Community News: January 2018

January 28 - February 3, 2018: Issue 345

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 345: 

Australia Day Awards 2018 Recognise Outstanding Community Service Of Ken Hughes AFSM, OAM + List of Awardees includes Angus Gordon

Protect Pittwater January 2018 Update

Woody Point Yacht Club's 2018 Putt-Putt Regatta

Avalon Sailing Club Hosts Pittwater Leg Of Australia Day Regatta 2018

Pictures: A Long Weekend ON Pittwater by Peta Wise, Neil Johnston, Jools Farrell, Penny Gleen, Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay, Avalon Sailing Club, Woody Point Yacht Club, Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches

Hy-Brasil, Avalon Beach - Pittwater Summer Houses; History - Round III

The Initial “Ride For Aboriginal Peoples” - join in 2019's run!

Pasadena On Pittwater Update: January 2018 - "PASADENA Waterside Boutique Hotel & Restaurant" set to open in March

Aquatics: Surfing Australia Completes Historic Olympic Readiness Camp - North Narrabeen surfer Cooper Chapman along with Matt Wilkinson (Copacabana), Adrian Buchan (Avoca Beach) and Wade Carmichael (Avoca Beach) have attended Surfing Australia's highly successful three-day Olympic Readiness Camp as the journey toward the Tokyo 2020 games ramped up this week in Northern New South Wales at the Hurley Surfing Australia High-Performance Centre (HPC)

Reflections by George Repin: THE FORBIDDEN CITY – BEIJING, CHINA

RS Aero Worlds Head Down Under In 2019 by Lisa Ratcliff

DIY Ideas DIY Summer Projects: Install A Fountain Or Water Feature -Installing a fountain can involve as much or as little work as you want. You can work from a kit that assembles all the components for you or choose something you just have to have and adapt it. With so many beautiful fountains and water features available you can choose something that suits your taste and your garden or verandah area.

Food: RIVA Bar and Kitchen Summer visitors mean Summer entertaining and at least one opportunity for the home cook to have a night off to enjoy their company. Our guest is a bit of a foodie and has eaten in the best places available Australia wide, so we were keen for his appraisal and to treat him to a night out in the old town. This is modern Australian cuisine featuring fresh ingredients on a superb Lunch, Dinner and Street food menu.

Collector's Corner: Black Bakelite Telephone: Early Pittwater Phone Numbers  This early phone, which had to be plugged in, came with its old Palm Beach number prefix of 919 still visible - only this wasn't the first telephone number prefix for our area - we began with single numbers and double letters in some cases, until the building of the Mona Vale Exchange and more callers/users.

Park Bench Philosopher A Giggle From Post-WWII Avalon Beach For Those Frayed At The Edges At The End Of The Summer School Holidays: WIFE FORCE WINS THROUGH  by NIGEL PALETHORPE, 1946 

'Wright Of Passage' Opportunity For Youth: Wright of Passage is a new and innovative fully funded (FREE) program from Sailors with disABILITIES (SWD) and TAFE Meadowbank for teenagers over the age of 16 who are disengaged with learning. Students will fully refurbish a 53ft Herreshoff ketch and complete the course with a Level II Certificate in Boating Services. They will then get to sail her to Tassie. Apply to join the program!

Profile: Northern Beaches Art Society


The Northern Beaches Art Society is a non-profit community organisation run by a volunteer group of people interested in visual arts. The Society aims to promote and encourage artists to exhibit their paintings through several art exhibitions held during the year. There is also a program of demonstrations and workshops held at the end of each month and En Plein mornings twice a month during seasons that suit this. We welcome traditional and contemporary artists and non-exhibiting art lovers.

The Northern Beaches Art Society was formerly known as North Shore Art Society, and was formed in 1946, in Mosman by Dr. Elliot Smith. Meetings and exhibitions were held at Mosman Town Hall till the mid 1980’s when the Society moved to the Narrabeen Tramshed. We have held demonstrations and workshops at the Avalon Recreation Centre, and at the Scout Hall, Bilarong Reserve, Narrabeen. For 2018 we have moved to the Terrey Hills Community Centre, 15 Yulong Avenue, Terrey Hills.

Usually three exhibitions are held each year at various venues when members can exhibit and sell their works. One of these opens at Warriewood Shopping Centre this week and runs February 2nd to 6th.

History:  Pittwater Fishermen: Barrenjuie Days from six weeks after Europeans landed here until a few years ago, fishing off this landmark has been the site of historic moments in our fishing development

Artist of the Month: January 2018  Robyn McWilliam's Malevolent Desire - Published by Rob McWilliam on Amazon also available as an e-bookReviewed by:  Pippa Kay; If you are looking for a fast-paced read this book is for you. The reader is drawn into the suspense because the author makes us care about the characters, despite their flaws. Sanderson, the hard-drinking detective, loses his best friend and colleague and blames himself. Initially he doesn’t get on with his new side-kick, Fyurk. Jill, the academic, with her insecurities, is sympathetically drawn, and the victim’s friends and fellow students are an interesting but credible group of university students. Chapter.1 Sample and More available here

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 21/1/2018 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Draft Environment SEPP: Urban Bushland

The Berejiklian government has just announced changes that propose to repeal and replace the following State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) with a single Environment SEPP:

• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19—Bushland in Urban Areas - [Manly, Warringah, Pittwater; pages 23 to 32]
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Drinking Water Catchment) 2011
• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 50—Canal Estate Development
• Greater Metropolitan Regional Environmental Plan No. 2—Georges River Catchment
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 20—Hawkesbury-Nepean River (No.2-1997) [*Pittwater and Warringah]
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005
• Willandra Lakes Regional Environmental Plan No. 1—World Heritage Property.

Aimed at reducing 'red tape' and 'streamlining' NSW's planning system, some changes are commended such as protecting Sydney Harbour's natural assets by prohibiting new canal estates.

However other changes will enable development in sensitive areas that are currently protected.

Designed to marry up with other planning instruments, such as the controversial Biodiversity Act 2016, the changes also give greater effect to Ministerial Directions.

The changes also propose to revise the term ‘bushland zoned or reserved for public open space purposes’ to ‘public bushland’. This includes all land that is zoned non-rural, and owned or managed by a council or a public authority, or reserved for acquisition for open space or environmental conservation by a council or a public authority, and that has vegetation which meets a clear definition of bushland.

From • Draft Environment SEPP (PDF: 6.215 MB):
State Environmental Planning Policy No 19 – Bushland in Urban Areas (SEPP 19)
  • The majority of the provisions of SEPP 19 will be transferred to SEPP (Environment). These provisions will be updated and some will be transferred to a Ministerial Direction.
  • Update council names to reflect recent council amalgamations and boundary changes.
  • Extend its land application to cover local government areas that are currently partly outside the application of SEPP 19 including parts of Hawkesbury and Central Coast local government areas.
  • Transfer plan making provisions in SEPP 19 to a Ministerial Direction.
  • A new circular on Urban Bushland is being finalised for consultation. It has been developed to provide further information and detail regarding the application of SEPP 19. This circular will replace planning Circulars No. B13 and No. 114. 
Creating a new Ministerial Direction – Urban Bushland
SEPP 19 contains provisions for the preparation of local environmental plans in clause 10. The clause ensures that when a council is drafting local environmental plan provisions for any land to which SEPP 19 applies, other than rural land, it considers the general and specific aims of the SEPP, and gives priority to retaining bushland unless significant environmental, economic, or social benefits arise which outweigh the value of the bushland. This should be transferred to a
new Ministerial Direction as it is the appropriate mechanism to guide plan making. No current direction adequately covers urban bushland in the same way. Urban bushland exists across many different zones, therefore Ministerial Direction 2.1 – Environmental Protection Zones, is not appropriate to address public urban bushland of the type protected by SEPP 19.

The new Ministerial Direction is intended to function largely the same way as clause 10 of SEPP 19. As currently, the direction will apply when a planning authority is preparing a planning proposal for land to which the Urban Bushland provisions of SEPP (Environment) apply.

Critically the current SEPP (no 19) SEPP 19 extends 'beyond the protection of environmental values of bushland by identifying 'the need to protect the aesthetic and community values as well as the recreational, educational and scientific values of this resource'.

Other changes include transferring heritage provisions to the relevant local environmental plan, thereby reducing the protection of heritage assets.

In addition, concerns have been flagged that moving the prohibition of extractive industries in parts of the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment to the SEPP for Mining, Petroleum and Extractive Industries - and moving the Sydney Opera House provisions in the Harbour Regional Environmental Plan to SEPP (State Significant Precincts) effectively reduces the current protections.

The changes are on exhibition for public comment until the 15 January*.

_______________________
*page 26:
Provisions to be updated and moved to Ministerial Directions
Provisions within the Hawkesbury Nepean Regional Environmental Plan related to local plan making will be updated and are to be moved to a new Ministerial Direction.

The following current provisions contain plan making guidance suited to a Ministerial Direction:
• Clause 3 ‘Aim of This Plan’
• Part 2 ‘General Planning Considerations, Specific Planning Policies and Recommended Strategies’
• Clause 6(3) ‘Water Quality’
• Clause 6(10) (a) ‘Urban Development’ - rezoning or subdivision of land
• Clause 6(11) ‘Recreation and Tourism’.

Other aspects of Clause 6, such as water quality, total catchment management, biodiversity and environmentally sensitive
areas will be transferred to the proposed new SEPP.

Have your say on the Explanation of Intended Effect for the proposed Environment SEPP until 31 January 2018 (NB changed date for submissions/feedback)
 
• Or write to:

Director, Planning Frameworks
Department of Planning and Environment 
GPO Box 39 
Sydney NSW 2001

Walk Way From Palm Beach To Manly: Open Letter 

We look forward to working closely with the Council to improve the Northern Beaches infrastructure while preserving its unique natural amenity and stunningly preserved historic environment.

As other parts of the world have shown, overdevelopment can often destroy what we all seek to preserve. 

We applaud your focus on upgrading the connecting infrastructure  between Manly and Palm Beach   This initiative has created huge interest and huge concerns about  possible outcomes and unintended consequences.

In the overall context of your plans we question the priority given to the Whale Beach and Florida Roads upgrade and suggest that a higher priority be given to the extension of the bicycle way all the way along Barrenjoey Rd to Palm Beach.  That’s where the main groups of cars, busses pedestrians and cyclists will continue to travel and that’s where the Council should place the highest safety priority.  That’s where the northern end of Barrenjoey Rd needs a serious infrastructure upgrade to give substance to the Councils stated connectivity plans. 

At a community meeting last Sunday I joined over 60 attendees who provided thoughtful contributions that related to the over all scheme and the proposed walk and cycle way along Whale Beach and Florida Roads .

This meeting stressed the importance of the preservation of the historic and much used walkway between Whale Beach and Palm Beach.  That coastal walkway is enjoyed by many residents and visitors alike and there is significant need to keep any upgrading consistent with the surrounding natural environment and existing safety concerns.

In that context we support the inclusion of a 1 metre pavement, and a 6 metre dual carriageway along Whale Beach Rd.   We also support multiple speed bumps to slow down groups of cyclists travelling at speeds in excess of 40kmh We also support the maximisation of on street residential parking (with parking insets were applicable), work on corners of the roads where there are some significant cornering blind spots, and the structure and placement of crash barriers to widen the road as appropriate.

However there are serious stated objections to the commercialisation of these two residential roads with board walks encroaching into or being part of the unique bush reserves.  The panoramic views over the ocean can best be preserved with the normal footpaths and the minor upgrading of existing viewing points that would cost less and result in a more sensitive outcome.

It should also be noted that residents have expressed a view that they need to be consulted soonest and individually so that they can bring their personal insights to the table on how to better deal with their particular circumstance.   

We wish to formally request that the Council
  1. address the issues raised above 
  2. provide us with a clear plan of the development constraints applying to the Councils proposals for this highly sensitive area and
  3. to ensure that any Council plans are consistent with the protection of our heritage for the future low key enjoyment of many
  4. consult residents before any plans are finalised 
We look forward to hearing back from you and working constructively with Council

Richard West AM 
President 
Palm Beach Whale Beach Association(PBWBA)
January 25th, 2018 

Boating facilities upgrade: Two New Pontoons Proposed for Rowland Reserve Bayview

Council are proposing to install additional boat access facilities for the northern and southern boat ramps at Rowland Reserve, Bayview.

The proposal for two new access pontoons is being facilitated to provide recreational boat users with a safe and more efficient means of embarking and disembarking water craft about the existing boat ramps. 

View the plans

Northern Boat Ramp 

Southern Boat Ramp 

Have your say

Register for updates on the project  

Comment online 

In writing marked ‘Boating Facilities Upgrade - Rowland Reserve’ addressed to: Northern Beaches Council, Civic Centre, 725 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why.

Comments close Sunday 18 February

Frequently Asked Questions - From Council's webpage

Will I be able to launch a boat from land during the works?

Yes, one ramp will be available during construction.

Will access along the foreshore change or be restricted?

A small area at each ramp will be fenced off for safety reasons during construction, but otherwise access along the foreshore will be maintained as existing.

Will parking be affected during or after the works?

A small area for site materials and waste storage will be established adjacent to the boat ramps within the carpark area during construction. This area will be fenced off and unavailable to the public during construction.  

The site materials and waste storage area will have minimal impact on the available carparking or associated vehicle lanes.

Will the works affect the navigation of the surrounding waterways?

The proposed new pontoons will extend approximately 23 metres from the lowest astronomical tide mark into the waterway and will incorporate new lighting which will improve navigation about the existing boat ramps. 

The impact of the proposal will be minimal with regard to navigation.

Will the proposal affect Marine Rescue operations?

Access to the Pittwater from Rowland Reserve will be maintained for Marine Rescue operations.

How will the proposal affect commercial uses such as barge and salvage operations?

Access to the Northern Boat Ramp will be maintained for commercial operators with minor interruptions during piling works.

Will any marine vegetation be disturbed as a result of the works?

No seagrass species such as Zostera or Posidonia* were found within the Aquatic Survey area. Marine pest Caulerpa Taxifolia was found to be located within the survey area.  Management procedures have been prepared to minimise the risk of spreading the pest algae Caulerpa Taxifolia to other parts of Pittwater. A small area of marine algae Sargassum will likely be disturbed near the Southern boat ramp. Additional vertical surface area will be created as a result of the works, which would support fringing algae species.  *Refer the Aquatic Ecology Survey Report for details of local sea grasses.

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2018 Stalls

February
3rd: Stall,  Pittwater Place, Mona Vale                         9am to 3pm
Sewing, knitting, craft, books
 
16th: Stall, Foyer Mona Vale Hospital                          9am to 3pm
Baking, knitting, sewing, books
 
17th: Bunnings, Narrabeen                                            8am to 3pm
Sausage Sizzle
 
March
3rd: Stall, Pittwater Place, Mona Vale                          9am to 3pm
Sewing, knitting, craft, books
 
16th: Stall, Foyer Mona Vale Hospital                          9am to 3pm
Baking, knitting, sewing, books
 
17th: Bunnings, Narrabeen                                            8am to 3pm
Sausage Sizzle
 
April
7th: Stall, Pittwater Place, Mona Vale                          9am to 3pm
Sewing, knitting, craft, books
 
14th: Bunnings, Narrabeen                                           8am to 3pm
Sausage Sizzle
 
20th: Stall, Foyer Mona Vale Hospital                         9am to 3pm
Baking, knitting, sewing, books
 
May
5th: Stall, Pittwater Place, Mona Vale                          9am to 3pm
Sewing, knitting, sewing, books
 
5th: Bunnings, Narrabeen                                             8am to 3pm
Sausage Sizzle
 
18th: Stall, Foyer Mona Vale Hospital                         9am to 3pm
Baking, knitting, sewing, books
 
June
2nd: Stall, Pittwater Place, Mona Vale                        9am to 3pm
Sewing, knitting, craft, books
 
9th: Bunnings, Narrabeen                                             8am to 3pm
Sausage Sizzle
 
15th: Stall,  Foyer Mona Vale Hospital                        9am to 3pm
Baking, knitting, sewing, books

Northern Beaches Walking Plan

Council are developing a footpath plan which will guide the delivery of their future footpath program. They’re seeking your help to identify missing links within the existing footpath network and where new ones are required.

Use the interactive map or comment form to provide information on where you would like us to consider a footpath for inclusion in the Northern Beaches Walking Plan.

Interactive Mapping
Identify gaps and new footpath considerations via the mapping tool 

Make a comment

Community workshops
Community workshops will be held during February and March 2018, with at least one in all of the newly created wards. Details of these workshops will be available soon. You can register your interest in a workshop near you via an online comment form.

Further information contact Michelle Carter on 9970 1196.

Comments close Sunday 4 March 2018

Narrabeen Lagoon Boating Infrastructure

25 January 2018
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced $45,000 to assist with watercraft storage around Narrabeen Lagoon.
 
The funding is part of the NSW Government’s Boating Now Program which provides financial support to councils to introduce boating infrastructure initiatives.
 
Northern Beaches Council has been allocated $30,000 to introduce additional storage facilities for dinghies and kayaks around the foreshore. A further $15,000 will assist Council with the construction of a storage shed for larger dragon boats and outrigger canoes at Jamieson Park.
 
“Narrabeen Lagoon is one of our community’s most impressive and important recreational areas,” Rob Stokes said today.
 
“Throughout summer the lagoon is a hive of activity with people enjoying all sorts of watercraft.
 
“The lagoon’s popularity means additional watercraft storage is necessary to help improve safety around the foreshore and maintain the area’s natural beauty.
 
“There have long been issues with people informally storing canoes, kayaks and dinghies around the foreshore and these can become eyesores.
 
“The creation of Narrabeen Lagoon State Park has enabled a whole range of investments that maximise public access to this beautiful area. 
 
“I look forward to continuing to work with council to achieve greater protections and more improvements to the Narrabeen Lagoon catchment,” Rob Stokes said.

Bayview Golf Course Seniors Housing DA Lodged

New - Construction of Seniors Housing consisting of 95 units including golf course upgrades and infrastructure works
At: 52 Cabbage Tree Road BAYVIEW NSW 2104 
Application Type:Development Application
Submitted:19/12/2017
Notification Period:10/01/2018 to 12/02/2018
Application Number: DA2017/1274

Make a submission:
Documents: HERE

Construction and use of seven (7) separate buildings of predominantly 3-4 storeys in height to be operated as a retirement village (within the meaning of the Retirement Villages Act 1999);
− Basement parking for 186 cars, loading and servicing; 
− Landscaping works, including ground level landscaping for the creation of a communal open space area for future residents; and
− Extension/augmentation of services and utilities to service the development.
 Construction of a road facilitating access into the proposed seniors housing development from Cabbage Tree Road and a round-a-bout on Cabbage Tree Road (and associated pedestrian crossing); and
 Construction of an access pathway from the site through to the bus stop on the eastern side of Annam Road.

Congratulations Michelle Perrett

Avalon Beach Ceramicist Michelle Perrett has been awarded the Northern Beaches Council and Eramboo Artist Environment six month residency.  The residency includes free non-residential studio space, a stipend of $2000, and artistic support at Eramboo Artist Environment to research, experiment and develop new work.  Michelle will be researching threatened plant species and creating a series of sculptural works in porcelain. Her oversized porcelain flowers and their grand structures evoke alchemical qualities of escape and metamorphosis.

