September 29 - October 27, 2024: Issue 635

 

Church Point's Thomas Stephens Reserve Landscape works: Do post-consultation changes announce installing Rubber crumb products alongside the Pittwater Estuary? + works may commence in 2025 + McCarrs Creek Road Safety Updates

Council advised on October 3rd 2024 the final design plan and materials palette are now available for its plans for Thomas Stephens Reserve at Church Point and it is preparing documents for tender.

This project, for which consultation was held from April to May 2024, now has a finalised design.

Council documents state the modified design now includes the use of permeable paving and permeable tree surrounds, the repositioning of the bike rail, the retention of the existing sandstone planter at the street front, and the deletion of the proposed timber block seating along the seawall.

Pittwater Online News was contacted by residents on notification of the updated design with fears products containing plastic and rubber granules were to be installed, post-consultation, beside the estuary.

Permeable tree surrounds contain rubber granules.

Permeable pavers also contain rubber granules.

Everyone who visits this reserve beside the Church Point wharf knows how much wear and tear it undergoes due to the popularity of the site with residents and thousands of annual visitors.

The news service also received queries as to where funding allocated in past Council budget announcements had gone.

The Council budget allocation in 2024/25 lists ‘’Church Point landscape and paving upgrade Budget: $600,000 for Start Jul-24 and Completion  Jun-25 

Council's Capital Works map and literature, also allocated at Church Point: Project Public Amenities Works Program Work Renewal works to Church Point Public Amenities Budget $499,477 Start  Jul-24 Completion Jun-25.

These queries were forwarded on to Council, which confirmed:

 ''The unused allocated funding for this project is rolled over to the following financial year to complete the project. ''

However, direct queries as to whether the natural products consulted on were now being swapped out post-consultation for ones that may leach or disperse into the waterways received an opaque reply which addressed, in part, the query about the pavers now announced to be used and no answer as to what tree guards will be composed of:

''Although the specific product has not been selected it will be a concrete paver that does not include plastic.''

The May 2024 landscape plan, consulted on, included a Porphyry pavement area to be installed. Porphyry is any of various granites or igneous rocks with coarse-grained crystals such as feldspar or quartz dispersed in a fine-grained silicate-rich, generally aphanitic matrix or groundmass - and 100% natural.

On Monday October 21 2024 Council sent in the follwing clarifications:

''Generally, permeable pavers are made from fired clay brick or concrete with crushed aggregate filling the joints between the pavers. They do not contain rubber or plastic.

The tree surrounds are proposed to be a resin bound gravel, which stabilises the loose gravel while still allowing oxygen and water to penetrate. This removes the need to excavate around the tree roots which would have a detrimental impact on the tree’s health. There are no permanent tree guards proposed in the revised plans.''

Council stated community engagement took place between 23 April and 23 May 2024 and received 123 comments. However, the engagement report records 21 of these were 'intentionally left blank'.

''Since that time we have been reviewing and incorporating the feedback from our community, key stakeholder groups and internal business stakeholders.'' Council states on its project webpage for the landscaping works

''We have made a number of changes to both the landscape design for Thomas Stephens Reserve and the proposed road realignment works. Some suggested changes have been accommodated while others are not supported due to, cost, varied community design desires or internal feedback from our various asset owners and maintenance operations within Council.

''Our intention is to find the right balance between the wishes of community members and users whilst creating improved amenity and well managed assets with a quality outcome for the budget available.

You can read the Council's Community Engagement Report to learn more - including the key themes that emerged during consultation, the Council's responses and the community's verbatim comments.''

Visit: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/church-point-commercial-centre-upgrade

The October announcement, to those subscribed to receive updates on this project and now worried, at least precludes finding plastic or rubber has been installed without community consultation, and without including the presence of the same in the Plan of Management (PoM) as has occurred at Lynne's Park in Warriewood, where the first time residents found out this has happened was through the official opening of the same. The park sits beside a fast flowing creek known to flood this park area.

See: Synthetic Turf Installed in Pittwater Without Consultation - May 2024

Soft-fall plastic installed at Newport beach showed this had deteriorated soon afterwards.

