a new development application and made a formal request for a BCI. The application would allow the family to remain in the existing home while partially demolishing the first floor and completing some construction work. Strathfield Local Planning Panel rejected the applications, which are now under appeal before the Land and Environment Court. Mr Malass told the court he has spent $700,000 in legal fees and that his plumbing business was in voluntary administration due to the ongoing legal battle. Mrs Malass was ordered to pay council's costs of more than $157,000 in addition to hundreds of thousands of dollars it is seeking in legal fees.
ABC News
20-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Sydney train delays live updates: Passengers told to avoid travel amid chaos in aftermath of power outage
Sydney Trains are working to get six tracks operational on the network after a heavy rail collided with overhead wires near Strathfield on Tuesday afternoon. Follow live.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Syndey Trains: Avoid travel alert issued with major delays and cancellations on on T1, T2, T3
Commuters are being urged to 'avoid travel' on Sydney 's train network as major delays and cancellations cause widespread chaos. The network came to an abrupt standstill on Tuesday afternoon after a passing train became entangled in fallen high-voltage wires suspended above the tracks near Strathfield station in Sydney's inner-west, which triggered a power outage. Major disruptions across the train network have continued into this morning, with buses still replacing trains on several lines throughout the city. Transport for NSW warned commuters early Wednesday that significant delays and cancellations would continue to plague Sydney's rail services throughout the day, including the T1, T2, and T3 lines. 'Passengers planning on travelling on the rail network this morning are advised to avoid travel or use alternative transport if possible,' Transport for NSW said. 'If you need to travel on the network there will be limited shuttles operating. 'If passengers must travel, plan ahead and allow extra travel time. We have trains running on all lines, but at a reduced frequency. 'Sydney Trains teams have been working hard overnight and have removed a defective train and completed repairs to the overhead wiring that caused major disruption on the rail network yesterday.' About 22 bus services will be supplementing trains between Lidcombe and Ashfield from 6am. 'Sydney Trains apologises again to passengers for the inconvenience of the continuing disruption,' Transport for NSW said. 'It's expected the work will be completed later this morning and we will look to transition to normal timetabled services for the afternoon peak services.' About 300 passengers on board the packed train hit by live wires were stranded for three hours before they were evacuated by carriages one by one. NSW Transport Minister John Graham described the situation as dangerous and life-threatening as a 1500-volt power connector was sitting on top of the train. This is a very serious incident, right in the heart of Sydney's train network,' Mr Graham told ABC News. Mr Graham said the train's pantograph collided with overhead wires, causing the damage. Footage showed impacted passengers being escorted off the train and walking along the tracks to safety. The power outage caused three other trains to come to a halt, with staff arriving on site to evacuate the passengers. Strathfield is a major interchange for multiple lines, with the incident affecting every line on the Sydney metro except for the T4 line. The Metro, light rail and local buses weren't impacted.
News.com.au
20-05-2025
- News.com.au
Thousands affected as power outage trigger enormous train delays in Sydney
Commuters are in for a chaotic morning as several train lines remain delayed due to power supply issues at Strathfield station in the city's west. Trains were brought to a grinding halt on Tuesday afternoon about 2.30pm after part of a train's rooftop power connecter became tangled with the overhead powerlines, which were brought onto the track. The issue triggered massive delays across the train network, with five of six lines temporarily closing and leaving hundreds of commuters stranded for several hours, generating an enormous crowd through Central Station. Crews were on the scene overnight working to restore the power issue, and have removed a 'defective train' and repaired the overhead wiring. 'Teams are completing the final inspections before we reinstate the power later this morning to allow all six tracks from the west through Homebush to operate services,' a Transport NSW spokesman told NewsWire. 'Sydney Trains apologises again to passengers for the inconvenience of the continuing disruption.' The affected lines include the T1, T2, T3, T5, T6, T8, T9 and BMT lines, with commuters urged to seek alternative travel arrangements until the power supply issues are completed. Most trains will continue to be delayed on Wednesday morning, Transport NSW confirmed, with the Strathfield lines are expected to re-open early on Wednesday morning, though delays and gaps in services are still expected throughout the morning period. According to Sky News as of 6am, 15 per cent of all T1 lines are running on time, 25 per cent of T3 and 88 per cent of the T4 lines are operating as normal, whereas only five per cent of the Airport lines are on time and zero per cent are running on the T5 lines. 'Repair crews have worked throughout the night, and we expect all lines at Strathfield to be open again around 6:30am," a Transport NSW statement read. 'Trains will continue to operate on all lines but will not run to timetable and the frequency of service will be reduced. 'You may also need to change trains to continue your journey.' Limited replacement buses will replace trains between Lidcombe and Ashfield. As wild weather rips through Sydney and on The Central Coast, with flooding at Cockle Creek causing massive delays between the Newcastle Inerchange and Fassifern on The Central Coast and Newcastle line, with buses replacing trains. Trains at the Hunter Line are also not running due to flooding at Sandgate. While limited buses are replacing trains, they are unable to access some stations due to the flooding.