Michelle was one of the Artists who took part in the 2015 On IslandsFestival at Eramboo where artists were asked to respond to the notion of 'On Islands'. . Her work for On Islands - Currents of Memory: an installation of one hundred ceramic miniature canoes displayed on crushed glass. The canoes had inlays of archetypal figures within the vessel offering a medium to enter a collective memory. 

In 2016 her 'Blue Mirror' was named Meroogal  Women's Art Prize  Finalist
and formed part of  the Meroogal Art Prize exhibition in Nowra, NSW. This was an Exhibition of works created that respond to Meroogal's stories and history ​within the house and garden.
Exhibition current Until 28th January 2017 sydneylivingmuseums.com.


Reflections: Dr Catherine Hamlin AC - 2018 NSW Senior Australian Of The Year

Regular readers of Pittwater Online News Columnist George Repins' Reflections page may recall an article he ran in 2013 on 2018 Senior Australian of the Year nominee, Obstetrician Dr Catherine Hamlin AC, who was nominated for her work in Africa providing care for fistula patients.

The 2018 NSW Senior Australian of the Year has devoted more than 50 years to giving women in Africa a second chance at life. 

A surgical pioneer, Catherine and her late husband Dr Reginald Hamlin founded a network of six hospitals and a midwifery college in Ethiopia. The hospitals provide free fistula repair surgery to poor women suffering from horrendous and preventable childbirth injuries. The midwifery college trains midwives to prevent the injuries.  

When Catherine arrived in Ethiopia in 1959, there were almost no resources for expectant mothers. Since then she and her team have treated more than 50,000 women, restoring their health and dignity. Catherine’s organisation is a global centre of expertise in fistula repair and she trains surgeons from around the world. Through her foundation, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, Catherine is tackling a new fistula frontier, Uganda. 



Now 94 years old, Catherine  remains active in her day-to-day work at the hospital, healing women through surgery, rehabilitation and counselling, so they can be whole again. 

For those who would like to revisit George's page, please go to:

Making a Difference in Ethiopia by George Repin - Pittwater Online News Issue 106, 2013

The Initial “Ride For Aboriginal Peoples”

On Friday 26 January, Australia Day/Survival Day, a group of non-Aboriginal cyclists rode from Manly to Church Point to honour the Aboriginal clans of the Northern Beaches. They met at 7am at the plaque near Manly Wharf where Wil-Le-Me-Ring, a Garigal man, speared Governor Captain Arthur Phillip, wounding him. This is the first event of this kind on the Northern Beaches and is welcomed as a gesture of reconciliation.

They rode through Manly, Queenscliff, Freshwater, Curl Curl, Dee Why, Collaroy, Ocean Parade, Narrabeen, Mona Vale, and Church Point then back to Manly.

The group were met at Church Point by local Garigal man Uncle Neil Evers with a Welcome to Country and a thank you to the riders. Aunty Clair Jackson gave a small talk about Australia Day and how the large midden on Church Point was saved by the erection of the first church and cemeteryon it in 1872, leading to the local name of Church Point.


We hope this cycle ride will become an annual event.

For all those interested in joining the ride in 2019 please contact Colin Hutton colin.httn@bigpond.com  Neil Evers the.evers@gmail.com 

Bikalabarley Murraring Walla Giballee Yaddung Guringai Wanangini Wahroong Yennieubu

Let us walk together in Guringai Country as one

Northern Beaches Council Needs To Press Pause On Development

January 23, 2018: NEWS
Today, I have called for the Northern Beaches Council to delay any further rezonings or developments until the transport situation on the Northern Beaches becomes clearer. 

Over the weekend we saw yet another example of how transport planning in our area is the proverbial cart before the horse.  Before transport projects are even started, they are already planning on how to fill up our suburbs with more people and more cars.  

The out of touch bureaucrats who run our transport and road systems have outdone themselves this time.

Even before the B Line bus project is finished they have removed the T3 lane, despite the fact that all their modelling shows that it will make matters worse.  No wonder they wanted to keep the decision under wraps, so by the time everyone noticed it would be too late. 

Well I have a message for them: it is not too late, and we will not let you get away with it.

Then we hear over the last week plans for over a thousand apartments in Dee Why and Forestville.  Can they be serious? 

The motion proposed by Cr Stuart Sprott is right on the money except for one thing: it should include the entire Northern Beaches. I am therefore calling on other councillors to support his motion, especially those who in the past have been in favour of increased development without any improvement in transport. 

As for the Pyrmont dwelling transport and road bureaucrats who don’t care about the impact of their decisions on the lives of tens of thousands of families on the Northern Beaches, I have a simple message: if you love development so much then do it where you live, places that have ample public transport, and brilliant access to the city centre, it makes more sense, and maybe, just maybe, you will understand how the rest of us feel. 

Stop looking after yourselves all the time and give the rest of us a go.

Jason Falinski
Member for Mackellar

T3 To Bus Lane Conversion

B-Line;Transport for NSW
T3 lanes on the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore are changing to bus lanes from 15 January 2018

We are replacing sections of the T3 Transit Lane between Balgowlah and Neutral Bay with a bus lane.

The new bus lane will provide frequent and reliable bus services to help keep the Northern Beaches, Lower North Shore and Sydney moving.

The T3 lanes will be changed to bus lanes in the following locations:
  • along Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation (from Condamine Street to Sydney Road)
  • along Spit and Military Roads (from Spit Junction, Mosman to Watson Street, Neutral Bay)
The new bus lanes will operate during the morning peak period from 6am to 10am weekdays.

For more information, visit the maps showing these locations or contact the project team at projects@transport.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 048 751.

Pasadena At Church Point, Pittwater Update: January 2018

On Tuesday January 23rd, 2018 Good Food published a page announcing the Pasadena Restaurant in Church Point will reopen in March this year under the partnership of restaurateur and bar operator Paul Schulte (Cargo Bar and Chophouse) with Pasadena owner and local resident Paul Peterkin.

The article states the pair will open a 160-seat seafood grill with an accompanying boutique hotel will follow mid-year. 
Mr. Schulte, who lives up here too, has former Hugo's and Quay chef Alex Tawning, another local, overseeing the menu.

In 2017, pre the local government elections, it was announced by the state government installed administrator on August 9th,  that council would be compulsorily acquiring the site and bulldozing the premises. 

The announcement didn't take into account what the owners may want to do with their asset, as no discussion had yet taken place, a range of laws and rules that apply to compulsory acquisitions by councils, nor the sale notice of 2012 (the site sold for $2.4 million) which clearly displays 'Previously DA approved' (Building Approval A212/63 was issued by Warringah Shire Council for 3 shops, an estate agent's office, 3 storerooms, toilets, vestibule, restaurant, kitchen and storeroom and a concrete terrace area, which later formed part of the covered eating area on the northern side of the building, 13 motel rooms on the first floor and common laundry, plant room, private laundry and store on the second floor.nor what the broader community may want.

Residents Associations (Scotland Island Residents Association, Church Point Friends and the West Pittwater Community Association) held a protest on Saturday 16th of December 2017, stating the offshore community has grown over the years resulting in increasing pressure on car parking and this will only add to the problem. They are also concerned the community will lose access to the Crown Land on the water side of Pasadena which is used by locals and day visitors.

Others were upset when we all lost, on December 8th, 2017, that wonderful painting by Nettie Lodge which became the logo for the Gone Fishing Gallery when it occupied the then leaking premises prior to the sale.

On Wednesday Pittwater Online News spoke to Mr. Peterkin, a local himself for over 25 years, who stated that "Of course people will be able to access the front area. It's Crown Land and the pathway is still there and will still be there once refurbishments are complete."

Will there be space on the walls for local Artists works and could they be sold through the venue?
"You have to be community based and supportive. Of course we would be happy to do that."

In the past people have been and remain concerned about parking issues - do you have any plans in place there?
"Parking may be alleviated by mini bus to and from venue and surrounding area for patrons, from say Mona Vale in. Something we are looking into There's also a new car park being finished and the public car park adjoining the venue. "

Residents would be aware that Jonah's at Palm Beach has a minibus that picks up passengers arriving by seaplane or from the surrounds, whether simply dining or staying in one of their rooms for a night or weekend. There is also a private wharf at the venue for those who prefer to stay on the water and a water taxi service that's based locally.

Pittwater Online News' Facebook page linking to the Good Food article on Tuesday has attracted comments such as;
"Good news for Pittwater!"
'We were married there 18 years ago this March. So glad to see it being reborn! A beautiful spot that will always hold a place in our hearts. '
and
'I love this place as well'.

The post was seen and read by 2332 people within hours, or 10 to 17 times that amount if you go per Facebook social media algorithms on on-shares (27) and likes/ loves etc. By late Wednesday it was 3192 people reached and on-shares was x 42. There was not one negative response.

A similar post on August 9th attracted stats. of 5,631 People Reached and 91 on-shares (although this was over a week and a half, not hours).
Comments then ranged from
"Agreed 100%'
to
"Its Church Point as I remember as a child. The good times we had at the Pasadena are still with me. It would be the ideal wedding venue or restaurant. Stop pulling down our heritage buildings. The Pasadena is Church Point." 

The 'Stop pulling down our heritage buildings' and fury that a local business may be lost, without any kind of consultation prior to the pronouncement, was echoed in emails to Pittwater Online.

Residents wrote they wanted the Pasadena on Pittwater to still exist due to its historical aspects for Pittwater, and for a potentially future site for creative ventures or displays and performances by creatives(which is why Pittwater Council were bidding for the site in 2012 too), as much as a source of employment and enjoyment. Younger residents in particular have been keen to hear when the venue will open as a source of part-time work for them if studying or as an option for a career in the hospitality industry.

Mr. Peterkin echoed this feedback, stating that he too had been approached by people while working on the site who all were looking forward to the reopening. 
"One couple just recently who have returned here from overseas related eating here during the 1950's and how much the place meant to them." he said.
"Sydney is losing so many of these places that are invested with connection to community and which have so many memories associated with them. To hold on to and keep these is very important for those who have been married here, or got engaged or just have history associated with the Pasadena. They're also important for those who are younger and want to know what happened before them and what can happen here in the future.

When I stand down here at Church Point on the grounds you realise this site and place is unique, it's one of a kind in Australia and to the rest of the world."

Late last week an inquiry made through a councillor on behalf of residents on what was happening brought the response;

Is the acquisition proceeding?
"If council is unable to reach agreement through direct negotiation, it intends to proceed with a compulsory acquisition with the aim of returning the waterfront site to the public for open space. The process for compulsory acquisition cannot commence until at least 6 months of negotiations takes place between the parties."

"After the site is acquired, council will engage with the community to create a masterplan for the area, with the intention to convert the majority of the site to public open space as well as provide suitable buildings to accentuate public use of the area."

Suitable buildings?: new loos, picnic shelters, or....

Will this matter come before council to make a decision on whether or not to proceed with the acquisition?
"The matter is not required to come before council to make a decision on whether or not to proceed with the acquisition. The authority to acquire the site has already been provided under the Council Resolution dated 8 August 2017. Pending the outcome of the negotiations the CEO may however choose to raise the issue before council again prior to acquisition.

Six months of negotiations, if they commenced immediately, would date to February 9th, 2018. If later, then they meet the March scheduled reopening - which is sure be a gala affair after such a saga!

Meanwhile, back at Church Point, the owners have been getting on with; employing local tradesmen, installing a palm garden and choosing the umbrellas that will provide extra shade in the garden, polishing up the private wharf so boat owners can arrive by water to sit by the water, and finalising a seafood menu and wine list to complement such fare.


Palm Trees installed, Dec. 18, 2017 - from Pasadena Instagram page

new website and Instagram page, listing "PASADENA Waterside Boutique Hotel & Restaurant " are already up and running.
One post on the instagram is asking:
" Who wants to get a tan whilst they work and be part of the rebirth of an icon? Share the message we are looking for staff for the big open very shortly!! Please direct message me or email ellie@pasadenasydney.com - pasadenasydney "

So more jobs for locals into the future too. The instagram picture to go with:



Now all that needs to occur is parking being eased by the new car park being installed at Church Point, where at least 60 spaces of the 120 new ones will be available for lease, located on the top level, at $4,939 pa + yearly CPI increase (although many residents state there still won't be enough parking at Church Point), and as the continued opportunity to dangle your legs over the seawall into the Pittwater at the front of the Pasadena site is not in peril, people young and a bit older than that are looking forward to the March 2018 reopening of the Pasadena.


Crown Land access path still intact - Dec. 18, 2017 - from Pasadena Instagram page

2018 Kicks Off At 2108!

with the first Morning Coffee get-together of the year!
TUESDAY 30th JANUARY | 10.30 am 2108 Espresso 
(at the beachfront)
Members, friends and neighbours are all welcome.

The new PBWBA Centenary caps will be available for sale!
Items for discussion will include:
  • Palm Beach Wharf to Gov. Phillip Park Walkway
  • Proposed Walkway Whale Beach Rd & Florida Rd
  • Pittwater Park Parking update
  • Buses 199, L90 & Keoride on demand car service
  • General feedback on summer issues - party houses, garbage, cleaning of public toilets/showers, cleanliness of pools, etc etc
We look forward to seeing you there!
Join the Palm Beach and Whale Beach Association at;pbwba.org.au/membership


Warringah Pittwater RFS Crews Tasked To Royal National Park Bushfire

At midnight last Saturday (January 20th), Warringah Pittwater RFS crews were activated as part of a Northern Beaches Rural Fire District strike team to assist NSW Rural Fire Service Sutherland Shire with a large bushfire burning within the Royal National Park in Sydney’s South. 

The strike team included members from these brigades:
Terrey Hills Rural Fire Brigade, Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade, Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade, Beacon Hill Rural Fire Brigade and Coal & Candle Rural Fire Brigade.



All crews worked tirelessly until mid morning to put a back burn in, which assisted in containing the fire. 

Warringah Bulk Water Alpha was also deployed with 2 members to the Singleton area for 3 days to assist with the ongoing fire situation in the area

The Warringah Pittwater District has approximately 1,200 volunteers that provide service to the community through effective Operations, Risk Management, Community Safety, Education, Learning and Development activities, through various roles of Firefighting, Communications, Catering, Logistics, Aviation, Fire Investigation, Cadets and many more areas.

Get involved or find out more at: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/warringah-pittwater
Coal & Candle's crew at the Royal National Park fire, refilling a helicopter for waterbombing before getting back to work. Video courtesy C&C RFB

Pittwater Artists Trail 2018

Now’s the time to apply to join the Pittwater Artists Trail for 2018/19. If you’re an artist living on the Northern Beaches and have a studio in the Pittwater area get in touch. Details on our website:

The Pittwater Artists Trail is an alliance of artists who collectively open their studios to the public on two weekends each year creating a Trail for art lovers. 

Visitors can engage with the artists, see how they work and what inspires them, buy beautiful, original artworks or perhaps enrol in one of the courses offered by a number of artists on the Trail.

Next open weekend is March 10 and 11, 2018. 
All studios are open from 10am - 5pm.


Wharf Extensions Funded!

Council secured funding from Transport -  Roads & Maritime Services for funding towards the costs of improvements to Carols Wharf and Bell Wharf.

The SIRA committee is extremely pleased to announce that we have secured another win for our community. Although a detailed design is yet to be done, we expect that the works will be in line with the proposals submitted by SIRA last year. They are expected to deliver:
  • 30 new commuter boat tie-ups at Bell Wharf
  • 38 new commuter boat tie-ups at Carols Wharf
The legwork for this was done by the Wharves Working Group under leadership of Alec Beckett. Well done to all!

SIRA will start talks with Council on the timing and details of the work next month. The funding deal stipulates that the works are completed before the end of 2019 and of course we hope for a much earlier delivery.

Hubert van Mierlo, 
SIRA President.



Wharf Extensions Funded! courtesy Pittwater Offshore Newsletter (PON)

New Medical Graduates Commence At Mona Vale Hospital

23 January 2018
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today congratulated 10 medical graduates who will commence their clinical internships at Mona Vale Hospital this week.

A record number of 999 graduates are commencing positions in NSW hospitals this week as part of a major investment by the NSW Government to boost the number of doctors in metropolitan and rural areas.

The interns will be under the guidance of experienced senior doctors and will put into practice their many years of university preparation.

“This is a really exciting and rewarding time for these medical graduates,” Rob Stokes said today.

“Mona Vale Hospital has a longstanding history of contributing to the education of our state’s medical workforce and we know these latest graduates will be in excellent hands.

“I’m delighted the NSW Government is continuing to lead the nation in training junior doctors and responding to the ever increasing demand for medical services.

“I congratulate these graduates on reaching this important stage in their training and look forward to the vital contribution they’ll make to our community,” Rob Stokes said.


Mona Vale Chamber Of Commerce February 2018

Join us at the first Mona Vale Chamber Function of the year, hosted by Community First Credit Union!

Date: 13 February 2018
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Venue: Shop SP018, Jacksons Rd, Warriewood Square, Warriewood NSW 2102
Cost: Free for Members, $20 for Guests


Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce was reformed on 26 May 2010, was registered as incorporated association on 29 June 2010 and exists to promote and protect the trade, commerce, industries and tourism of Mona Vale and its immediate surrounds.

Find out more at: www.monavalechamber.org

Seeking Misses Macklin Relatives

In November 2017 we ran a celebratory history page as part of thepresentation of  bronze medallions to the Terrigal ladies who patrolled that beach during World War Two as an all-women squad. The Central Coast, Hawkesbury and Pittwater regions have been linked since earliest days and this includes the associations and support between sailing bodies and the interaction between surf life saving clubs and more recently, surfers.

As part of our research we found details of numerous women involved in or being part of looking after people on beaches long prior to when women were officially allowed to become life savers. 

Among those archives searched were the old Warringah Shire Council Minutes of meetings where this is recorded:

Meeting of 8th November, 1926
North Curl Curl Life Saving Club. 1/11/26 nominating James Wilson, Thos Christian; Miss H. Macklin and Miss P. Macklin, as Beach Inspectors; (2) requesting some old timber from the council's depot for the purpose of roofing their shed and enclosing the Club Room verandah :Resolved – (Crs. Campbell, Corkery) That the persons nominated be Beach Inspectors, the appointments to be under seal, and the timber supplied as requested. 

As part of our ongoing focus on women in surf life saving and surfing we would welcome any information anyone can provide on these two ladies for future History pages/created records of our area scheduled for publication.

Please email us at pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au if you can shed any light, or water, on the Misses Macklin.

For Examples on what Pittwater Online news does in this regard, please visit:

Huge Thanks

Pittwater Online News would also like to thank those across Australia who have sent in additional records and photos over our Christmas-New Years Break to add into existing history pages/records. We will be making these pages even greater, thanks to you, and will be sending out our files for your own Family Records in February, as requested, when we get back to work properly (translation; get off the beach and estuary)!

Your generosity and help in creating a permanent record of interlinked  pages are coalescing into a map that unfolds for all here, and around the country and world apparently, a dynamic living insight into our place. This resource is utilised and accessed by young and old in the hundreds of thousands annually and everyone LOVES it - the young can go and stand on that hill there, in that same breeze from the middle of that same season and look out and see that same water - only 150 years or so on. The mature are recalling phrases and adventures and fashions their grandchildren want to see and know about. THANK YOU!