See: Newly Installed Synthetic 'Soft' Pad At Newport Beach Outdoor Youth Space Already Deteriorating: The Holes In Choosing A Poison Over The Natural More Apparent In 2023 - January 2023

The problems associated with plastic products in natural environments have been well-documented by now. In September 2023 AUSMAP,  a nation-wide academics and university led citizen science initiative surveying Australian beaches for microplastic pollution, stated they have been working with a Council in Sydney’s north-west on quantifying net microplastic loss from a synthetic turf field and the efficacy of stormwater pit traps. 

Sampling of four pit-baskets (200-micron mesh) and downstream stormwater nets under wet and dry conditions were used to assess the performance of stormwater mitigation measures. In addition, walk-off trials were conducted to determine microplastic loss on field users. Preliminary results highlighted up to 70,000 particles of rubber crumb and over 50,000 particles of synthetic grass had been captured in a single trap sample.

Key findings from this investigation highlight 'extreme microplastic loss' from this surface that would enter the environment unabated without the presence of stormwater mitigation traps. The impact of such mitigation (and the varying approaches) is yet to be reported - and invariably, to date, are not common practice. 

AUSMAP stated the results of the research, concessions of ‘significant knowledge gaps in key areas of concern’ acknowledged in the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineers (CSE’s) Final report, and mounting community concern, signify that the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineers (CSE’s) decision to adopt an accelerated ‘learn and adapt’ approach to synthetic fields in NSW is insufficient.

In an open letter to the government, AUSMAP asked the NSW government to take regulatory action to:
  1. Impose a 5-year moratorium on new planning and approvals for synthetic grass fields.
  2. Subject existing fields to pollution mitigation measures as soon as possible.
  3. Urgently develop end-of-life pathways (recycling?) for fields that will not cause damage (their case study identifies the only one in Australia, which is 10 years old and with Australian conditions mean they have shorter lifespans than overseas cases).
  4. Invest substantial effort into how to improve drainage and condition of natural grass fields to avoid synthetic grass.
  5. Continue a research program including epidemiological or health risk studies, heat impacts, environmental impacts, chemical composition, stormwater discharge, microplastic loss etc.
AUSMAP are urging the government to follow stringent regulation in line with overseas developments, and in particular to follow the European Union’s recent decision to ban intentionally added microplastics in outdoor areas.

However, in March 2024 the NSW Government placed the draft Synthetic Turf in Public Open Space Guidelines for Decision-Makers on exhibition from 17 March 2024 until 29 April 2024. 

The guidelines aim to help decision-makers, planners and sports field managers who may be considering synthetic turf as an alternative to natural grass. They will also support designers, delivery agents and open space managers to plan and deliver the best outcome for their community. 

But they are guidelines only - no council is obligated to follow any of the suggestions to not place fake turf or rubberised soft fall in flood zones or beside waterways. Despite promises from the previous coalition government, and a narrative of 'we care' from the new government, NSW environments will continue to see the unregulated and undocumented installation of this product across sensitive environments.

Similarly, studies have found the installation of plastic crumb or 'soft-fall' in children's playgrounds is a health hazard. 

The Australian government funded project ReefClean found in 2021 that rubber material was lost from all of the playgrounds studied and recommended that the use of soft fall material be avoided near sensitive environments and waterways.

Dust from the crumb rubber can be inhaled or get on skin and clothes. Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead and PAHs due to their developing bodies and their frequent hand to mouth activity. There is no safe level of lead exposure, a known neurotoxin.

Rubber surfaces have been used in modern children's playgrounds as a cheap method of meeting safety requirements for playgrounds.

A Council proposal to install soft-fall rubber + synthetic grass at Dee Why Beach Playground for very young children, along with its recent completion of installation of this product at Trafalgar Park in Newport went ahead despite this information being freely available and even pointed out during the consultation for the same.

Council's response to feedback in its community engagement report for Trafalgar park playground, record installing these products was; 'In some cases, the use of rubber or synthetic grass is required for accessibility' and that 'soft fall is a requirement for playgrounds to comply with Australian Standards'.

However AS4422, does not specifically require rubberised 'soft-fall' products or materials to be used.

Loose fill includes products such as bark mulch, wood chips, wood fibre, rubber mulch, and sand are options. The cushioning effect of loose fill is achieved by the trapping of air between particles. These products are generally less expensive than solid materials upon installation but require regular maintenance including top ups. However, if the cost of maintenance is measured in economic terms, solid materials may compare favourably over the lifespan of the surfacing. Sand as playground surfacing is a popular alternative, however, must comply with AS 4422. Each sand type varies and may have differing depth requirements.

