I’m not allowed out much but I will be released into the wild next Wednesday (July 15) to MC and speak at Politics in the Pub in the Kings Cross Hotel in … um … Kings Cross where you are invited to joinresidents, planners and authors as they debate the future of the Cross and discuss rampant over-development versus the need for affordable housing.

The topic will be … well, take your pick:

• Urban Development: Renaissance or Ruin?
• High Density vs. Local Amenity — is the Sky the Limit?
• Don’t Let Kings Cross Lose Its Soul

There’s a fascinating line-up of speakers. Mark Skelsey will talk about his book Views To Die For. It’s about the 1975 disappearance and probable murder of outspoken Kings Cross activist and publisher Juanita Nielsen.

He’ll look at today’s issues through the prism of the 1970s plan to raze and redevelop Kings Cross which resulted in street violence, an anarchist uprising and Nielsen’s death, but also sparked important reforms to support low-cost housing, protect heritage and allow communities to plan their future.

City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Jess Miller is working for a “fairer, more sustainable, inclusive and vibrant City” by taxing vacant commercial properties, greening empty laneways, unlocking spaces for creatives and ensuring that Sydney has No Lazy Spaces. 

She also wants to ban Airbnb commercial hosting. Just think, we could put 60,000 homes back on the rental market if only your MP didn’t want to feel guilty about renting a villa in Tuscany for their winter holiday (my words, not hers).

Peter Sheridan chair of the Potts Point Preservation Group will be there. No, it’s not another cosy crime novel by Richard Osman. The PPPG is a community-driven organisation committed to protecting the unique heritage and social fabric of Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, and Rushcutters Bay… It says here. “As locals with no political bias, we advocate for responsible progress that respects the area’s rich architectural and cultural history.”

Stacey Miers of Shelter will be there, expounding her organisation’s vision to create a sustainable housing system that provides a secure home for all. “We do so by advocating reforms to government policy that address housing insecurity in all its forms. This involves engaging experts and communities to research and discuss solutions that are good for our economy, society and environment.”

Self-confessed dork and local resident Dr Michael Tan describes himself as an artist, activist and defender of lot owners specifically in the Crescent on Bayswater, as well as a musician, composer and musical director. If we don’t have an outline for Juanita – The Musical by the end of the evening I will be deeply disappointed.

Also there will be the ironically named Tom Forrest from the Urban Taskforce and Jo Holder from the Cross Art Project.

It all kicks off at 6.30pm on Wednesday 15. Click here to buy tickets (all proceeds to the Wayside Chapel) or here to watch it streamed after the event.