P.S.: Apologies for the delay - we are clearing the backlog. 

NB ADHD Support Group Speaker Evening: Ian Wallace, Psychologist - Dealing With Challenging Behaviours

Tuesday, February 6 at 6:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Pittwater RSL Club
82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale
Tickets $15 (register to attend)
Ian Wallace is a Consultant Psychologist, with a wealth of experience working with families and kids.

With his supportive and no nonsense approach, Ian highlights practical strategies for issues such as Practical Management of ADHD, Responsible Parenting, Building Resilient Kids, Dealing with Defiant Behaviour, Bullying, etc. Ian speaks to thousands of people each year, providing practical and down to earth suggestions.

Ian conducts seminars around Australia for television, radio, universities, professionals, schools and support groups.

Ian is the Director/Psychologist at Forestway Psychology Centre (Sydney), where he works to support children and families. He has provided consultant services for many years to Paediatricians, Psychiatrists, Doctors, Professionals and parents in different cities.

His book, “You and Your ADHD Child” (now in its 12th reprint) has become the practical handbook for Australian families and schools dealing with the everyday problems ADHD kids have. He also co-authored the popular book "Coping With School".

Ian is a regular guest on “Mornings” on Channel 9 and was the Resident Psychologist on “Mornings with Kerri-Anne” for ten years. Ian is still making guest media appearances such as on 9 News, 7 News and ACA shows. 

Ian writes regularly for Practical Parenting Magazine, ASG, KidsLife.com.au, etc.

Ian is also a keen sportsman, who has coached varied sporting teams, over many years

NB: THIS IS A PAID SPEAKER SO THE CONTRIBUTION WILL BE $15 AT THE DOOR NOT THE USUAL $5

Newport Beach Neighbours’ Annual Get-Together 2018

The annual picnic is on again Sunday 4th February. 5 pm at Gretel Park- all residents welcome.

We would like to welcome new neighbours and rekindle old friendships; please join us at: Gretel Park (cnr. The Boulevarde & Ross St) at 5.00 pm on Sunday 4th February, 2018.

BYOG, food and seating
(a BBQ will be available at park)



If raining, we’ll meet at Newport Surf Club (not Gretel Park). The Surf Club has an “After 5’s” Social every Sunday and Friday (live music on Fridays) and is always keen to welcome members of the Newport Community but please purchase drinks from the Barman at Surf Club – the Surf Club is licensed and there is no BYOG.

Looking forward to meeting old and new friends.

Families: Cook, Dolman, Hall, Lynch, Moore, Penhall, Stokes

Pittwater International Women's Day Breakfast

Wednesday 7 March 2018
hosted by Zonta Club of Northern Beaches

This breakfast marks International Women's Day. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.​ ​It's a day to acknowledge women's contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place.  Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The 2018 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater.

The delightful location at the RPAYC looks over the waters of Pittwater and across to Bayview and Scotland Island. Everyone is invited to attend and men are particularly welcome. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Booking details below.

Ensemble Aspherical Returns To Forestville With “Last Rose Of Summer”

After delighting audiences in 2017 with the fine quality of their performances, the four members of Ensemble Aspherical, will perform again at OLGC Catholic Church on Sunday 4th March at 4:00pm to open Wyvern Music Forestville’s 2018 concert season. Last Rose of Summer, a program of aesthetic and vibrant music will include transcriptions of favourite classics such as Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, a fantasy on Bizet’s Carmen, a Potpourri of Mozart’s Magic Flute and Piazzolla’s Oblivion.

Formed in 2017 by four leading Sydney classical musicians, Ensemble Aspherical combines the vibrancy and warmth of the violin and viola strings with the ethereal qualities of the flute and harp to create sounds and evoke images for the listener both congenial and colourful. The program will also include a Concerto a 4 by Vivaldi, a Serenade by Reger with Last Rose of Summer on the harp as the centre-piece.

The four instrumentalists of Ensemble Aspherical have all been long-standing members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Both harpist Louise Johnson and flautist Janet Webb became Principals of the Sydney Symphony in 1985, having previously worked together as Guest Principals with the Sadlers Wells Ballet Company. As soloists with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Louise and Janet have performed the Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto together and both have collaborated as soloists with renowned flautist, James Galway. Sisters Marina and Justine Marsden (violin and viola) have been performing chamber music together from a young age. Justine joined the viola section of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 1990 having worked with the Berlin Philharmonic and Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestras, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. Marina joined the SSO in 1995 as Assistant Concertmaster and has been in her current role of Principal Second Violin since 2006.



When: Sunday 4th March at 4:00pm
Where: Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 9 Currie Rd, Forestville
Tickets at Door: Full: $25 Concession: $20 Students: $15 Children under 16 Free
Enquiries: Wyvern Music Forestville Tel: 9416 5234
For more information on the program please visit www.wyvern.fmca.org.au

Amon Community Grants Fund - Round 1

In September last year, I was privileged to be elected as a Liberal Party endorsed Councillor to serve the people of Narrabeen Ward on Northern Beaches Council.

In my brief time on Council, I have been struck by the generosity and effectiveness of our community groups.  As a way of giving back, I am establishing the Amon Community Grants Fund by donating a part of my Councillor pay.

Round 1 of the program includes a total of $5,000 and is now open for applications.  Grants are between $200 to $500 for any community group to help with projects or the purchase of items which benefit our community.

As I am a Councillor for Narrabeen Ward, priority will be given to groups with a connection to that Ward.  A connection might be that your group is based in Narrabeen Ward, does work in the Ward, or one of your members lives in the Ward.  However, the application process is very brief so please apply by clicking below. All applications will be assessed by an independent community panel.

Applications close on 28 February 2018 - apply today!

Rory Amon.

PFOS AGM And Information Evening

Hosted by Pittwater Friends Of Soibada
Tuesday, February 6 at 7:30 PM
Avalon Beach RSL Club
1 Bowling Green Lane, Avalon Beach

Pittwater Friends of Soibada is a diverse group of local individuals who are committed to forging a lasting friendship between communities on Sydney's Northern Beaches and those in the Central Timor Leste province of Soibada.  Our key objective is to support the local people in their efforts to achieve sustainable development in their region.  All our projects are initiated by the people of Soibada themselves.



The Pittwater Regatta Is Back In 2018!

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport, invites you to the return of the Pittwater Broken Bay Regatta, to be held over the weekend of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February, 2018. 

This is a great regatta for offshore and inshore competitors alike, with post racing celebrations, crew BBQ, including live music, held at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.

This Grand Prix Regatta is perfect for IRC, PHS, One Design and Sports Boats incorporating the Etchells World Qualifying Series.

Offshore windward/leeward courses will be held in the Broken Bay Offshore Zone for the Premier and Performance classes, with the One Design and Sports Boats racing inshore on Pittwater.

Berthing is included in the regatta entry fee - please contact the Waterfront staff at waterfront@rpayc.com.au for all berthing enquiries.

Enter online today and join in this exciting grand prix regatta competing with members from other Sydney and NSW Yacht Clubs, and enjoy a fun weekend on Pittwater.

For more information, including online entries, please visithttp://www.rpayc.com.au/yacht-racing/regatta-and-championships or contact the sailing office at sailing@rpayc.com.au

Draft Environment SEPP

October 31, 2017: NSW Dept. of Planning and Environment
• Draft Environment SEPP (PDF: 6.215 MB)
The Explanation of Intended Effect for the Environment SEPP is on exhibition from 31 October 2017 until the 15 January 2018.
 
The NSW government has been working towards developing a new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) for the protection and management of our natural environment. These areas are important to communities in delivering opportunities for physical health, economic security and cultural identity.
 
This consolidated SEPP proposes to simplify the planning rules for a number of water catchments, waterways, urban bushland, and Willandra Lakes World Heritage Property. These environmental policies will be accessible in one location, and updated to reflect changes that have occurred since the creation of the original policies.
 
The Department of Planning and Environment is seeking your feedback on the proposed SEPP to update and improve the planning framework in regards to these environmental issues. This is discussed in the Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for the proposed Environment SEPP.
 
Changes proposed include consolidating the following seven existing SEPPs:

• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19 – Bushland in Urban Areas
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Drinking Water Catchment) 2011
• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 50 – Canal Estate Development
• Greater Metropolitan Regional Environmental Plan No. 2 – Georges River Catchment
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 20 – Hawkesbury-Nepean River (No.2-1997)
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005
• Willandra Lakes Regional Environmental Plan No. 1 – World Heritage Property.
 
Changes are also proposed to the Standard Instrument – Principal Local Environmental Plan. Some provisions of the existing policies will be transferred to new Section 117 Local Planning Directions where appropriate.
 
The EIE outlines changes to occur, implementation details, and the intended outcome. It considers the existing SEPPs proposed to be repealed and explains why certain provisions will be transferred directly to the new SEPP, amended and transferred, or repealed due to overlaps with other areas of the NSW planning system.
 
 

Have your say on the Explanation of Intended Effect for the proposed Environment SEPP until 31 January 2018

We welcome your feedback on the Explanation of Intended Effect and encourage you to have your say.
 
• Or write to:

Director, Planning Frameworks
Department of Planning and Environment 
GPO Box 39 
Sydney NSW 2001

Electronic Land Contracts

Have your Say: NSW Government
The Office the Registrar General invites feedback on ways that digital technology and electronic signatures can make land transactions more efficient and secure.

NSW is transitioning to an electronic system for settling conveyancing matters and for the lodgement and registration of land dealings.

Some parts of a property transaction still rely heavily on paper, with some contracts and agreements needing ‘wet’ signatures.

The government wants to help industries involved in the conveyancing process to move into the digital environment. It is exploring ways to overcome perceived barriers to a completely paperless process while ensuring consumers who want to sign electronically are protected.

The Office of the Registrar General has released a discussion paperexamining ways to harness new technology in land contracts and to enable complete electronic property transactions. The paper looks at removing legal obstacles for digital transactions and providing more certainty around electronic signature and witnessing requirements.

Have your say

There are two ways you can submit your feedback.

Mail: Electronic Contracts Review
Office of the Registrar General
McKell Building
2-24 Rawson Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Have your say by 16 February 2018.

More Information
Email: Amy Stiles
Phone: 9372 9095
Consultation Website (PDF Doc: 904.05kb)

Cultural Infrastructure In NSW

Have Your Say: NSW Government
The Cultural Infrastructure Program Management Office (CIPMO) is seeking feedback from the community and sector about arts and cultural spaces in NSW.

In April 2017, the CIPMO in the Arts, Screen & Culture Division was established to provide a coordinated response to the planning and delivery of cultural infrastructure in NSW.

This office, one of the first of its kind, works in partnership with Create NSW to ensure appropriate infrastructure facilities are developed and maintained to support the growing arts and cultural sector across metropolitan and regional NSW.

Have your say
If you are from the general community and would like to share your opinions about arts and cultural spaces in NSW, you're invited to participate in a short five-minute survey.

If you are part of the arts and cultural sector, you're invited to participate in a short 10-minute survey covering five key directions around cultural infrastructure.

Have your say by 11 February 2018.

More Information
Email: Project Leader
Phone: 8289 6564

Draft Affordable Housing SEPP 70 Review

December 15, 2017: NSW Dept. of Planning and Environment
State Environmental Planning Policy No. 70 Affordable Housing (Revised Schemes) encourages the development of new affordable housing.
SEPP 70 Affordable Housing (Revised Schemes) is a mechanism that allows specified councils to prepare an affordable housing contribution scheme for certain precincts, areas or developments associated with an upzoning within their local government area. Schemes currently operate in the City of Sydney at Green Square, Ultimo-Pyrmont and the Southern Employment Lands.
 
An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for SEPP 70 is currently on exhibition and open for public comment until 31 January 2018. The EIE proposes the inclusion of five Councils – Randwick City, Inner West, Northern Beaches, City of Ryde and City of Canada Bay.
 
Each council has undertaken an analysis of the need for affordable housing within their local government area to support their application for inclusion in SEPP 70. Links to these documents are available below:
Randwick City Council
Inner West Council
Northern Beaches Council (Northern Beaches Affordable Housing Need Analysis Dec. 2016.(PDF - automatically downloads: 382.29kb)
City of Ryde Council
City of Canada Bay
 
We invite you to comment on the proposed changes to SEPP 70 until the 31 January 2018

Or write to:
Director, Housing & Infrastructure Policy
Department of Planning and Environment,
GPO Box 39,
Sydney NSW 2001
 
Published submissions will include your name and the organisation on whose behalf you may be writing. Contact details such as email and postal addresses, and telephone numbers are not published. The Department reserve the right to not publish selected submissions (in full or part).
 
 
For further information please email information@planning.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 305 695. 

Supporting documents
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF: 406.77 kb)

Elanora Players Glorious Success

Audiences have raved about Elanora Players’ production of Glorious!, the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins – the worst singer in the world.
Allanah Jarman’s superb performance as Florence has brought the house down.

Wade Orth, James Belfrage, Jan Adamson, Robina Silvolli and Chris Richardson’s performances have been equally stunning.



The Season finished on Saturday evening, January 20th.
Congratulations to the cast and production team! Truly GLORIOUS!

DO YOU HAVE THE PASSION & SKILLS TO DIRECT?
Elanora Players are looking for directors for their 2018 and 2019 programmes.

A $500 honorarium will be paid to all directors who produce and direct a successful, full-length production.

If you think you have what it takes, please Contact Elanora Players and fill out the email fields provided on their website. They would love to hear from you!


UPCOMING 2018 PRODUCTION  
April
Private Lives - An Intimate Comedy
Written by Noël Coward
Directed by Sarah Lovesy
This is a comedy about something profound - it is about LOVE, about being alive, about trying to be happy and how hard that is as being in love can make you bonkers!! 

Newport Residents Association February Meeting

The next meeting of the Newport Residents Association will be held on Tuesday 20th February 2018 at the Newport Community Centre, The Boulevard Newport at 7 pm.

We have a break during the month of January however if any matter arises that you wish us to follow up before our next meeting please just contact  a committee member or use the ‘Contact Facility’ here.

Should you wish to send an apology for the next meeting please complete and use the ‘Contact Us’ facility.

All community members are encouraged and are most welcome to attend.

Find out more here: newport.org.au

Mona Vale B-Line Works January 2018

ROAD WORK
In Mona Vale, road work will continue on Barrenjoey Road and Golf Avenue. From 7 January, work will include:
  • finishing work to the bus indent near Village Park
  • traffic island adjustments at the intersection of Pittwater and Barrenjoey Road and Golf Avenue and Park Street including drainage, traffic signal and pavement works
  • asphalting finishing works
CAR PARK WORK
From 7 January, car park work will include:
  • finishing work
  • all remaining work will require closure of up to 8 parking bays
TRAFFIC CHANGES
Traffic conditions will change along Barrenjoey and Pittwater Roads while construction continues. Temporary fencing, traffic control, and signs will be in place for public safety.

DAY WORK
Work will occur at the sites located on the map during the
following hours:
  • 7am to 6pm on Monday to Friday
  • 8am to 1pm on Saturday
NIGHT WORK
Following on from community feedback, we will continue with the revised construction program of working up to five consecutive nights per week followed by two nights’ respite. Working up to five consecutive nights means that we can complete more work in a shorter timeframe, reduce the total number of nights worked in your area and reduce the overall construction timeframe. Working at night is also required for the safety of pedestrians, motorists and workers, whilst minimising traffic impacts. The works schedule is weather dependent and subject to change.

Where night work is happening, site set up activities will start from 7pm. Construction work is scheduled from 9pm and will continue to 6am. Please check the B-Line website for any updates on the night work program in your area. b-line.transport.nsw.gov.au

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Angel

AGE/SEX: 2 years / F
BREED: English Staffy X
Angel is a sweet girl. She needs a bit of encouragement to walk on lead. She is very wary/nervous of strangers & traffic. Angel has springy legs so good fencing is a must and she wants to have her humans around. She is very social with other dogs. She suppresses her behaviours a lot so needs an experienced rescue family and preferably have no other dog. She has a short coat and weighs 14.2kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450. 

For further details or to meet all dogs at DoggieRescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

The DoggieRescue E-Magazine is now available online! 

January 2018 Issue:

Community Demands Democracy For Local Planning Panels

January 25th, 2018 
SAVE HUNTERS HILL Municipality Coalition calls upon the NSW Government, and our local member Anthony Roberts, as Planning Minister, to revoke the recent ‘Local Planning Panels Act’ mandating panels, and restore local decision-making on planning to our local councils.

Specifically, we call upon you as our local State member to listen to the local community on this issue.

We are entitled to and demand local democracy for our elected council and councillors.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian in her media conference on July 27, 2017 admitted that she and the Cabinet got it wrong and didn’t listen to the community over forced council mergers.

She said: “Perhaps we should have listened earlier on in the process. Every single person who sat around the cabinet table needs to bear responsibility, including myself.”

MINISTER ROBERTS, you were a member of the Cabinet and you got it very wrong.

You didn’t and wouldn’t listen to your community.
You are our local member and are supposed to represent us.

The Hunters Hill community held a large public meeting on February 23, 2016.

That meeting made it very clear for all to see and hear that you were not listening to our legitimate concerns.

Perhaps you should now view the speeches delivered that evening
Your government’s unsuccessful attempt to destroy Hunters Hill and Lane Cove and the City of Ryde councils was a direct attack on the local democracy of each of these communities.

Each one has been electing their own aldermen and councillors to make decisions involving planning and local developments for their area for over 120 years.

Hunters Hill Council is the earliest having been established over 156 years ago.

Its council has a proud and successful record of managing its historic municipality, with over two thirds protected as ‘conservation areas’.

It is now recognised as Australia’s most significant heritage municipality and oldest garden suburb.

The ‘Local Planning Panels’ legislation was rammed through the Parliament in the dead of night by Minister Anthony Roberts.

The Act takes away totally the right of our elected representatives – our councillors – to have any say or role in relation to local development applications.

LOCAL PANELS are dominated by non-elected officials from outside our area appointed or vetted by the Minister.

Our communities and their elected councillors for the first time in our long histories are being deleted from having a say on what is to be actually built in our areas.

This is another direct attack upon our local democracy by an out of touch and arrogant State Government.

The Minister and the Government are still not listening! One might ask – will they ever learn?

The Local Government Association (LGNSW) has called upon Minister Roberts to revoke this legislation mandating panels. So has Hunters Hill Council, Lane Cove Council, City of Ryde Council, the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC), and many other councils and communities.

Save Hunters Hill Municipality Coalition calls upon Anthony Roberts to withdraw this legislation NOW or resign as our local member.

PHIL JENKYN OAM  
Co-convenor of the Save Hunters Hill Municipality Coalition.
Spokesperson for Save our Councils NSW

New Sydney Planning Panel Chairs Announced

15.01.2018: Departmental Media Release - Department of Planning and Environment
Community and business leaders have been appointed to Chair the Sydney Planning Panels to help build on their strengths to make decisions on major development proposals.
 
The Chairs will commence their roles today following a rigorous selection process.
 
The Department of Planning and Environment’s Executive Director of Regions, Steve Murray, said the new Chairs will bring a high level of expertise to the panels.
 