As parents have had concerns and experience in the past over gastroenteritis being contracted from local playgrounds with sand in them, this option has been avoided in recent years. Similarly, wood chips or wood mulch has had problems as not being as soft as required. This option would also require replacement once it had been built into castles and he like in and round playground equipment by the youngsters it is meant to protect.

Australian Standards state that an impact absorbing surface is needed wherever falls from fixed play equipment are possible from a height of 600mm or more (1000mm where between two decks in the same cluster). Moving equipment is required to have impact absorbing under surfacing within the impact area at any height, including where installed flush with the adjacent ground.

The impact area (previously known as the fall zone) is the area under and around equipment in every direction in which it is reasonably foreseeable that a child could fall. Hard surfaces such as edging, paths, tree trunks or other items of playground equipment must be
located outside of the impact area.

The Australian Standard also specifies that when developing a playground, the design needs to take into consideration the purpose of the play space, the likely users’ abilities and ages, the likely level of supervision and the potential number of users at any given time.

The following testing frequencies are detailed in AS 4685.0–2017: 
• Post-installation inspection of unitary (e.g. rubber) surfacing in accordance with the requirements of AS 4422.
• Unitary (e.g. rubber) surfacing should be tested at least every 3 years.
• Loose-fill surfaces need not be impact attenuation tested on a regular basis providing:
1. the generic product typically complies with the requirements of AS 4422 when tested; and
2. that the material is maintained at a minimum depth of 200 mm (or greater where free heights of fall require a greater material depth).

The Council is clearly working to fulfil its obligations under Australian Standards in these public spaces along with completing projects in a timely manner that does not exceed the funds allocated.

However, swapping out one 100% natural product for something that could damage the environment, particularly the Pittwater estuary which so many stakeholders have sought to look after through such programs as the Clean Marinas and 'Fish Friendly' initiatives founded by the Marine Industry Association, and supported by the Boating Industry Association, may not meet the expectations of those who like catching fish for dinner, or diving in to the water to cool off.

Unfortunately, the same product installed alongside Newport Beach was already deteriorating soon after being installed, meaning testing it's still ok on a 3-year basis not only forms part of the ongoing costs but this required time frame will not pick up what has been polluting the Pittwater environment by the halfway mark to 3 years.

These products also require replacement and for the material to be dumped as it it cannot be recycled, adding an ongoing substantial cost to any form and budget for its use.


At Newport Beach: November 2022 a year and a half on from installation

Council's Concept Plans for Thomas Stephens Reserve, Church Point - dated September 30 2024:

Council stated in its October 3 2024 update;

''the final landscape design is the result of extensive consultation with community groups, key stakeholders and experts including arborists, as well as incorporation of community feedback. We've also taken into account any recent DAs and input from key local community and resident groups.

The overarching design brief is to create an accessible space. Some key changes include the ability to retain some trees and not others.''

However, not one resident has been consulted about whether they support the last-minute change from something 100% natural to something that may 100% fake edging the Pittwater estuary.

Council states it anticipates the landscape works will commence mid-2025 and will confirm the timing once the tender processes are complete and works are ready to commence. 

The 2024-2025 passed Capital Works Program, via Council's map and literature, allocated the following at Church Point:

Project Commercial Centre Renewal
Work Church Point landscape and paving upgrade
Budget $600,000
Start Jul-24
Completion Jun-25

Project Public Amenities Works Program
Work Renewal works to Church Point Public Amenities
Budget $499,477
Start Jul-24
Completion Jun-25

Project Church Point - New Infrastructure
Work McCarrs Creek Road
Budget $862,500
Start Jun-24
Completion Dec-24


Council's webpage for the project also states a 'key focus area' was the retention of the trees adjacent to the seawall. These were initially proposed to be removed due to the age of the trees and safety concerns raised during Council's first appraisals.

Council states:

''As part of the modified design, every effort will be made to retain the two trees in this area. It is acknowledged that this area will be the most heavily impacted by the construction works, and an arborist site assessment will determine the viability of retention at that time.''

Which leaves it to the last minute to then decide to remove them when residents cannot do anything about it, as seen in the years long push back against a fill the whole block with way over the height limit concrete shop-top housing design for the old fish and chip shop site at Palm Beach being supported by Council during the legal processes.

Council not supporting residents aspirations has also been cited in the recent Ruskin Rowe Tree Vigils.