The Guardian
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Morning Mail: Liberals in turmoil after Coalition split, Sydney commuter chaos, UK condemns ‘monstrous' Israel
Morning everyone. They say you should never let a good crisis go to waste, and the Liberals are now coming to terms with the breakup of the Coalition: will it provide the clear air they need to change tack after a crushing election loss? We have plenty of insight and analysis for you this morning on yesterday's shock political twist. Sydney commuters face challenges of their own this morning after yesterday's network meltdown, while overseas, Britain has described Israeli plans to 'purify Gaza' as 'repellent' – and Elon Musk says he will reduce his political donations. Commuting chaos | Sydney commuters face widespread disruption this morning as the city's train network recovers after a high-voltage wire fell on to the top of a train at Strathfield yesterday afternoon, trapping 300 passengers and paralysing much of the network. Coalition split | Senior Liberals warn the Nationals' decision to quit the Coalition could damage the Liberal party for years to come, while others welcome a chance to refocus on urban voters after a devastating election loss. We examine the policy issues that drove a wedge between the two parties and how Liberal leader Sussan Ley's unenviable position has just got worse after only a week in the job. Grindr robbery | Two Sydney men have been sentenced to more than six years for robbing five men they arranged to meet through the dating app Grindr. Time please | Free-to-air broadcasters want classification rules changed to allow an additional 800 hours of alcohol ads every year despite one in three children already being exposed to liquor commercials on television. 'Humpback highway' | Newborn humpback whales spotted in colder waters as far south as Tasmania have puzzled researchers, indicating that breeding and migration is more complex than thought. 'Repellent, monstrous' | Israel is still blocking food from reaching starving Palestinians, the UN has said, as the leader of the country's centre-left Democrats party said his country was becoming a pariah nation that 'kills babies as a hobby'. Britain has suspended negotiations over a new free trade deal, saying Israel's plans to 'purify Gaza' were repellent, monstrous and extremist. Russia sanctions | The UK and Europe have announced major sanctions against Russia as it became clear that Monday's call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had failed to deliver any meaningful concessions from Moscow. Mexico hit | The personal secretary and an adviser to Mexico City's mayor have been shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle in a brazen attack in the city centre. Big deals | Keir Starmer has heralded a 'hat-trick' of trade deals with India, the US and the EU, telling MPs they will protect thousands of jobs and save businesses hundreds of millions of pounds. Musk reset | Elon Musk, who donated $300m to Donald Trump's election fight, says he plans to reduce the amount of money he spends on politics. Is it really over? What does the Nationals' split from the Coalition mean for Australian politics? Our chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, speaks to Reged Ahmad about why the Nationals have left the Coalition and what it means for the new parliament. Sorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen $ The gender pay gap at more than 100 commonwealth public sector employers including the ABC has been laid bare for the first time. Data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency shows the national broadcaster pays men nearly 10% more than women, but the private sector gap (21.1% ) was more than triple the average public sector gap (6.4%). Pay gaps at some of the largest public sector employers included the Australian federal police (12.2%), the Reserve Bank of Australia (11.5%), the CSIRO (11.3%) and Australia Post (8.6%). After premiering to standing ovations at the first Dark Mofo in 2013, a show bringing Lutruwita/Tasmania's past to life with songs and stories returns this month for a small run in Victoria. The writers of Vandemonian Lags, Mick and Steve Thomas (pictured), talk to Sarah Aitken about their own family's convict past and how the stain of that history has become more of a 'badge of honour'. Sign up to Morning Mail Our Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Premier League | Manchester City face Bournemouth (pictured) this morning as the race goes on for the top five. Cricket | Brendon McCullum has called on England's cricketers to reconnect with their fans after some poor performances and public comments that they are 'out of touch with the general population'. Cycling | Dutchman Daan Hoole won stage 10 of the Giro d'Italia as rain hampered the later starters in Tuesday's time trial, with Mexico's Isaac del Toro clinging to the overall lead. Westpac is preparing for its biggest jobs cull in years, according to the Financial Review, with up to 1,500 roles at risk. South Australia's toxic algae crisis is worsening, the Advertiser reports, and killing off popular fishing spots. Tim Wilson has won Goldstein by 128 votes after all the ballots were counted but Zoe Daniel isn't giving up yet, the Age reports. After the latest Sydney commuting meltdown, the Herald says commuters are sick of delays no matter who is to blame. Health | The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare will release an update on current impact of endometriosis. Melbourne | There's a Budget lunch with the Victorian treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, at Melbourne Press Club at 12pm. If you would like to receive this Morning Mail update to your email inbox every weekday, sign up here, or finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletter. You can follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland. And finally, here are the Guardian's crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow. Quick crossword Cryptic crossword