“After careful consideration, the Sydney Planning Panels have been appointed new Chairs, having demonstrated that they have the skills, experience and acumen that makes them the top picks for the job,” Mr Murray said.
 
“The decisions made by the Sydney Planning Panels will be independent and based on the merits of the proposals that are put before them.”
 
The new Planning Panel Chairs are:
 
The Hon. Carl Scully — Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel
Mr Justin Doyle — Sydney Western City Planning Panel
Professor Helen Lochhead — Sydney South Planning Panel
Mr Peter Debnam — Sydney North Planning Panel
 
The new Chair of the Sydney Central Planning Panel is in the final stages of
appointment and is expected to be determined in the coming weeks. In the interim other members of this Panel will act as the Chair.
 
The five independent Sydney Planning Panels make decisions about significant development proposals in their region.
 
The new chairs have been appointed because the roles of Sydney Planning Panel Chair and District Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission have been separated.
 
“The separation of these roles will allow the district commissioners to focus on setting the strategic direction for their district through the Greater Sydney Commission’s district plans,” Mr Murray said.
 
“The new Chairs will also be able to focus entirely on the detailed development proposals that come before them for decision by the planning panels.”
 
The appointments followed a comprehensive, state-wide expression of interest process and consideration of 70 applications by a selection panel.
 
The planning panels are independent bodies that make decisions on significant developments and modification applications.
 
Currently, the projects they assess are valued over $20 million but from the 1st March that threshold will be increased to $30 million.
 
The panels also act as the relevant planning authority in some decisions when directed by the Minister for Planning or the Greater Sydney Commission, undertake rezoning reviews, and provide advice on planning and development matters when requested.

Biographies
The Hon. Carl Scully — Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel 
A former minister of the NSW parliament, Mr Scully’s career spans more than 30 years in the public and private sectors.

He practised law for seven years before embarking on a 17-year political career. For almost 12 of those years he served in ministerial positions involved in the delivery of major infrastructure projects including the portfolios of public works and services, roads and transport, and housing.
He returned to the private sector in 2007 where he has worked for WorleyParsons, most recently as director of International Business Development. In 2015, he was appointed as Chair of the NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council.
 
Mr Justin Doyle — Sydney Western City Planning Panel
Mr Doyle is a lawyer focused on planning and environment law, with 11 years’ experience as a practicing barrister, and 10 years before that as a solicitor. He has been the lead counsel for a team of barristers acting for the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure in cases on the land at Badgerys Creek to allow for the development of Western Sydney Airport.
His work also includes land contamination issues and the redevelopment of the former James Hardie asbestos plant which includes negotiations with the Department of Lands and Parramatta Council.
 
Professor Helen Lochhead — Sydney South Planning Panel
For more than 20 years Prof Lochhead has combined university teaching with her practice as an architect specialising in complex large-scale projects. She is currently Dean of the Faculty of the Built Environment at the University of NSW. Prior to that her career focused on the planning and delivery of major projects ranging from a five-year city improvements program for the City of Sydney to major urban regeneration projects.
Prof Lochhead has extensive experience on university, government and industry committees, panels and boards, most notably as the National Board of the Australian Institute of Architects, Central Sydney Planning Committee, Sydney Harbour Design Review Panel and the NSW Heritage Council.
 
Mr Peter Debnam — Sydney North Planning Panel
Mr Debnam served as leader of the opposition of the NSW parliament as well as holding several shadow ministerial positions including shadow minister for planning and urban affairs and housing from 1997 to 1999.
Before politics Mr Debnam had broad management experience starting with his military service followed by business development and general management in the aerospace and rural service industries. He completed an MBA in 1993.

Since leaving politics in 2011, Mr Debnam has contributed to charities and not for profit organisations including as the Chair of NSW Kids in Need Foundation Limited, The Muscular Dystrophy Association of NSW, and the Advisory Board of Our Big Kitchen Limited.
______________________

Mr. Debnam - Extra
Peter Debnam's early years of schooling were at Frenchs Forest Public School and The Forest High School. He was educated at the Royal Australian Naval College, where he graduated in 1974. He served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1972 to 1980. During his Naval career, Mr. Debnam served on many ships including the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, destroyer escort HMAS Torrens, destroyers HMAS Vampire and HMAS Anzac and patrol boats HMAS Attack and HMAS Barricade. After leaving the Navy, Debnam studied at the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, where he gained an MBA. He held positions at Dalgety Farmers Limited, Hawker de Havilland and Australian Aircraft Consortium before entering politics.

In 1994 Mr. Debnam was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly as Liberal member for Vaucluse. The following year the Liberal government was defeated by Labor under Bob Carr. Between 1997 and 2005 he was successively Shadow Minister for Housing and for Planning and Urban Affairs, Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Transport, Shadow Minister for Police and Shadow Minister for Transport Services.

Following John Brogden's sudden resignation as Liberal Leader in August 2005, the Deputy Leader, Barry O'Farrell, was initially the favourite to become leader, but Mr. Debnam steadily gained ground as he lobbied Liberal MPs, and on 31 August O'Farrell withdrew from the contest.

2005 was also the year the Liberal Party lost their Pittwater seat to Independent Alex McTaggart, on the 26th of November 2005.

Mr. Peter Debnam led the Liberal/National coalition to defeat in the 2007 state election. The Coalition gained a total of four seats from Labor and independents—too few to significantly reduce Labor's majority. Following the election, his deputy, Barry O'Farrell, announced he would challenge Mr. Debnam for the Liberal leadership. When it was apparent that Debnam did not have enough support to keep his post, he withdrew from the contest on 2 April 2007, effectively handing the leadership to O'Farrell. On 11 April 2007 Mr. O'Farrell appointed Mr. Debnam as opposition infrastructure and energy spokesman. He resigned in May 2008 because of his party's decision to support the Labor Government's plan to privatise the electricity system.

He retired from Parliament prior to the 2011 state election.

Australia Council's Latest Funding Round Supports Close To  200 Projects, With Strong Success By Female Artists

The $6.4 million funding in the October core grants round will support 118 individual artists, 27 groups, and 51 arts organisations.

This round saw strong outcomes for female artists, particularly in music, with 56% of grants awarded to women or groups including women. This is particularly encouraging in light of the Council’s recent research report Making Art Work which found that on average female artists earn 25% less than male artists and earn 30% less from their creative work.

Australia Council CEO Tony Grybowski said that this funding round would benefit local and international audiences with a large number of live performance projects being successful.

“Many of the projects funded include international components which will expand artistic and commercial opportunities for Australian artists and strengthen our international reputation for producing great art and artists, as well as sharing Australian stories with global audiences,” Mr Grybowski said.

The Australia Council received  a total of 1,423 applications in the latest core grants round, spanning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts, Community Arts and Cultural Development, Dance, Emerging and Experimental Arts, Literature, Multi-art form, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts.

In addition to the $6.4 million in core grants delivered through the October round approximately $3.3 million was invested in other targeted programs and initiatives including International Residencies, Visual Art and Craft Strategy funding to individuals, Playing Australia and the Contemporary Music Touring Program.

The Council’s core grants program continues to attract a high proportion of first time applicants, enabling a diverse range of artists and arts organisations to access support.

Australia Council grant applications are assessed by panels of expert peers from across the country who bring deep artistic knowledge and industry experience. Of the 129 peers involved in assessing the latest round, 35% were based in regional and remote areas, 21% identified as culturally and linguistically diverse, 17% identified as First Nations, and 5% identified as people with disability.

Applications for the next grants round close on Tuesday 6th February 2018. Visit: 

Public Consultation For Improving Disability Resident Protections In Supported Group Accommodation

12 January, 2018: NSW Dept. of Family & Community Services
The NSW Government wants to hear from you on how we can improve resident protections for people with disability living in supported group accommodation.

To participate, read one or more of the consultation papers and then send us your feedback by:
  • answering an online survey (approximately 15-20 minutes)
  • emailing a response
  • writing a letter to the Department of Family and Community Services.
The consultation is open to anyone but we especially want to hear from:
  • people with disability in NSW who are living in supported group accommodation their families and guardians
  • peak body and advocacy groups
  • people and organisations of the disability and housing sector.
The public consultation period runs until Friday 2 March 2018.

The NSW Government will release a final report in June 2018.

Visit www.facs.nsw.gov.au/residentrights for more information about the consultation and how to be involved.

Coaches & Managers Invite For 2018

Newport Rugby Club
Newport Breakers Rugby Club is advertising for senior coaches and managers for the 2018 season. Newport Rugby Club is a leading 3rd Division NSW sub-districts club.

The club fields 3x grade sides and 1x colts side and has enjoyed recent on field success with 2 grand finals (2nd and 3rd grade) and a premiership in 2017 (3rd grade).

The club has a strong playing roster and boasts rich traditions, a strong financial position and an organised, experienced and passionate committee and supporter base.

The club is based out of arguably Australia’s best suburban rugby ground, Porter’s Reserve, which overlooks Newport Beach. We also boast one of Australia’s largest junior clubs with over 400 junior players. Applications are invited for the following positions:

First Grade – Head Coach, Forwards Coach, Backs Coach, Manager.
Second Grade – Head Coach, Forwards Coach, Backs Coach, Manager.
Third Grade – Coach, Manager.This year, we’re looking to build on recent finals appearances and convert into premierships.

The coaches’ roles will include:
  • Leading by example to promote an inclusive, committed and united club culture. 
  • Raising the skill level of new and existing players.
  • All club positions are volunteer appointments; however a small honorarium may be available depending on experience 
  • Innovative coaches with the ability to plan, design, implement and review training programs consistent to ensure player development and enjoyment.
  • Player roster, game day and mid week administration and management duties.
  • Working with the committee and players to promote the playing, social and community objectives of the club.
The head coach will be supported by a player manager to assist with administration of the team and various support staff.

All applicants must be Smart Rugby compliant.
Applicants should email a brief coaching and playing history, coaching qualification details and a description of what they can bring to Newport Rugby Club to... heath.radel@suncorp.com.au.

For more information, call Heath on 0429 660 439. All club positions are volunteer appointments; however a small honorarium may be available depending on experience.

Residents Want 'Welcome To Pittwater' Sign Returned

Pittwater Online has been contacted by a number of residents this week expressing their dismay that the 'Welcome to Pittwater' sign as you come along Wakehurst Parkway has disappeared.

Although many of the former Pittwater Council logos are disappearing or being scrubbed out from the names of wharves, obviously to be replaced by the new 'design', readers have expressed this cheery sign made them many feel welcomed and gave those returning home a boost after a long day.

As Pittwater is now a Ward, with different boundaries, the wish expressed is that such a sign may be returned and placed where the new lines mark Pittwater's circumference so that good cheer may continue.
The Old
 The New?

Policy For Appointing Community & Stakeholder Representatives To Committees

A policy has been developed to govern how community and stakeholder representatives are appointed to NBC council committees.

Learn More: View the Council report (automatically downloads PDF: 195.78kb) Read the draft policy (automatically downloads PDF: 30.06kb)

Have your say on the draft policy
In writing marked 'Policy for Appointing Community and Stakeholder Representatives to Committees', to the CEO, Northern Beaches Council, 725 Pittwater Road, Dee Why, NSW, 2099
Submissions close Sunday 4 February 2018.

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services

Arts and Social

January 21 - 27, 2018: Issue 344

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 344

North Narrabeen Surfers Carving It Up At 2018 Carve Pro At Maroubra Beach. Finals day - today, Sunday January 21st; broadcast live on the 20th and 21st at www.worldsurfleague.com and on the WSL App. 

2018 Surf Life Saving Interstates Championships: New South Wales Wins!

Little Ripper UAV In World First Rescue by Surf Life Saving NSW

'Wright Of Passage' Opportunity For Youth: Wright of Passage is a new and innovative fully funded (FREE) program from Sailors with disABILITIES (SWD) and TAFE Meadowbank for teenagers over the age of 16 who are disengaged with learning. Students will fully refurbish a 53ft Herreshoff ketch and complete the course with a Level II Certificate in Boating Services. They will then get to sail her to Tassie. Apply to join the program!

Pictures: Sydney Art Space (Mona Vale) 2018 Exhibition Of Sculpture, Drawing And Painting

Aquatics: Rip Curl GromSearch Pres. by Flight Centre National Final from Surfing NSW + great Action photos  by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW

Park Bench Philosopher 2017 – The 182nd Australia Day Regatta Began As Anniversary Day Regatta: Pittwater will be represented this year at the annual Australia Day Regatta with a Regatta being conducted by Avalon Sailing Club, with BYRA members helping out as volunteers, the delightful Boating Parade by members of the RMYC – Broken Bay at Newport, with prizes for Best Dressed Boat, Captain and Crew - assembling at Careel Bay at 11.30 a.m. and everyone who has a boat just getting out on the water. On Saturday January 27th the wonderful Woody Point Yacht Club will hold their annual Putt Putt  Regatta, with a focus on fun. In 2014 we ran a small insight into the rise of boat races and regattas in Sydney which new readers may not have had an opportunity to enjoy. With the long weekend coming up, a reprise may inspire finding an estuary side seat to enjoy the action and fun happening next weekend.

Newport's Pool To Peak Swims Commence One For Younger Swimmers: Three More In Pittwater Ocean Swim Series To Come: Mona Vale January 21st, The Big Swim January 28th, Avalon postponed to April 8th

DIY Ideas Summer De-bug; Mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches and ants - how to keep the outdoors insects where they belong.

Food: Summer Vegetable: Beetroot - currently in season, the humble and ancient beetroot. If you can't get enough of them and are looking for some new ways to enjoy them, a few ideas follow; Carrot and beetroot fritters, Beetroot, Goats Cheese & Walnut Salad, Beetroot Hummus, Chocolate Beetroot Cake. Plus: New Research Finds Sweet Cherries Can Help Reduce Weight Gain

Profile: Bayview Yacht Racing Association (BYRA)

1842 Pittwater Rd 
Bayview
Website: www.byra.org.au

Rob Warnes, Commodore of BYRA, has a passion for sharing the great waters of Pittwater and a love of sailing with everyone aged 8 to 80 or over!

"This year rather than having a particular day or morning for TRY A SAIL it has been decided that every Sunday is a TRY A SAIL Day and we welcome newcomers." Rob told us this week.

"At this time of year, new members can join for the second half of the season at a 50% discount. So, if you have friends interested let them know."

BYRA, Pittwater’s Family orientated Sailing Club, is holding a Learn to Sail course in the sheltered waters off the Clubhouse in Bayview this week. Youngsters from 8 and 14 years are welcome. Over the three days the course their Australia Sailing qualified coaches will introduce the sport of Sailing, regulations and safety, with lots of educational activities for the kids to learn in a safe environment.

Boats and life jackets are provided by the club. 
BYRA'S SUMMER HOLIDAY SAILING PROGRAM 
23 TO 25 JANUARY 2018 FROM 9:30 TO 3:30PM
For more information please visit www.byra.org.au/products.php… or just send us an email to byra.commodore@gmail.com.

On Friday, January 26th, members will be volunteers helping out at Avalon Sailing Club's 2018 Australia Day Regatta - the two clubs have been sailing against each other, and enjoying sailing together, since the earliest years of both of these on the Pittwater estuary based clubs.

This week a small insight into one of Pittwater's GREAT Sailing Clubs - jump aboard, you won't be sorry getting involved in sailing here - these are great people making sure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the best waterway in the world!

History:  Pittwater Fishermen: Barrenjuie Days from six weeks after Europeans landed here until a few years ago, fishing off this landmark has been the site of historic moments in our fishing development

Artist of the Month: January 2018  Robyn McWilliam's Malevolent Desire - Published by Rob McWilliam on Amazon also available as an e-bookReviewed by:  Pippa Kay; If you are looking for a fast-paced read this book is for you. The reader is drawn into the suspense because the author makes us care about the characters, despite their flaws. Sanderson, the hard-drinking detective, loses his best friend and colleague and blames himself. Initially he doesn’t get on with his new side-kick, Fyurk. Jill, the academic, with her insecurities, is sympathetically drawn, and the victim’s friends and fellow students are an interesting but credible group of university students. Chapter.1 Sample and More available here

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 21/1/2018 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Wharf Extensions Funded!

Council secured funding from Transport -  Roads & Maritime Services for funding towards the costs of improvements to Carols Wharf and Bell Wharf.

The SIRA committee is extremely pleased to announce that we have secured another win for our community. Although a detailed design is yet to be done, we expect that the works will be in line with the proposals submitted by SIRA last year. They are expected to deliver:
  • 30 new commuter boat tie-ups at Bell Wharf
  • 38 new commuter boat tie-ups at Carols Wharf
The legwork for this was done by the Wharves Working Group under leadership of Alec Beckett. Well done to all!

SIRA will start talks with Council on the timing and details of the work next month. The funding deal stipulates that the works are completed before the end of 2019 and of course we hope for a much earlier delivery.

Hubert van Mierlo, 
SIRA President.



Wharf Extensions Funded! courtesy Pittwater Offshore Newsletter (PON)

Come & Celebrate Australia Day On Pittwater!!

Avalon Sailing Club is proud to have a long association with hosting the Australia Day Regatta here on Pittwater. This regatta is the longest continuously run regatta in the world having been first run in 1837.

This year ASC will be hosting the 182nd Australia Day Regatta on Friday 26th January with registration commencing at the club from 8.30am onwards.

Centreboard & yacht divisions will be catered for. 

There will be prizes in each division for Scratch and Handicap as well as 'Best Dressed' prizes. First prize winners will be invited to Sydney Town Hall for presentation of their medals at a later date and other prizes will be awarded on the day at the Avalon Sailing Club.

Entry includes a sausage sizzle at ASC after the presentation (16:30 approx).

Come and enjoy a lamington, have a sail and then a sausage on the bbq - can't get much more Australian that that!! 
Family & friends welcome.


Elanora Players Glorious Success

Audiences have raved about Elanora Players’ production of Glorious!, the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins – the worst singer in the world.
Allanah Jarman’s superb performance as Florence has brought the house down.

Wade Orth, James Belfrage, Jan Adamson, Robina Silvolli and Chris Richardson’s performances have been equally stunning.



The Season finished on Saturday evening, January 20th.
Congratulations to the cast and production team! Truly GLORIOUS!

DO YOU HAVE THE PASSION & SKILLS TO DIRECT?
Elanora Players are looking for directors for their 2018 and 2019 programmes.

A $500 honorarium will be paid to all directors who produce and direct a successful, full-length production.

If you think you have what it takes, please Contact Elanora Players and fill out the email fields provided on their website. They would love to hear from you!


UPCOMING 2018 PRODUCTION  
April
Private Lives - An Intimate Comedy
Written by Noël Coward
Directed by Sarah Lovesy
This is a comedy about something profound - it is about LOVE, about being alive, about trying to be happy and how hard that is as being in love can make you bonkers!! 

Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade: Community Fire Unit Training

Would you like to learn how to prepare and protect your home in a Bushfire?

Following the very successful series of briefings at the Community Fire Unit cabinets on the island during December and January we’ve now scheduled training for residents that want to join the Community Fire Unit or existing members that want to refresh their knowledge and skills. 

More information is available on our web site:


Newport Residents Association February Meeting

The next meeting of the Newport Residents Association will be held on Tuesday 20th February 2018 at the Newport Community Centre, The Boulevard Newport at 7 pm.