As stated by those who attended the recent Ruskin Rowe Tree Vigils, the Council has removed over 30 thousand trees across the LGA since being installed by the coalition government, and claims to have installed over 20 thousand - mostly seedlings.

The two remaining trees are still scheduled for destruction in October 2024.

Council's most recent Budget announcements have a focus on;

''resilience and environmental sustainability, prioritising projects and services that support and strengthen our community and environment.''

With Council announcing that;

''The Northern Beaches will benefit from services and projects totalling $524 million, including an injection of $99 million in infrastructure spending, outlined in the 2024/25 Northern Beaches Council budget. 

''The proposed $99 million capital works program includes $43 million in asset renewal to improve the overall condition of our assets and to reduce ongoing operational costs associated with asset repair and maintenance. A further $56 million will deliver high priority new assets to the community.''

The proposed landscape improvements at Thomas Stephens Reserve include new:

  • boardwalk and pavement
  • wharf style seating
  • tables and benches
  • repointing and backfilling of the existing seawall
  • bins, bike racks and water station
  • plantings and trees.

Church Point: 2 projects now

In May 2024 Council provided the outcomes of the initial community engagement on both the landscape improvements, and the road safety upgrades. Council decided to separate these projects to report independently, ''for ease of tracking and updates on next steps for each program of work''.

McCarrs Creek Road - Road Safety Upgrade

Council states it received comments from the local community as part of the Church Point Precinct Upgrade consultation. The comments included requests for traffic and other improvements within the Church Point Precinct to address safety issues.

Two external road safety assessments were undertaken - the most recent in February 2024 - to review and include improvements to traffic and safety.

Council states ''the new design layouts meet both the community and road safety assessment requirements. Cost effectiveness and reduction in clearing works to the existing landscape have also been factored into the new design.

With the design changes and the length of time since initial consultation, we wanted to ensure we consult with our community before we move toward construction.''

Council subsequently asked residents to comment on their proposed road safety upgrade from 3 June to 1 July 2024. Council states it heard from over 55 community members and are currently reviewing your feedback on the road safety upgrade and writing a Community Engagement Report.

''We anticipate the road works commencing mid-late this year (2024) following the completion of a review of environmental factors (REF) that is currently underway and will be available for public review.'' Council's webpage update states

''It is anticipated that two spaces will be lost from the existing parking. These two lost spaces account for the two new pedestrian crossing islands that are required to safely cross McCarrs Creek Road and to cross the carpark to the toilets and the bus stop.''

The roads will remain open throughout the works with traffic management in place when required to safely work through the construction.

Working hours will be Monday to Friday 7am – 5pm and Saturday when required will be 7am – 1pm.

There will be minor night works for the road line markings, but these works will be quiet, non-impact works.

Notifications to local residents and businesses will be issued prior to any works commencing.

To make Church Point safer for pedestrians and road users by implementing road safety improvements, Council's plan includes:

  • a pedestrian refuge to provide safer pedestrian access to/from the bus stop
  • safety improvements to bus stop
  • traffic calming devices
  • line delineation to separate laneway and parking areas
  • improved signage
  • new Watts profile thresholds
  • footpath upgrade on southside of road
  • some kerb and guttering.

All existing trees will be retained as part of this proposal.''

This would be the second round of improvements along the Pittwater Road and McCarrs Creek sections from Mona Vale to Church Point, Council having recently completed safety works at Bayview.

Visit: Bayview's rejuvenated path + seawall completed - July 2024, Issue 632

And this follows on from the completion of other aspects of Church Point rejuvenation works undertaken.

Visit: Church Point Precinct Upgrade Scheduled To Be Completed This Financial Year: Boardwalk Completed In December 2022 Now A Popular Suntrap For Residents + Visitors Beside The Estuary + Scotland Island Bells And Carol Wharf Upgrades Completed - July 2023, Issue 592 update

Council's Concept plans, via the McCarrs Creek Road Safety Upgrades webpage, are:


Council states it is planning for all works to be complete prior to Summer 2025-2026.

''The landscape works will be scheduled to commence once the road works are completed and budget is confirmed. At this time we hope to commence the landscape works mid-late 2025.'' Council states on its Thomas Stephens Reserve, Church Point Landscape improvements project webpage.


Page updated Tuesday October 22, 2024 at 12p.m.