We have a break during the month of January however if any matter arises that you wish us to follow up before our next meeting please just contact  a committee member or use the ‘Contact Facility’ here.

Should you wish to send an apology for the next meeting please complete and use the ‘Contact Us’ facility.

All community members are encouraged and are most welcome to attend.

Find out more here: newport.org.au

Mona Vale B-Line Works January 2018

ROAD WORK
In Mona Vale, road work will continue on Barrenjoey Road and Golf Avenue. From 7 January, work will include:
  • finishing work to the bus indent near Village Park
  • traffic island adjustments at the intersection of Pittwater and Barrenjoey Road and Golf Avenue and Park Street including drainage, traffic signal and pavement works
  • asphalting finishing works
CAR PARK WORK
From 7 January, car park work will include:
  • finishing work
  • all remaining work will require closure of up to 8 parking bays
TRAFFIC CHANGES
Traffic conditions will change along Barrenjoey and Pittwater Roads while construction continues. Temporary fencing, traffic control, and signs will be in place for public safety.

DAY WORK
Work will occur at the sites located on the map during the
following hours:
  • 7am to 6pm on Monday to Friday
  • 8am to 1pm on Saturday
NIGHT WORK
Following on from community feedback, we will continue with the revised construction program of working up to five consecutive nights per week followed by two nights’ respite. Working up to five consecutive nights means that we can complete more work in a shorter timeframe, reduce the total number of nights worked in your area and reduce the overall construction timeframe. Working at night is also required for the safety of pedestrians, motorists and workers, whilst minimising traffic impacts. The works schedule is weather dependent and subject to change.

Where night work is happening, site set up activities will start from 7pm. Construction work is scheduled from 9pm and will continue to 6am. Please check the B-Line website for any updates on the night work program in your area. b-line.transport.nsw.gov.au

Westpac Little Ripper At Bilgola Beach SLSC

For those of you who have been at Bilgola over the past few months you may have enjoyed seeing the training of the ALS (Australian Lifeguard Service) staff at the southern end of the beach.  Their radio call sign is ‘Bilgola UAV’.  UAV stands for “Unmanned aerial vehicle”.  The Lifeguards undertake a 5 day course to pass their CASA UAV commercial licence. They then spend 15 hours flying with Little Ripper trainers on the beach to become qualified.

They are continuously training at Bilgola, so pop down, talk to the team and check out the Drone.  Any further information check out the website www.littleripper.com 

One of these was used in a world first rescue this week. Visit Little Ripper UAV IN World First Rescue - running this Issue.



The Westpac Little Ripper drone at Bilgola SLSC is thanks to the donation of Marcus and Caroline Blackmore. Find out more about Bilgola SLSC at: www.bilgolaslsc.org.au - Photo courtesy Bilgola SLSC

2017-18 NSW Hobie States

Hobie 14 | Hobie 16 Women | Hobie 16 Youth State Titles: February 10th & 1th, 2018
The NSW Hobie Association is excited to be joining with the Palm Beach Sailing Club and The Life Aquatic to sail the 2017/18 Hobie 14, Hobie 16 Youth and Hobie State Titles on beautiful Pittwater. This event is also open to ALL other classes of Hobie.

Palm Beach Sailing Club is located at Sandy Point, Palm Beach, north of the city of Sydney, and sailing is often right up underneath the iconic Barrenjoey Headland at the entrance to Pittwater.

Registration fees include an custom event Rashie for entries received BEFORE 1st February 2018

Bayview Golf Course Seniors Housing DA Lodged

New - Construction of Seniors Housing consisting of 95 units including golf course upgrades and infrastructure works
At: 52 Cabbage Tree Road BAYVIEW NSW 2104 
Application Type:Development Application
Submitted:19/12/2017
Notification Period:10/01/2018 to 12/02/2018
Application Number: DA2017/1274

Make a submission:
Documents: HERE

Construction and use of seven (7) separate buildings of predominantly 3-4 storeys in height to be operated as a retirement village (within the meaning of the Retirement Villages Act 1999);
− Basement parking for 186 cars, loading and servicing; 
− Landscaping works, including ground level landscaping for the creation of a communal open space area for future residents; and
− Extension/augmentation of services and utilities to service the development.
 Construction of a road facilitating access into the proposed seniors housing development from Cabbage Tree Road and a round-a-bout on Cabbage Tree Road (and associated pedestrian crossing); and
 Construction of an access pathway from the site through to the bus stop on the eastern side of Annam Road.

Pittwater Dragonboat Racing Club Wins At States

Great results for Pittwater at the State Championships on Sunday 14th, 2018!

Senior A Women - Silver
Senior A Mixed - Bronze
Senior B Mixed - Bronze
Senior A Open (with Newcastle) - 4th

Pittwater Dragons is a competitive racing club and we formed specifically to train hard and race hard!
Many of our current paddlers have represented NSW and Australia.

We are located on the beautiful waters of Pittwater at Rowland Reserve in Bayview. The conditions are perfect on Pittwater and we can't complain about the view either! 

We are lucky enough to be sponsored by the Pittwater RSL and thank them for their support.

Woody Point Yacht Club Putt Putt Regatta 2018

Saturday January 27th
Gentlemen's Launch start 11 am 
Puttputts 12
11 a.m. staggered start from Treharne Cove, around the island anti clockwise. Registration online or with Toby on the day on the 'Laurel May'
$10 entry.

SAUSAGE SIZZLE ON THE BEACH AFTER THE RACES. WINE, BEER, SOFT DRINKS AVAILABLE. TUG OF WAR, PRIZES FOR BEST DRESSED BOAT, CREW ETC. LOTS OF FUN

Avalon Car Boot Sale Gets A Groove On

Sent in by regular Contributor Joanne Seve with message;
'Avalon Car Boot Sale Today - Fabulous Musicians' - Saturday January 20th, 2018 - at Dunbar Park, Avalon Beach NSW.

The band were Kool Vibrations
The lead singer (Ras Jamino) announced that the lady who was singing with them was Elsa and that she has a single out called “Move On” (featuring Elijah Yo) on Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/2RBbUYzjHDxKMGVirrXENr

Seems when it's hot outside the locals go to the park and have a dance!!
Thanks Joanne!

The next Avalon Car Boot Sale is scheduled for April 14th, 2018.
More HERE

Amon Community Grants Fund - Round 1

In September last year, I was privileged to be elected as a Liberal Party endorsed Councillor to serve the people of Narrabeen Ward on Northern Beaches Council.

In my brief time on Council, I have been struck by the generosity and effectiveness of our community groups.  As a way of giving back, I am establishing the Amon Community Grants Fund by donating a part of my Councillor pay.

Round 1 of the program includes a total of $5,000 and is now open for applications.  Grants are between $200 to $500 for any community group to help with projects or the purchase of items which benefit our community.

As I am a Councillor for Narrabeen Ward, priority will be given to groups with a connection to that Ward.  A connection might be that your group is based in Narrabeen Ward, does work in the Ward, or one of your members lives in the Ward.  However, the application process is very brief so please apply by clicking below. All applications will be assessed by an independent community panel.

Applications close on 28 February 2018 - apply today!

Rory Amon.

Newport Beach Neighbours’ Annual Get-Together 2018

The annual picnic is on again Sunday 4th February. 5 pm at Gretel Park- all residents welcome.

We would like to welcome new neighbours and rekindle old friendships; please join us at: Gretel Park (cnr. The Boulevarde & Ross St) at 5.00 pm on Sunday 4th February, 2018.

BYOG, food and seating
(a BBQ will be available at park)



If raining, we’ll meet at Newport Surf Club (not Gretel Park). The Surf Club has an “After 5’s” Social every Sunday and Friday (live music on Fridays) and is always keen to welcome members of the Newport Community but please purchase drinks from the Barman at Surf Club – the Surf Club is licensed and there is no BYOG.

Looking forward to meeting old and new friends.

Families: Cook, Dolman, Hall, Lynch, Moore, Penhall, Stokes

PFOS AGM And Information Evening

Hosted by Pittwater Friends Of Soibada
Tuesday, February 6 at 7:30 PM
Avalon Beach RSL Club
1 Bowling Green Lane, Avalon Beach

Pittwater Friends of Soibada is a diverse group of local individuals who are committed to forging a lasting friendship between communities on Sydney's Northern Beaches and those in the Central Timor Leste province of Soibada.  Our key objective is to support the local people in their efforts to achieve sustainable development in their region.  All our projects are initiated by the people of Soibada themselves.



Windsor Community Update On Historic Windsor Bridge: Upper House Inquiry

From CAWB (Community Action for Windsor Bridge)
On Tuesday 16th January RMS workers uncovered more of the brick barrel drain structure when they had the silt pumped out of the sump, revealing the first pictures of its internal structure.

This is what local’s are referring to when they talk about the legendary “Smuggler’s Tunnels”. Commissioned in 1814, they are the earliest known example of this type of infrastructure in the country.

This is what will be destroyed when the Berejiklian Government builds a bridge that dumps increasing amounts of traffic into intersections that will be beyond capacity when the bridge opens.
On Friday January 19th we were honoured to be visited by the legendary Aussie musician John Williamson AM.

After signing a letter John went down to the dig site where he spoke to some of the activists from Heritage Act who have been maintaining a vigil at the site.

It was here he expressed his absolute dismay at the treatment of such a significant place.

A huge thanks to John and his wife Meg for their support.

National Trust Australia (NSW), whom Annie Wyatt (Annie Wyatt Reserve, Palm Beach) was instrumental in establishing, state;

“The Trust believes that Thompson Square and its pre-Macquarie era settlement of 1795 and archaeology dating back to 1814 and possibly earlier, must be kept intact and we are urging the construction of a Windsor by-pass. The proposed bridge construction and its approaches through Windsor would require the destruction of this early archaeology and would have major impacts on the early Colonial Georgian buildings around the Square,” Mr Powyer said.

“Originally established in 1795, this square was formally named Thompson Square by Governor Macquarie in 1810. To put this into perspective, Port Arthur in Tasmania started as a timber station in 1830 and didn’t become a penal colony in 1833.

“The National Trust will be putting in a submission to the recently announced NSW Upper House Inquiry into this bridge development and its impacts on this irreplaceable historic record.

“But in the meantime, over the early New Year holiday period, the NSW Government appears to have stepped up its preparation for the building of these road works, ignoring the community concern and the pending Legislative Council Inquiry.

“Only urgent protective action by both the NSW and Australian Government will stop this destruction.”

Thompson Square was named for Andrew Thompson (Scotland Island).

To find out more visit Issue 342's Windsor Bridge: Planned Destruction Of Historic Link With A Pittwater Connection -  Upper HouseParliamentary  Inquiry into Windsor Bridge replacement programaccepting submissions until January 28th Submissions should be lodged online on the committee’s website at:www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/windsorbridge 

Which do you prefer?
Here is an interesting one. Controversial? Definitely. But interesting enough for me to post it here for you to see. 

The image below was sent to me by someone with a much better eye than mine!

They have compared an RMS artist's impression to a photo taken in approximately the same location by lining up buildings on opposite sides of Thompson Square as reference points in the RMS image.

Councillor Peter Reynolds
Hawkesbury City Council.
January 10, 2018
NB; 'Design Indicative Only' stamped on RMS's 'Artists Impression'

The Pittwater Regatta Is Back In 2018!

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport, invites you to the return of the Pittwater Broken Bay Regatta, to be held over the weekend of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February, 2018. 

This is a great regatta for offshore and inshore competitors alike, with post racing celebrations, crew BBQ, including live music, held at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.

This Grand Prix Regatta is perfect for IRC, PHS, One Design and Sports Boats incorporating the Etchells World Qualifying Series.

Offshore windward/leeward courses will be held in the Broken Bay Offshore Zone for the Premier and Performance classes, with the One Design and Sports Boats racing inshore on Pittwater.

Berthing is included in the regatta entry fee - please contact the Waterfront staff at waterfront@rpayc.com.au for all berthing enquiries.

Enter online today and join in this exciting grand prix regatta competing with members from other Sydney and NSW Yacht Clubs, and enjoy a fun weekend on Pittwater.

For more information, including online entries, please visithttp://www.rpayc.com.au/yacht-racing/regatta-and-championships or contact the sailing office at sailing@rpayc.com.au

Planning Proposal - 1-3 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest

NBC have received a Planning Proposal to amend Warringah Local Environmental Plan 2011 (WLEP 2011) to include ‘hotel or motel accommodation’, ‘retail premises’, and ‘residential flat buildings’ as additional permitted uses and amend the Height of Buildings Map to apply a 70 metre maximum building height limit to the site at 1-3 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest.

The Planning Proposal for 1-3 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest is now on exhibition.


The exhibition documents are also available at council’s Customer Service Centres in Dee Why, Manly and Mona Vale.

Make a submission
In writing - addressed to Northern Beaches Council, 725 Pittwater Road, Dee Why NSW 2099 and mark ‘PEX2017/0010’

Any person may make a written submission to Council in relation to the Planning Proposal. If you intend to do so, you should make yourself aware of any obligation you might have in relation to Political Donations and Gifts Disclosure.

Please note that all submissions are public documents and are available to the Applicant or other interested persons on request.

For further information contact Adonna See on 1300 434 434.

Submissions close Sunday 21 January 2017.

Draft Environment SEPP: Urban Bushland

The Berejiklian government has just announced changes that propose to repeal and replace the following State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) with a single Environment SEPP:

• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19—Bushland in Urban Areas - [Manly, Warringah, Pittwater; pages 23 to 32]
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Drinking Water Catchment) 2011
• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 50—Canal Estate Development
• Greater Metropolitan Regional Environmental Plan No. 2—Georges River Catchment
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 20—Hawkesbury-Nepean River (No.2-1997) [*Pittwater and Warringah]
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005
• Willandra Lakes Regional Environmental Plan No. 1—World Heritage Property.

Aimed at reducing 'red tape' and 'streamlining' NSW's planning system, some changes are commended such as protecting Sydney Harbour's natural assets by prohibiting new canal estates.

However other changes will enable development in sensitive areas that are currently protected.

Designed to marry up with other planning instruments, such as the controversial Biodiversity Act 2016, the changes also give greater effect to Ministerial Directions.

The changes also propose to revise the term ‘bushland zoned or reserved for public open space purposes’ to ‘public bushland’. This includes all land that is zoned non-rural, and owned or managed by a council or a public authority, or reserved for acquisition for open space or environmental conservation by a council or a public authority, and that has vegetation which meets a clear definition of bushland.

From • Draft Environment SEPP (PDF: 6.215 MB):
State Environmental Planning Policy No 19 – Bushland in Urban Areas (SEPP 19)
  • The majority of the provisions of SEPP 19 will be transferred to SEPP (Environment). These provisions will be updated and some will be transferred to a Ministerial Direction.
  • Update council names to reflect recent council amalgamations and boundary changes.
  • Extend its land application to cover local government areas that are currently partly outside the application of SEPP 19 including parts of Hawkesbury and Central Coast local government areas.
  • Transfer plan making provisions in SEPP 19 to a Ministerial Direction.
  • A new circular on Urban Bushland is being finalised for consultation. It has been developed to provide further information and detail regarding the application of SEPP 19. This circular will replace planning Circulars No. B13 and No. 114. 
Creating a new Ministerial Direction – Urban Bushland
SEPP 19 contains provisions for the preparation of local environmental plans in clause 10. The clause ensures that when a council is drafting local environmental plan provisions for any land to which SEPP 19 applies, other than rural land, it considers the general and specific aims of the SEPP, and gives priority to retaining bushland unless significant environmental, economic, or social benefits arise which outweigh the value of the bushland. This should be transferred to a
new Ministerial Direction as it is the appropriate mechanism to guide plan making. No current direction adequately covers urban bushland in the same way. Urban bushland exists across many different zones, therefore Ministerial Direction 2.1 – Environmental Protection Zones, is not appropriate to address public urban bushland of the type protected by SEPP 19.

The new Ministerial Direction is intended to function largely the same way as clause 10 of SEPP 19. As currently, the direction will apply when a planning authority is preparing a planning proposal for land to which the Urban Bushland provisions of SEPP (Environment) apply.

Critically the current SEPP (no 19) SEPP 19 extends 'beyond the protection of environmental values of bushland by identifying 'the need to protect the aesthetic and community values as well as the recreational, educational and scientific values of this resource'.

The proposed SEPP also enables the Roads and Maritime Services, to undertake the subdivision of foreshore lands in order ‘to lawfully reclaim Sydney Harbour land’ and redefine the ‘heads of consideration for consent authorities when assessing Development Applications on Foreshore lands.

The changes also include amending the aim of the Harbour Regional Environmental Plan that ensures Sydney is a ‘working harbour’ to enable a range of recreational, transport, tourism and commercial uses. Greater flexibility to 'mooring pens' is also proposed, which are currently prohibited.

Other changes include transferring heritage provisions to the relevant local environmental plan, thereby reducing the protection of heritage assets.

In addition, concerns have been flagged that moving the prohibition of extractive industries in parts of the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment to the SEPP for Mining, Petroleum and Extractive Industries - and moving the Sydney Opera House provisions in the Harbour Regional Environmental Plan to SEPP (State Significant Precincts) effectively reduces the current protections.

The changes are on exhibition for public comment until the 15 January*.

_______________________
*page 26:
Provisions to be updated and moved to Ministerial Directions
Provisions within the Hawkesbury Nepean Regional Environmental Plan related to local plan making will be updated and are to be moved to a new Ministerial Direction.

The following current provisions contain plan making guidance suited to a Ministerial Direction:
• Clause 3 ‘Aim of This Plan’
• Part 2 ‘General Planning Considerations, Specific Planning Policies and Recommended Strategies’
• Clause 6(3) ‘Water Quality’
• Clause 6(10) (a) ‘Urban Development’ - rezoning or subdivision of land
• Clause 6(11) ‘Recreation and Tourism’.

Other aspects of Clause 6, such as water quality, total catchment management, biodiversity and environmentally sensitive
areas will be transferred to the proposed new SEPP.

Have your say on the Explanation of Intended Effect for the proposed Environment SEPP until 31 January 2018 (NB changed date for submissions/feedback)
 
• Or write to:

Director, Planning Frameworks
Department of Planning and Environment 
GPO Box 39 
Sydney NSW 2001

Draft Environment SEPP

October 31, 2017: NSW Dept. of Planning and Environment
• Draft Environment SEPP (PDF: 6.215 MB)
The Explanation of Intended Effect for the Environment SEPP is on exhibition from 31 October 2017 until the 15 January 2018.
 
The NSW government has been working towards developing a new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) for the protection and management of our natural environment. These areas are important to communities in delivering opportunities for physical health, economic security and cultural identity.
 
This consolidated SEPP proposes to simplify the planning rules for a number of water catchments, waterways, urban bushland, and Willandra Lakes World Heritage Property. These environmental policies will be accessible in one location, and updated to reflect changes that have occurred since the creation of the original policies.
 
The Department of Planning and Environment is seeking your feedback on the proposed SEPP to update and improve the planning framework in regards to these environmental issues. This is discussed in the Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for the proposed Environment SEPP.
 
Changes proposed include consolidating the following seven existing SEPPs:

• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19 – Bushland in Urban Areas
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Drinking Water Catchment) 2011
• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 50 – Canal Estate Development
• Greater Metropolitan Regional Environmental Plan No. 2 – Georges River Catchment
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 20 – Hawkesbury-Nepean River (No.2-1997)
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005
• Willandra Lakes Regional Environmental Plan No. 1 – World Heritage Property.
 
Changes are also proposed to the Standard Instrument – Principal Local Environmental Plan. Some provisions of the existing policies will be transferred to new Section 117 Local Planning Directions where appropriate.
 
The EIE outlines changes to occur, implementation details, and the intended outcome. It considers the existing SEPPs proposed to be repealed and explains why certain provisions will be transferred directly to the new SEPP, amended and transferred, or repealed due to overlaps with other areas of the NSW planning system.
 
 

Have your say on the Explanation of Intended Effect for the proposed Environment SEPP until 31 January 2018

We welcome your feedback on the Explanation of Intended Effect and encourage you to have your say.
 
• Or write to:

Director, Planning Frameworks
Department of Planning and Environment 
GPO Box 39 
Sydney NSW 2001

Better Community Engagement With Major Projects

16.01.2018: Departmental Media Release - Department of Planning and Environment
Community Consultative Committees (CCCs) for state significant projects will be strengthened after the Department of Planning and Environment appointed a group of high-calibre candidates to chair these important forums for enhancing community engagement.

Acting Executive Director Mike Young said the Department selected the independent Chairs after a rigorous and transparent recruitment process.

"We are pleased to announce the appointment of 27 chairpersons to the pool of independent experts who will now be available to chair CCCs across NSW. 

"The successful candidates bring extensive knowledge and experience of community issues, planning regulation, and state significant projects, and will ensure CCCs are run effectively," Mr Young said.

"As advisory forums, CCCs have long provided an important link between communities and the proponents of state significant projects, especially in the mining and wind farm sectors. 

"Last year, we published new CCC guidelines to make the committees more independent by enabling the Department to vet and appoint the chairpersons of these committees.

"We also expanded the scope for CCCs so they can now be established much earlier in the assessment process, and for any state significant projects including road, rail, industry and large residential projects."

Mr Young said the committees create a forum for community members and proponents to share information and address issues about state significant projects.

"State significant projects are large, complex, and can have major economic, social and environmental impacts over a long period," Mr Young said.

"The new chairs will be heavily involved in the appointment of community members to CCCs, promote effective communication between all members on projects, and mediate any disputes that may arise."

For more information about the 27 chairpersons, or for a copy of theCCC Guidelines visit the Department's website.

Electronic Land Contracts

Have your Say: NSW Government
The Office the Registrar General invites feedback on ways that digital technology and electronic signatures can make land transactions more efficient and secure.

NSW is transitioning to an electronic system for settling conveyancing matters and for the lodgement and registration of land dealings.

Some parts of a property transaction still rely heavily on paper, with some contracts and agreements needing ‘wet’ signatures.

The government wants to help industries involved in the conveyancing process to move into the digital environment. It is exploring ways to overcome perceived barriers to a completely paperless process while ensuring consumers who want to sign electronically are protected.

The Office of the Registrar General has released a discussion paperexamining ways to harness new technology in land contracts and to enable complete electronic property transactions. The paper looks at removing legal obstacles for digital transactions and providing more certainty around electronic signature and witnessing requirements.

Have your say

There are two ways you can submit your feedback.

Mail: Electronic Contracts Review
Office of the Registrar General
McKell Building
2-24 Rawson Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Have your say by 16 February 2018.

More Information
Email: Amy Stiles
Phone: 9372 9095
Consultation Website (PDF Doc: 904.05kb)

Cultural Infrastructure In NSW

Have Your Say: NSW Government
The Cultural Infrastructure Program Management Office (CIPMO) is seeking feedback from the community and sector about arts and cultural spaces in NSW.

In April 2017, the CIPMO in the Arts, Screen & Culture Division was established to provide a coordinated response to the planning and delivery of cultural infrastructure in NSW.

This office, one of the first of its kind, works in partnership with Create NSW to ensure appropriate infrastructure facilities are developed and maintained to support the growing arts and cultural sector across metropolitan and regional NSW.

Have your say
If you are from the general community and would like to share your opinions about arts and cultural spaces in NSW, you're invited to participate in a short five-minute survey.

If you are part of the arts and cultural sector, you're invited to participate in a short 10-minute survey covering five key directions around cultural infrastructure.

Have your say by 11 February 2018.

More Information
Email: Project Leader
Phone: 8289 6564

Draft Affordable Housing SEPP 70 Review

December 15, 2017: NSW Dept. of Planning and Environment
State Environmental Planning Policy No. 70 Affordable Housing (Revised Schemes) encourages the development of new affordable housing.
SEPP 70 Affordable Housing (Revised Schemes) is a mechanism that allows specified councils to prepare an affordable housing contribution scheme for certain precincts, areas or developments associated with an upzoning within their local government area. Schemes currently operate in the City of Sydney at Green Square, Ultimo-Pyrmont and the Southern Employment Lands.
 
An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for SEPP 70 is currently on exhibition and open for public comment until 31 January 2018. The EIE proposes the inclusion of five Councils – Randwick City, Inner West, Northern Beaches, City of Ryde and City of Canada Bay.
 
Each council has undertaken an analysis of the need for affordable housing within their local government area to support their application for inclusion in SEPP 70. Links to these documents are available below:
Randwick City Council
Inner West Council
Northern Beaches Council (Northern Beaches Affordable Housing Need Analysis Dec. 2016.(PDF - automatically downloads: 382.29kb)
City of Ryde Council
City of Canada Bay
 
We invite you to comment on the proposed changes to SEPP 70 until the 31 January 2018

Or write to:
Director, Housing & Infrastructure Policy
Department of Planning and Environment,
GPO Box 39,
Sydney NSW 2001
 
Published submissions will include your name and the organisation on whose behalf you may be writing. Contact details such as email and postal addresses, and telephone numbers are not published. The Department reserve the right to not publish selected submissions (in full or part).
 
 
For further information please email information@planning.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 305 695. 

Supporting documents
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF: 406.77 kb)

Pittwater International Women's Day Breakfast

Wednesday 7 March 2018
hosted by Zonta Club of Northern Beaches

This breakfast marks International Women's Day. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.​ ​It's a day to acknowledge women's contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place.  Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The 2018 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater.

The delightful location at the RPAYC looks over the waters of Pittwater and across to Bayview and Scotland Island. Everyone is invited to attend and men are particularly welcome. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Booking details below.

Mona Vale Performance Space: Expression Of Interest For Committee Members

NBC are inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified community members for the membership of the Advisory Committee for the Mona Vale Performance Space Project.

The purpose of the Committee is to assist council in an advisory role for the purposes of developing a feasibility study and detailed business case, including a business plan for the construction and operation of the project to ensure the project’s viability.

The community members are required to have specialist skills in the development of new government infrastructure and/or community projects. Knowledge of performance venues, the performing arts, car parks and commercial retail development is highly desirable.

A community engagement strategy will be developed with the Committee to facilitate, engage and enable communication between the community and stakeholders, with an interest in the development and for the use of the performance space, with the NBC and the Department of Education and Training (DET).

The Committee will meet approximately four times a year.

For more information please view:
The Charter and Terms of Reference (automatically downloads PDF: 333.96kb)
For queries please contact Governance on 1300 434 434 or email:

Committee nominations close Wednesday 24 January 2018

NBC Information on:
Stage 1 - Development of Feasibility Study and Business Case

The objectives for Stage 1 of the project include:
  • To develop a feasibility study for the proposed Mona Vale Performance Space to test the viability and achievability of the proposed project.
  • To develop a business case for the proposed Mona Vale Performance Space in order to understand the potential cost for construction and future management and operation of the project.
  • To initiate a charitable trust that can receive donations for the construction of the centre.
  • To actively engage with the community to gauge and garner their support and buy-in for the project.
  • To understand costs of the operation and lifecycle of the venue for the future.
  • To determine the most suitable location for the Performance Space.
Background
The Art, Culture and Heritage Strategic Reference Group Directions Paper (April 2017) identified the community's desire to have a musical performance space in the Northern Beaches community and a Social Plan was developed to further this idea.

Concept plans for an auditorium were developed as part of a civic and cultural precinct in the Mona Vale Place Plan and further to this plan, the opportunity has arisen for a potential site at the Mona Vale Public School. This concept was originally proposed around 2014 and now has gained further support from various stakeholders including the Department of Education and Training (DET) that have offered school land at the corner of Bungan and Waratah Streets, Mona Vale.

Currently a high level project scope for the community performance space includes -
  • an auditorium 600 – 1000 seats
  • stage size for concert orchestra 15m x 10m
  • warm up and rehearsal spaces
  • technical attributes – low tech
  • funding approximately $20M
  • potential retail/ commercial use
  • underground carpark

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Dasher

AGE/SEX: 2 years / M
BREED: Staffy X Teddy Bear

Dasher is a lovely friendly boy. He is social with other dogs and has good social manners. Dasher has energy but he is not over the top. He has a sweet nature with people and walks well on lead. Dasher would also be suitable around older children as he can snatch treats and jump up. He has short very soft coat, quite unlike a staffy and we are not sure what is in him. He weighs 20kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400. 

For further details or to meet all dogs at DoggieRescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

The DoggieRescue E-Magazine is now available online! 

January 2018 Issue:

New Sydney Planning Panel Chairs Announced

15.01.2018: Departmental Media Release - Department of Planning and Environment
Community and business leaders have been appointed to Chair the Sydney Planning Panels to help build on their strengths to make decisions on major development proposals.
 
The Chairs will commence their roles today following a rigorous selection process.
 
The Department of Planning and Environment’s Executive Director of Regions, Steve Murray, said the new Chairs will bring a high level of expertise to the panels.
 
“After careful consideration, the Sydney Planning Panels have been appointed new Chairs, having demonstrated that they have the skills, experience and acumen that makes them the top picks for the job,” Mr Murray said.
 
“The decisions made by the Sydney Planning Panels will be independent and based on the merits of the proposals that are put before them.”
 
The new Planning Panel Chairs are:
 
The Hon. Carl Scully — Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel
Mr Justin Doyle — Sydney Western City Planning Panel
Professor Helen Lochhead — Sydney South Planning Panel
Mr Peter Debnam — Sydney North Planning Panel
 
The new Chair of the Sydney Central Planning Panel is in the final stages of
appointment and is expected to be determined in the coming weeks. In the interim other members of this Panel will act as the Chair.
 
The five independent Sydney Planning Panels make decisions about significant development proposals in their region.
 
The new chairs have been appointed because the roles of Sydney Planning Panel Chair and District Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission have been separated.
 
“The separation of these roles will allow the district commissioners to focus on setting the strategic direction for their district through the Greater Sydney Commission’s district plans,” Mr Murray said.
 
“The new Chairs will also be able to focus entirely on the detailed development proposals that come before them for decision by the planning panels.”
 
The appointments followed a comprehensive, state-wide expression of interest process and consideration of 70 applications by a selection panel.
 
The planning panels are independent bodies that make decisions on significant developments and modification applications.
 
Currently, the projects they assess are valued over $20 million but from the 1st March that threshold will be increased to $30 million.
 
The panels also act as the relevant planning authority in some decisions when directed by the Minister for Planning or the Greater Sydney Commission, undertake rezoning reviews, and provide advice on planning and development matters when requested.

Biographies
The Hon. Carl Scully — Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel 
A former minister of the NSW parliament, Mr Scully’s career spans more than 30 years in the public and private sectors.

He practised law for seven years before embarking on a 17-year political career. For almost 12 of those years he served in ministerial positions involved in the delivery of major infrastructure projects including the portfolios of public works and services, roads and transport, and housing.
He returned to the private sector in 2007 where he has worked for WorleyParsons, most recently as director of International Business Development. In 2015, he was appointed as Chair of the NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council.
 
Mr Justin Doyle — Sydney Western City Planning Panel
Mr Doyle is a lawyer focused on planning and environment law, with 11 years’ experience as a practicing barrister, and 10 years before that as a solicitor. He has been the lead counsel for a team of barristers acting for the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure in cases on the land at Badgerys Creek to allow for the development of Western Sydney Airport.
His work also includes land contamination issues and the redevelopment of the former James Hardie asbestos plant which includes negotiations with the Department of Lands and Parramatta Council.
 
Professor Helen Lochhead — Sydney South Planning Panel
For more than 20 years Prof Lochhead has combined university teaching with her practice as an architect specialising in complex large-scale projects. She is currently Dean of the Faculty of the Built Environment at the University of NSW. Prior to that her career focused on the planning and delivery of major projects ranging from a five-year city improvements program for the City of Sydney to major urban regeneration projects.
Prof Lochhead has extensive experience on university, government and industry committees, panels and boards, most notably as the National Board of the Australian Institute of Architects, Central Sydney Planning Committee, Sydney Harbour Design Review Panel and the NSW Heritage Council.
 
Mr Peter Debnam — Sydney North Planning Panel
Mr Debnam served as leader of the opposition of the NSW parliament as well as holding several shadow ministerial positions including shadow minister for planning and urban affairs and housing from 1997 to 1999.
Before politics Mr Debnam had broad management experience starting with his military service followed by business development and general management in the aerospace and rural service industries. He completed an MBA in 1993.

Since leaving politics in 2011, Mr Debnam has contributed to charities and not for profit organisations including as the Chair of NSW Kids in Need Foundation Limited, The Muscular Dystrophy Association of NSW, and the Advisory Board of Our Big Kitchen Limited.
______________________

Mr. Debnam - Extra
Peter Debnam's early years of schooling were at Frenchs Forest Public School and The Forest High School. He was educated at the Royal Australian Naval College, where he graduated in 1974. He served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1972 to 1980. During his Naval career, Mr. Debnam served on many ships including the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, destroyer escort HMAS Torrens, destroyers HMAS Vampire and HMAS Anzac and patrol boats HMAS Attack and HMAS Barricade. After leaving the Navy, Debnam studied at the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, where he gained an MBA. He held positions at Dalgety Farmers Limited, Hawker de Havilland and Australian Aircraft Consortium before entering politics.

In 1994 Mr. Debnam was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly as Liberal member for Vaucluse. The following year the Liberal government was defeated by Labor under Bob Carr. Between 1997 and 2005 he was successively Shadow Minister for Housing and for Planning and Urban Affairs, Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Transport, Shadow Minister for Police and Shadow Minister for Transport Services.

Following John Brogden's sudden resignation as Liberal Leader in August 2005, the Deputy Leader, Barry O'Farrell, was initially the favourite to become leader, but Mr. Debnam steadily gained ground as he lobbied Liberal MPs, and on 31 August O'Farrell withdrew from the contest.

2005 was also the year the Liberal Party lost their Pittwater seat to Independent Alex McTaggart, on the 26th of November 2005.

Mr. Peter Debnam led the Liberal/National coalition to defeat in the 2007 state election. The Coalition gained a total of four seats from Labor and independents—too few to significantly reduce Labor's majority. Following the election, his deputy, Barry O'Farrell, announced he would challenge Mr. Debnam for the Liberal leadership. When it was apparent that Debnam did not have enough support to keep his post, he withdrew from the contest on 2 April 2007, effectively handing the leadership to O'Farrell. On 11 April 2007 Mr. O'Farrell appointed Mr. Debnam as opposition infrastructure and energy spokesman. He resigned in May 2008 because of his party's decision to support the Labor Government's plan to privatise the electricity system.

He retired from Parliament prior to the 2011 state election.

Australia Council's Latest Funding Round Supports Close To  200 Projects, With Strong Success By Female Artists

The $6.4 million funding in the October core grants round will support 118 individual artists, 27 groups, and 51 arts organisations.

This round saw strong outcomes for female artists, particularly in music, with 56% of grants awarded to women or groups including women. This is particularly encouraging in light of the Council’s recent research report Making Art Work which found that on average female artists earn 25% less than male artists and earn 30% less from their creative work.

Australia Council CEO Tony Grybowski said that this funding round would benefit local and international audiences with a large number of live performance projects being successful.

“Many of the projects funded include international components which will expand artistic and commercial opportunities for Australian artists and strengthen our international reputation for producing great art and artists, as well as sharing Australian stories with global audiences,” Mr Grybowski said.

The Australia Council received  a total of 1,423 applications in the latest core grants round, spanning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts, Community Arts and Cultural Development, Dance, Emerging and Experimental Arts, Literature, Multi-art form, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts.

In addition to the $6.4 million in core grants delivered through the October round approximately $3.3 million was invested in other targeted programs and initiatives including International Residencies, Visual Art and Craft Strategy funding to individuals, Playing Australia and the Contemporary Music Touring Program.

The Council’s core grants program continues to attract a high proportion of first time applicants, enabling a diverse range of artists and arts organisations to access support.

Australia Council grant applications are assessed by panels of expert peers from across the country who bring deep artistic knowledge and industry experience. Of the 129 peers involved in assessing the latest round, 35% were based in regional and remote areas, 21% identified as culturally and linguistically diverse, 17% identified as First Nations, and 5% identified as people with disability.

Applications for the next grants round close on Tuesday 6th February 2018. Visit: 

Public Consultation For Improving Disability Resident Protections In Supported Group Accommodation

12 January, 2018: NSW Dept. of Family & Community Services
The NSW Government wants to hear from you on how we can improve resident protections for people with disability living in supported group accommodation.

To participate, read one or more of the consultation papers and then send us your feedback by:
  • answering an online survey (approximately 15-20 minutes)
  • emailing a response
  • writing a letter to the Department of Family and Community Services.
The consultation is open to anyone but we especially want to hear from:
  • people with disability in NSW who are living in supported group accommodation their families and guardians
  • peak body and advocacy groups
  • people and organisations of the disability and housing sector.
The public consultation period runs until Friday 2 March 2018.

The NSW Government will release a final report in June 2018.

Visit www.facs.nsw.gov.au/residentrights for more information about the consultation and how to be involved.

RAHS History House Open Day: Pot Luck History And Book Sale

January 26 2018 @ 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
History House, 133 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: Free

Call into History House between 10am and 4pm on Australia Day for a chance to visit our beautiful heritage building. While you are visiting, check out our Book Fair and listen to historians speaking about the events, people and places that contributed to Australia's history. 

There will be interesting ten minute talks every half hour between 11.30am and 3pm. There is no need to book, just turn up.
More information, please click here

Consultation On Key Turnbull Government Housing Measures

12 January 2018: Media Release - The Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, Minister for Revenue and Financial Services
Acting Treasurer, the Hon Kelly O'Dwyer MP, today released for public consultation exposure draft legislation to establish a new corporate Commonwealth entity, the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC), to improve housing outcomes for Australians.

The NHFIC, which is due to commence operations on 1 July 2018, is an important part of the Government's Reducing Pressure on Housing Affordability plan announced in the 2017‑18 Budget.

The Bill provides the NHFIC, which will be a financial intermediary, with broad functions to enable it to administer:
  • a $1 billion National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF) which will help to finance critical infrastructure to increase the stock of housing, particularly affordable housing; and
  • an affordable housing bond aggregator which will improve the efficiency of financing for community housing providers, enabling them to improve housing outcomes for their clients.
The exposure draft Bill reflects significant consultation on the broad design features of the NHFIC, including through a consultation paper in September-October 2017 and roundtables with interested stakeholders in each State and Territory.

Key aspects of the Bill are:
  • The NHFIC will be established as a corporate Commonwealth entity, governed by an independent, skills-based part-time Board consisting of a Chair and between four and six other members.
  • The Government will issue an Investment Mandate to sit alongside the Bill that will outline its expectations about the performance of the NHFIC's functions, including decision-making criteria and risk and return on investments, but may not direct the NHFIC in relation to specific investments.
  • Liabilities of the NHFIC will be guaranteed by the Commonwealth.
  • The Bill outlines the functions and powers of the NHFIC and its Board and Chief Executive Officer and it provides the capacity for the Board to establish committees to assist it.
  • The operation of the Bill will be reviewed three years after its commencement.
An exposure draft of the Investment Mandate, providing details of the NHIF and bond aggregator (including eligibility) will be released for public consultation in the coming weeks.

Stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft Bill and associated explanatory material available on the Treasury websiteSubmissions may be made by 9.00am on Monday 22 January 2018.

Coaches & Managers Invite For 2018

Newport Rugby Club
Newport Breakers Rugby Club is advertising for senior coaches and managers for the 2018 season. Newport Rugby Club is a leading 3rd Division NSW sub-districts club.

The club fields 3x grade sides and 1x colts side and has enjoyed recent on field success with 2 grand finals (2nd and 3rd grade) and a premiership in 2017 (3rd grade).

The club has a strong playing roster and boasts rich traditions, a strong financial position and an organised, experienced and passionate committee and supporter base.

The club is based out of arguably Australia’s best suburban rugby ground, Porter’s Reserve, which overlooks Newport Beach. We also boast one of Australia’s largest junior clubs with over 400 junior players. Applications are invited for the following positions:

First Grade – Head Coach, Forwards Coach, Backs Coach, Manager.
Second Grade – Head Coach, Forwards Coach, Backs Coach, Manager.
Third Grade – Coach, Manager.This year, we’re looking to build on recent finals appearances and convert into premierships.

The coaches’ roles will include:
  • Leading by example to promote an inclusive, committed and united club culture. 
  • Raising the skill level of new and existing players.
  • All club positions are volunteer appointments; however a small honorarium may be available depending on experience 
  • Innovative coaches with the ability to plan, design, implement and review training programs consistent to ensure player development and enjoyment.
  • Player roster, game day and mid week administration and management duties.
  • Working with the committee and players to promote the playing, social and community objectives of the club.
The head coach will be supported by a player manager to assist with administration of the team and various support staff.

All applicants must be Smart Rugby compliant.
Applicants should email a brief coaching and playing history, coaching qualification details and a description of what they can bring to Newport Rugby Club to... heath.radel@suncorp.com.au.

For more information, call Heath on 0429 660 439. All club positions are volunteer appointments; however a small honorarium may be available depending on experience.

Residents Want 'Welcome To Pittwater' Sign Returned

Pittwater Online has been contacted by a number of residents this week expressing their dismay that the 'Welcome to Pittwater' sign as you come along Wakehurst Parkway has disappeared.

Although many of the former Pittwater Council logos are disappearing or being scrubbed out from the names of wharves, obviously to be replaced by the new 'design', readers have expressed this cheery sign made them many feel welcomed and gave those returning home a boost after a long day.

As Pittwater is now a Ward, with different boundaries, the wish expressed is that such a sign may be returned and placed where the new lines mark Pittwater's circumference so that good cheer may continue.
The Old
 The New?

Call For National Heritage List Nominations

Media release - The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, Minister for the Environment and Energy
Nominations are now open for places of outstanding natural, Indigenous or historic significance to the nation for possible inclusion on our National Heritage List.

“Our prestigious National Heritage List celebrates and protects places that reflect our unique landscapes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and development as a nation,” said the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, Minister for the Environment and Energy.

“The List currently includes more than 100 sites from across Australia and its territories, ranging from icons such as Bondi Beach, Fraser Island and Kakadu National Park to lesser-known gems such as the Dirk Hartog’s Landing Site, Darlington Probation Station, Mount William Stone Hatchet Quarry, Witjira-Dalhousie Springs and the High Court-National Gallery Precinct.”

“Each year, more places are added to the List as our national story unfolds and understanding of our heritage deepens.”

Nominations are open until 26 February 2016 and will be considered by the Australian Heritage Council before a final list of places to be assessed in 2018-19 is developed. As part of that assessment process, there will be further opportunities for public comment on each proposed listing.

Nominations of natural, Indigenous and historic places with significant heritage value for possible Commonwealth heritage listing are also being sought.

Petition: Save Ingleside From Over-Development

PROPOSED INGLESIDE DEVELOPMENT
We the undersigned, write in connection with the above proposal and wish to object strongly and respectfully to the development of the area in the proposed manner.

Ingleside is a dispersed settlement where development proposals should be considered very carefully: infilling could ruin the character of the area but estate development will not only overwhelm it but also overwhelm the vast majority of residents living from Narrabeen to Palm Beach who will travel through or near Ingleside every day.

Naturally, we understand that the State Government has a determined growth strategy. However, the overwhelming increase in immediate population and thoroughfare traffic will have a devastating effect upon the existing population who live here and contribute to Sydney as a city and as a defined demographic already. 

Pressure for the development in the region is considerable, mainly for housing city commuters, but has been successfully resisted for more than 30 years for the same reasons as now. The infrastructure was not in place and as can be seen by the impact of development in Warriewood, remains at an unsupportive level. The reasons for rejecting those schemes also included the inadequacy of the minor roads apart from Mona Vale Road to accommodate even small increases in traffic. 

Reference is made to the over one thousand comments on the supporting website, mostly by residents of Pittwater external to the immediate area of Ingleside who have failed to have a voice but as your constituents have equal right to be represented as bearing the impact of the development.
With the above in mind, we request that the development be reviewed to take into account the residents of Pittwater, whom you represent. Rather than telling them why it will be good for them, consider the voice of the residents and understand why it will be bad for them. 

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Searching For William John Gibbons

We are endeavouring to trace an early member of our family - a William John Gibbons.

We believe that my wife's grandfather, a William John Gibbons, lived on Scotland Island in the latter part of his life. It is understood that he commuted to and from the mainland to his place of employment, he may have been a journalist.

William's wife was Mary Eliza Gibbons who outlived William and later remarried Ernest Gotwald.

William died on September 13, 1912 in Newtown hospital. Family oral history believed that William was involved in some boating accident 7 days earlier and had subsequently died in hospital as result of his immersion.

We would be very grateful if there is any person who might have some knowledge of the unfortunate demise of William and be willing to share this with our family. Right now we have no verification that William  did actually  reside on Scotland Island nor that he actually did die as the result of a boating mishap.

John Blair
50 Hoffschildt Drive
Currumbin Waters. QLD. 4223
Ph: 07 5598 5960 or 0427 393 626

Planning Alerts


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Course For A Cause At Avalon

Just beyond the Bilgola Bends as you are about to enter the Avalon Village, nestled in behind a strip of nature that separates it from the often busy Barrenjoey Road – you have the Royal Avalon Golf Course.

Not only 9 holes of golf open to the public every day of the year, with no membership required but also one of the best located venues available for hire on the Northern Beaches, or even Sydney!

Recently we have begun a program called “Course for a Cause”. The initiative is designed to help local charities by offering free use of our facilities to raise money and/or awareness for a worthy cause.

Do you have a cause close to your heart?
Nominate your charity to become part of this program by calling 9918 2606 or emailing manager@avalongolfcourse.com.au

If you don’t want to play golf, but are still after a venue for your function, the clubhouse is available for extended hours. So with plenty of parking on sight, the time of day shouldn’t be a problem when promoting your personal cause.

If you don’t have a charity, but are still looking for somewhere to party, the clubhouse can be hired to celebrate all kinds of occasions.

The bar is available and serving some of your favourite beer and wine, or take advantage of our BYO option.

Day time events can always incorporate games to raise some extra money with the practice putting green beside the clubhouse being utilised for competitions or a bit of fun for the kids.

If you are interested in our Course for a Cause initiative OR would just like to hire Avalon Golf Course and clubhouse for a function, please emailmanager@avalongolfcourse.com.au or call 9918 2606


Red Cross Shop Newport

The Newport Red Cross shop desperately needs your quality, discarded clothing items. Now that spring is almost springing, perhaps you are all set to 'declutter' your offshore abode. But what to do with all those gems that are no longer you. Well donate them of course. The Red Cross shop at Newport is very excited to receive your cast offs. We also take small household items but alas, no electrical or furniture. 

Did you know that all profits from Red Cross shops stay in Australia? Profits from Red Cross shops support worthy programmes like providing breakfast for school kids, Telecross - a daily call to elderly people in need of contact, youth services, disaster relief, mental health services and much, much more.

Should you need assistance please feel free to call me or just leave your items in our boat. We live on the northern side of Lovett Bay between Now and Zen and Therese and John. The house is called 'Foreshore' and our boat is a Stabicraft for purposes of identification! 

Don't hesitate to call in to the Newport Red Cross shop with your donations - close to Woolworths petrol station at 334 Barrenjoey Rd Newport or call Lesley Scott to help with donations - 0410 687864


January 14 - 20, 2018: Issue 343

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 343: 

Polo By The Sea 2018: Over A Hundred Years Of Loving This Game In Pittwater

Newport's Pool To Peak Swims Commence One For Younger Swimmers: Three More In Pittwater Ocean Swim Series To Come: Mona Vale January 21st, The Big Swim January 28th, Avalon postponed to April 8th

News From The Nesting Box: January 2018 by Lesley Stevens

Frantic Digs Deep To Take Line Honours In The Club Marine Pittwater To Paradise Regatta 2018

Pictures: Summer in Pittwater 2018: A mix of what's been happening during the first few weeks of 2018, including some stunners from regular Contributors!

Aquatics: NOPSEMA Acceptance Decision for Seismic Testing off Newcastle and Central Coast Paves Way for Gas Exploration in our Waters

A Broken Boom Could Not Stop An Emotional Return For Kialoa II by Bruce Montgomery, RSHYR

Reflections by George Repin: CAFÉ CENTRAL – VIENNA

DIY Ideas Summer De-bug; Mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches and ants - how to keep the outdoors insects where they belong.

Food: Summer Vegetable: Beetroot - currently in season, the humble and ancient beetroot. If you can't get enough of them and are looking for some new ways to enjoy them, a few ideas follow; Carrot and beetroot fritters, Beetroot, Goats Cheese & Walnut Salad, Beetroot Hummus, Chocolate Beetroot Cake. Plus: New Research Finds Sweet Cherries Can Help Reduce Weight Gain

Profile: Be Brave Artspace

Unit 15, 5-7 Careel Head Road
Avalon, New South Wales
Wednesday to Sunday: 10 am to 4pm

Be Brave Artspace is a new Gallery and Studio in Avalon showcasing talented artists and inspiring those in the community who share a passion for colour, form and creativity.

Be Brave Artspace was an idea that grew out of a love of all things creative. The gallery opened it's doors on December 1st 2017. 
On street level a light, spacious gallery is set to deliver dynamic exhibitions of local and Sydney based artists.  Downstairs there is a workshop and studio for creators to be bold and fearless, a space where artists can exhibit, create, connect and be inspired. 

Tina Berkeley is the lady who has opened the Be Brave Artspace. We caught up with her this week to find out more.

History:  Pittwater Fishermen: Barrenjuie Days from six weeks after Europeans landed here until a few years ago, fishing off this landmark has been the site historic moments in our fishing development

Artist of the Month: January 2018  Robyn McWilliam's Malevolent Desire - Published by Rob McWilliam on Amazon also available as an e-bookReviewed by:  Pippa Kay; If you are looking for a fast-paced read this book is for you. The reader is drawn into the suspense because the author makes us care about the characters, despite their flaws. Sanderson, the hard-drinking detective, loses his best friend and colleague and blames himself. Initially he doesn’t get on with his new side-kick, Fyurk. Jill, the academic, with her insecurities, is sympathetically drawn, and the victim’s friends and fellow students are an interesting but credible group of university students. Chapter.1 Sample and More available here

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 12/1/2018 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

VALE BRIGITTE MAHLER MILLS

Remembering Brigitte
The West Pittwater Community has lost a champion. Many will know that on Monday evening (8 January 2018, 3 weeks before her 62nd birthday) Brigitte Mahler-Mills peacefully passed away. She was with family and the haunting and beautiful sounds of Dr Yunupingu. She will be missed by many and the community’s deep condolences go to Andrew, Anthony and Justin and the wider family and to all who knew her.  

The family called her Biggi – some called her Briggie (or Briggy) – in messages she was Brigitte or just B. We knew with whom we were corresponding.  

B was the email queen. In 2003 she was elected to the committee of the West Pittwater Community Association and remained there (with a couple of brief absences) until the end. She immediately engaged herself and made her mark by improving communications – the provision of information and the exchange of ideas – among community members and made positive suggestions for spreading information more effectively. She fed a constant stream of helpful suggestions for improvements to the way things are done. She hosted committee meetings in Frog Hollow. A suggestion from 2004 that shows B’s dedication to service of the community was:

* one thing to consider : how not to lose the valuable link to the community that was established last year when individual committee members were assigned to be the contact person for their designated areas. The big advantage being that at short notice we can act efficiently whenever community action is required without putting the burden on just a couple of people  -  as evidenced at the recent petition against the rental increases.

B constantly spurred committee members to action and there is a long electronic trail to prove it.  

The Baywatch magazine had been running for some time, but in early 2004 B produced (by email) the first “Lovett Bay – News”, a message service for her local community. It was the forerunner of BaysNews, which B tirelessly produced and distributed (with a break or two, especially while the West Pittwater Community website was developing) from 28 November 2004 until the end. This was a pioneering venture that required considerable skill and effort and B is to be commended and thanked for devising this way of keeping people informed and in touch – and for keeping it up through thick and thin. B had other work to do and there were many demands on her time.  

B was also a member of the floating Christmas Choir – right up to 2017.  

On 16 December 2017 B was an enthusiastic protester, with about 60 others, against the sneaky activities on the Pasadena site.  

Brigitte was a strong, quietly engaging woman who made an impact on all who knew her. She was intellectually restless and positive. She looked for ways to break down barriers and she was industrious and effective in her work. We have been privileged to know her and will feel her loss. She would no doubt hope (as do we) that the ideas she pursued so strongly will be picked up and carried forward by others. 



IMPORTANT NOTICE !

Due to the predicted strong winds and high seas, we have unfortunately had to postpone ALL ocean swim events this Sunday 14th Jan.  The new date for all Avalon Beach SLSC swims including the AROUND THE BENDS swim is set for Sunday APRIL 8th.

We hope to see you then !

The Pittwater Swims Series with Avalon Beach SLSC hosting their round of swims includes the third ‘destination swim’ in the Pittwater Swim Series, the ‘Around the Bends Challenge’ which sees swimmers leave Newport and swim to Avalon. The inaugural Around the Bends Challenge was held last year in brilliant conditions.

Then follows Avalon's 1km swim, starts at 10.00am and the 1.5kms. at 10.30am.

Bayview Golf Course Seniors Housing DA Lodged

New - Construction of Seniors Housing consisting of 95 units including golf course upgrades and infrastructure works
At: 52 Cabbage Tree Road BAYVIEW NSW 2104 
Application Type:Development Application
Submitted:19/12/2017
Notification Period:10/01/2018 to 12/02/2018
Application Number: DA2017/1274

Make a submission:

Construction and use of seven (7) separate buildings of predominantly 3-4 storeys in height to be operated as a retirement village (within the meaning of the Retirement Villages Act 1999);
− Basement parking for 186 cars, loading and servicing; 
− Landscaping works, including ground level landscaping for the creation of a communal open space area for future residents; and
− Extension/augmentation of services and utilities to service the development.
 Construction of a road facilitating access into the proposed seniors housing development from Cabbage Tree Road and a round-a-bout on Cabbage Tree Road (and associated pedestrian crossing); and
 Construction of an access pathway from the site through to the bus stop on the eastern side of Annam Road.

Mona Vale B-Line Works January 2018

ROAD WORK
In Mona Vale, road work will continue on Barrenjoey Road and Golf Avenue. From 7 January, work will include:
  • finishing work to the bus indent near Village Park
  • traffic island adjustments at the intersection of Pittwater and Barrenjoey Road and Golf Avenue and Park Street including drainage, traffic signal and pavement works
  • asphalting finishing works
CAR PARK WORK
From 7 January, car park work will include:
  • finishing work
  • all remaining work will require closure of up to 8 parking bays
TRAFFIC CHANGES
Traffic conditions will change along Barrenjoey and Pittwater Roads while construction continues. Temporary fencing, traffic control, and signs will be in place for public safety.

DAY WORK
Work will occur at the sites located on the map during the
following hours:
  • 7am to 6pm on Monday to Friday
  • 8am to 1pm on Saturday
NIGHT WORK
Following on from community feedback, we will continue with the revised construction program of working up to five consecutive nights per week followed by two nights’ respite. Working up to five consecutive nights means that we can complete more work in a shorter timeframe, reduce the total number of nights worked in your area and reduce the overall construction timeframe. Working at night is also required for the safety of pedestrians, motorists and workers, whilst minimising traffic impacts. The works schedule is weather dependent and subject to change.

Where night work is happening, site set up activities will start from 7pm. Construction work is scheduled from 9pm and will continue to 6am. Please check the B-Line website for any updates on the night work program in your area. b-line.transport.nsw.gov.au

T3 To Bus Lane Conversion

B-Line;Transport for NSW
T3 lanes on the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore are changing to bus lanes from 15 January 2018

We are replacing sections of the T3 Transit Lane between Balgowlah and Neutral Bay with a bus lane.

The new bus lane will provide frequent and reliable bus services to help keep the Northern Beaches, Lower North Shore and Sydney moving.

The T3 lanes will be changed to bus lanes in the following locations:
  • along Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation (from Condamine Street to Sydney Road)
  • along Spit and Military Roads (from Spit Junction, Mosman to Watson Street, Neutral Bay)
The new bus lanes will operate during the morning peak period from 6am to 10am weekdays.

For more information, visit the maps showing these locations or contact the project team at projects@transport.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 048 751.

The Pittwater Regatta Is Back In 2018!

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport, invites you to the return of the Pittwater Broken Bay Regatta, to be held over the weekend of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February, 2018. 

This is a great regatta for offshore and inshore competitors alike, with post racing celebrations, crew BBQ, including live music, held at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.

This Grand Prix Regatta is perfect for IRC, PHS, One Design and Sports Boats incorporating the Etchells World Qualifying Series.

Offshore windward/leeward courses will be held in the Broken Bay Offshore Zone for the Premier and Performance classes, with the One Design and Sports Boats racing inshore on Pittwater.

Berthing is included in the regatta entry fee - please contact the Waterfront staff at waterfront@rpayc.com.au for all berthing enquiries.

Enter online today and join in this exciting grand prix regatta competing with members from other Sydney and NSW Yacht Clubs, and enjoy a fun weekend on Pittwater.

For more information, including online entries, please visithttp://www.rpayc.com.au/yacht-racing/regatta-and-championships or contact the sailing office at sailing@rpayc.com.au

Extra Funding For Church Point Community Infrastructure

20 December 2017
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced NSW Government funding to construct a new community walkway linking Bayview Heights to Church Point.
 
The $130,000 project has been funded under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program and will provide a formal connection between Captain Hunter Road at Bayview Heights and Quarter Sessions Road at Church Point.
 
The Bayview Church Point Residents Association has developed the project over recent years, with the assistance of Northern Beaches Council, and will complement a range of ongoing infrastructure improvements around the Church Point community precinct.
 
Other initiatives currently being progressed at Church Point with financial support from the NSW Government include extensive car parking and pedestrian upgrades, boardwalk and foreshore improvements around the historic General Store and heritage enhancements around the original church and cemetery site.
 
“This is a fantastic community led project that will improve access and connectivity for local residents,” Rob Stokes said today.
 
“Access between Bayview Heights and Church Point is heavily restricted due to the steep terrain and dense bushland which effectively divides the two areas.
 
“Providing a formal pedestrian pathway will better enable residents to traverse between the two areas and help address a number of concerns regarding access during emergency situations - especially bushfires.
 
“The NSW Government is currently partnering with Northern Beaches Council to introduce a variety of essential improvements around the Church Point community precinct and this is another important component.
 
“Congratulations to the Bayview Church Point Residents Association for successfully advocating for this important initiative.
 
“I look forward to works getting underway in the New Year,” Rob Stokes said

Ausgrid Energy Reliability Project: Scotland Island And Western Foreshores

You may have noticed Ausgrid staff undertaking work in your area in recent months. This work is ongoing and contributes to long term reliability together with the more comprehensive solutions discussed above. 

Improvements include:
• Assessment and upgrades of network assets including existing cables, vulnerable points in the network and isolating capability.
• Assessment and improvements to current vegetation management

Key Dates
December 2017
Further investigations into West Pittwater solution and development of market brief
Now – mid 2018
Design and approval of the new underground cable for Scotland Island
Now and 2018
Implementation of short term measures in both areas
January 2018
Home Energy Audits West Pittwater
Mid 2018
Construction to commence for Scotland Island cable
End 2018
Developed design for West Pittwater solution

Ausgrid will undertake individual household energy audits of all properties on West Pittwater to gain detailed energy consumption data, these will start Monday 8 January.  Further information on the audits will be available at the community information session.

Contacting us
You are welcome to contact us with any enquiries:
Call 1800 006 549 (free call from fixed phones)

Planning Proposal - 1-3 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest

NBC have received a Planning Proposal to amend Warringah Local Environmental Plan 2011 (WLEP 2011) to include ‘hotel or motel accommodation’, ‘retail premises’, and ‘residential flat buildings’ as additional permitted uses and amend the Height of Buildings Map to apply a 70 metre maximum building height limit to the site at 1-3 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest.

The Planning Proposal for 1-3 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest is now on exhibition.


The exhibition documents are also available at council’s Customer Service Centres in Dee Why, Manly and Mona Vale.

Make a submission
In writing - addressed to Northern Beaches Council, 725 Pittwater Road, Dee Why NSW 2099 and mark ‘PEX2017/0010’

Any person may make a written submission to Council in relation to the Planning Proposal. If you intend to do so, you should make yourself aware of any obligation you might have in relation to Political Donations and Gifts Disclosure.

Please note that all submissions are public documents and are available to the Applicant or other interested persons on request.

For further information contact Adonna See on 1300 434 434.

Submissions close Sunday 21 January 2017.

Draft Environment SEPP: Urban Bushland

The Berejiklian government has just announced changes that propose to repeal and replace the following State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) with a single Environment SEPP:

• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19—Bushland in Urban Areas - [Manly, Warringah, Pittwater; pages 23 to 32]
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Drinking Water Catchment) 2011
• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 50—Canal Estate Development
• Greater Metropolitan Regional Environmental Plan No. 2—Georges River Catchment
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 20—Hawkesbury-Nepean River (No.2-1997) [*Pittwater and Warringah]
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005
• Willandra Lakes Regional Environmental Plan No. 1—World Heritage Property.

Aimed at reducing 'red tape' and 'streamlining' NSW's planning system, some changes are commended such as protecting Sydney Harbour's natural assets by prohibiting new canal estates.

However other changes will enable development in sensitive areas that are currently protected.

Designed to marry up with other planning instruments, such as the controversial Biodiversity Act 2016, the changes also give greater effect to Ministerial Directions.

The changes also propose to revise the term ‘bushland zoned or reserved for public open space purposes’ to ‘public bushland’. This includes all land that is zoned non-rural, and owned or managed by a council or a public authority, or reserved for acquisition for open space or environmental conservation by a council or a public authority, and that has vegetation which meets a clear definition of bushland.

From • Draft Environment SEPP (PDF: 6.215 MB):
State Environmental Planning Policy No 19 – Bushland in Urban Areas (SEPP 19)
  • The majority of the provisions of SEPP 19 will be transferred to SEPP (Environment). These provisions will be updated and some will be transferred to a Ministerial Direction.
  • Update council names to reflect recent council amalgamations and boundary changes.
  • Extend its land application to cover local government areas that are currently partly outside the application of SEPP 19 including parts of Hawkesbury and Central Coast local government areas.
  • Transfer plan making provisions in SEPP 19 to a Ministerial Direction.
  • A new circular on Urban Bushland is being finalised for consultation. It has been developed to provide further information and detail regarding the application of SEPP 19. This circular will replace planning Circulars No. B13 and No. 114. 
Creating a new Ministerial Direction – Urban Bushland
SEPP 19 contains provisions for the preparation of local environmental plans in clause 10. The clause ensures that when a council is drafting local environmental plan provisions for any land to which SEPP 19 applies, other than rural land, it considers the general and specific aims of the SEPP, and gives priority to retaining bushland unless significant environmental, economic, or social benefits arise which outweigh the value of the bushland. This should be transferred to a
new Ministerial Direction as it is the appropriate mechanism to guide plan making. No current direction adequately covers urban bushland in the same way. Urban bushland exists across many different zones, therefore Ministerial Direction 2.1 – Environmental Protection Zones, is not appropriate to address public urban bushland of the type protected by SEPP 19.

The new Ministerial Direction is intended to function largely the same way as clause 10 of SEPP 19. As currently, the direction will apply when a planning authority is preparing a planning proposal for land to which the Urban Bushland provisions of SEPP (Environment) apply.

Critically the current SEPP (no 19) SEPP 19 extends 'beyond the protection of environmental values of bushland by identifying 'the need to protect the aesthetic and community values as well as the recreational, educational and scientific values of this resource'.

The proposed SEPP also enables the Roads and Maritime Services, to undertake the subdivision of foreshore lands in order ‘to lawfully reclaim Sydney Harbour land’ and redefine the ‘heads of consideration for consent authorities when assessing Development Applications on Foreshore lands.

The changes also include amending the aim of the Harbour Regional Environmental Plan that ensures Sydney is a ‘working harbour’ to enable a range of recreational, transport, tourism and commercial uses. Greater flexibility to 'mooring pens' is also proposed, which are currently prohibited.

Other changes include transferring heritage provisions to the relevant local environmental plan, thereby reducing the protection of heritage assets.

In addition, concerns have been flagged that moving the prohibition of extractive industries in parts of the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment to the SEPP for Mining, Petroleum and Extractive Industries - and moving the Sydney Opera House provisions in the Harbour Regional Environmental Plan to SEPP (State Significant Precincts) effectively reduces the current protections.

The changes are on exhibition for public comment until the 15 January*.

_______________________
*page 26:
Provisions to be updated and moved to Ministerial Directions
Provisions within the Hawkesbury Nepean Regional Environmental Plan related to local plan making will be updated and are to be moved to a new Ministerial Direction.

The following current provisions contain plan making guidance suited to a Ministerial Direction:
• Clause 3 ‘Aim of This Plan’
• Part 2 ‘General Planning Considerations, Specific Planning Policies and Recommended Strategies’
• Clause 6(3) ‘Water Quality’
• Clause 6(10) (a) ‘Urban Development’ - rezoning or subdivision of land
• Clause 6(11) ‘Recreation and Tourism’.

Other aspects of Clause 6, such as water quality, total catchment management, biodiversity and environmentally sensitive
areas will be transferred to the proposed new SEPP.

Have your say on the Explanation of Intended Effect for the proposed Environment SEPP until 31 January 2018 (NB changed date for submissions/feedback)
 
• Or write to:

Director, Planning Frameworks
Department of Planning and Environment 
GPO Box 39 
Sydney NSW 2001

Draft Environment SEPP

October 31, 2017: NSW Dept. of Planning and Environment
• Draft Environment SEPP (PDF: 6.215 MB)
The Explanation of Intended Effect for the Environment SEPP is on exhibition from 31 October 2017 until the 15 January 2018.
 
The NSW government has been working towards developing a new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) for the protection and management of our natural environment. These areas are important to communities in delivering opportunities for physical health, economic security and cultural identity.
 
This consolidated SEPP proposes to simplify the planning rules for a number of water catchments, waterways, urban bushland, and Willandra Lakes World Heritage Property. These environmental policies will be accessible in one location, and updated to reflect changes that have occurred since the creation of the original policies.
 
The Department of Planning and Environment is seeking your feedback on the proposed SEPP to update and improve the planning framework in regards to these environmental issues. This is discussed in the Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for the proposed Environment SEPP.
 
Changes proposed include consolidating the following seven existing SEPPs:

• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19 – Bushland in Urban Areas
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Drinking Water Catchment) 2011
• State Environmental Planning Policy No. 50 – Canal Estate Development
• Greater Metropolitan Regional Environmental Plan No. 2 – Georges River Catchment
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 20 – Hawkesbury-Nepean River (No.2-1997)
• Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005
• Willandra Lakes Regional Environmental Plan No. 1 – World Heritage Property.
 
Changes are also proposed to the Standard Instrument – Principal Local Environmental Plan. Some provisions of the existing policies will be transferred to new Section 117 Local Planning Directions where appropriate.
 
The EIE outlines changes to occur, implementation details, and the intended outcome. It considers the existing SEPPs proposed to be repealed and explains why certain provisions will be transferred directly to the new SEPP, amended and transferred, or repealed due to overlaps with other areas of the NSW planning system.
 
 

Have your say on the Explanation of Intended Effect for the proposed Environment SEPP until 31 January 2018

We welcome your feedback on the Explanation of Intended Effect and encourage you to have your say.
 
• Or write to:

Director, Planning Frameworks
Department of Planning and Environment 
GPO Box 39 
Sydney NSW 2001

Electronic Land Contracts

Have your Say: NSW Government
The Office the Registrar General invites feedback on ways that digital technology and electronic signatures can make land transactions more efficient and secure.

NSW is transitioning to an electronic system for settling conveyancing matters and for the lodgement and registration of land dealings.

Some parts of a property transaction still rely heavily on paper, with some contracts and agreements needing ‘wet’ signatures.

The government wants to help industries involved in the conveyancing process to move into the digital environment. It is exploring ways to overcome perceived barriers to a completely paperless process while ensuring consumers who want to sign electronically are protected.

The Office of the Registrar General has released a discussion paperexamining ways to harness new technology in land contracts and to enable complete electronic property transactions. The paper looks at removing legal obstacles for digital transactions and providing more certainty around electronic signature and witnessing requirements.

Have your say

There are two ways you can submit your feedback.

Mail: Electronic Contracts Review
Office of the Registrar General
McKell Building
2-24 Rawson Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Have your say by 16 February 2018.

More Information
Email: Amy Stiles
Phone: 9372 9095
Consultation Website (PDF Doc: 904.05kb)

Cultural Infrastructure In NSW

Have Your Say: NSW Government
The Cultural Infrastructure Program Management Office (CIPMO) is seeking feedback from the community and sector about arts and cultural spaces in NSW.

In April 2017, the CIPMO in the Arts, Screen & Culture Division was established to provide a coordinated response to the planning and delivery of cultural infrastructure in NSW.

This office, one of the first of its kind, works in partnership with Create NSW to ensure appropriate infrastructure facilities are developed and maintained to support the growing arts and cultural sector across metropolitan and regional NSW.

Have your say
If you are from the general community and would like to share your opinions about arts and cultural spaces in NSW, you're invited to participate in a short five-minute survey.

If you are part of the arts and cultural sector, you're invited to participate in a short 10-minute survey covering five key directions around cultural infrastructure.

Have your say by 11 February 2018.

More Information
Email: Project Leader
Phone: 8289 6564

Draft Affordable Housing SEPP 70 Review

December 15, 2017: NSW Dept. of Planning and Environment
State Environmental Planning Policy No. 70 Affordable Housing (Revised Schemes) encourages the development of new affordable housing.
SEPP 70 Affordable Housing (Revised Schemes) is a mechanism that allows specified councils to prepare an affordable housing contribution scheme for certain precincts, areas or developments associated with an upzoning within their local government area. Schemes currently operate in the City of Sydney at Green Square, Ultimo-Pyrmont and the Southern Employment Lands.
 
An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for SEPP 70 is currently on exhibition and open for public comment until 31 January 2018. The EIE proposes the inclusion of five Councils – Randwick City, Inner West, Northern Beaches, City of Ryde and City of Canada Bay.
 
Each council has undertaken an analysis of the need for affordable housing within their local government area to support their application for inclusion in SEPP 70. Links to these documents are available below:
Randwick City Council
Inner West Council
Northern Beaches Council (Northern Beaches Affordable Housing Need Analysis Dec. 2016.(PDF - automatically downloads: 382.29kb)
City of Ryde Council
City of Canada Bay
 
We invite you to comment on the proposed changes to SEPP 70 until the 31 January 2018

Or write to:
Director, Housing & Infrastructure Policy
Department of Planning and Environment,
GPO Box 39,
Sydney NSW 2001
 
Published submissions will include your name and the organisation on whose behalf you may be writing. Contact details such as email and postal addresses, and telephone numbers are not published. The Department reserve the right to not publish selected submissions (in full or part).
 
 
For further information please email information@planning.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 305 695. 

Supporting documents
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF: 406.77 kb)

Summer Cheers From The Critters

2017 was been a busy and difficult year for our wild ones.  Burgeoning human growth and all the things we humans seem to 'need' for our convenience are taking a toll on their existence.  There are many people who don't place any value on the wildlife's contribution...

Thankfully, however, our community is also overflowing with superhuman beings who pour all their passion, energy, time, money and their very souls into making things better for the wild babies!  These are the people we would like to thank profusely.  

Concerned members of the public, all wildlife rescue organisations, our Police, our Firefighters and SES, all our educators, our environmental representatives and wildlife advocates in Council, our veterinarians and their staff, our Zoo clinic, our wildlife-trained dogs and their trainers, our bush regeneration teams, our volunteer environmental advocates and groups, our roadkill prevention team and our wonderful media without whom the wildlife would be lost.   

Over the Christmas period, temperatures go up, more people will be on the roads and there will be lots of fireworks for celebrations.  

Just like our pets, the wildlife will be affected by all these things, too.

In hot weather, you can help immensely by leaving a bowl of fresh water at the bottom of the garden for thirsty little critters.  Not a metal bowl as they get too hot.  A nice ceramic bowl works best in a shaded area with some tree/bush for cover.  Make sure to replenish it daily.

When driving, try to keep alert for wildlife at the edge of the road and slow down if they look like they are attempting to cross.  If you see any marsupials (mammals with pouches) that have been hit, call for help as a joey could still be alive in a pouch.

If you see any wildlife in distress or in an odd location during or after the fireworks, please call:

Sydney Wildlife 9413 4300 (24-hour service)
WIRES 1300 094 737

Wishing you all a safe, happy and WILD Christmas and New Year!!!

Lynleigh Greig
Sydney Wildlife

Northern Beaches People 
I NEED YOUR STORIES PLEASE!

As promised I’m launching a website to collate our case for better buses on the northern beaches and present it to government and the media.

As I’d like to make an impact with a credible information plus story sharing place on the web would you please take a moment to email me your experience so far with the new service. Let me know your name, age if willing and location and what the difference it has made negative (or positive). Give me as much detail as you can tobetterbusesforthebeaches@gmail.com.

As per this photo I would like to quote you so please let me know if you would rather remain anonymous. PLEASE share this information  - let’s mobilise and make this count people!



Helen Crozier

Policy For Appointing Community & Stakeholder Representatives To Committees

A policy has been developed to govern how community and stakeholder representatives are appointed to NBC council committees.

Learn More:

View the Council report (automatically downloads PDF: 195.78kb)
Read the draft policy (automatically downloads PDF: 30.06kb)

Have your say on the draft policy
In writing marked 'Policy for Appointing Community and Stakeholder Representatives to Committees', to the CEO, Northern Beaches Council, 725 Pittwater Road, Dee Why, NSW, 2099
Submissions close Sunday 4 February 2018.

 Gone Fishing Gallery at Waterfront Store Church Point

Open again TODAY in the top room Waterfront Store. Open mainly weekends as an addition to the waterfront cafe. Keep up to date on theirFacebook page

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services

Arts and Social

Funding For Mental Health Support Services

21 December 2017
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced over $30,000 in NSW Government funds to support local mental health support services.
 
The funds are part of the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program and include $20,350 for the Burdekin Association and $12,500 for Lifeline Northern Beaches.
 
The Burdekin Association is currently working with Northern Beaches Council and Barrenjoey High School to establish a youth health hub in the northern part of Pittwater. The funds will assist with the fitout of the hub which will accommodate a range of youth support agencies.
 
Lifeline Northern Beaches is planning upgrades to its Mona Vale and Avalon Beach charity shops and the allocated funds will support key improvements.
 
“Lifeline and the Burdekin Association are two of our most important community support organisations,” Rob Stokes said today.
 
“There’s an immeasurable number of local residents that benefit from these organisations on a daily basis and we should never underestimate the scope of their work.
 
“Christmas is widely associated with celebration and happiness – but for many it’s a time of loneliness and disappointment and a period when organisations such as these become extremely important.
 
“We have serious youth mental health issues in our community - so I’m very pleased that Government, Council and the Burdekin Association are taking steps to address the situation and help ensure necessary support opportunities are available.
 
“I congratulate the Burdekin Association and Lifeline for developing these initiatives and commend them for the invaluable assistance they’ll provide our community over the Christmas and holiday period,” Rob Stokes said.

New Shared Path To Link Avalon Beach, Bilgola Beach And Newport

21 December 2017
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced almost $3 million in NSW Government funding for a shared walking and cycling pathway to better link Avalon Beach, Bilgola Beach and Newport.
 
Northern Beaches Council will manage the construction of the new shared path which will become a key component of the Northern Beaches Coastal Walkway and Cycleway.
 
The new path will include an off-road boardwalk section along the Bilgola Bends between Newport Beach and The Serpentine to safely allow cyclists and walkers to travel along this area separated from vehicles.
 
“This project has been proposed for many years – so I’m delighted funding has now been secured to make it a reality,” Rob Stokes said today.
 
“The Bilgola Bends is certainly not cyclist or pedestrian friendly – so this project will create an exciting new link for people accessing Avalon Beach, Bilgola Beach and Newport.
 
“There isn’t currently an easy or convenient way to travel between these areas without using a vehicle.
 
“Not only will this be a spectacular part of the new Coastal Walkway and Cycleway – it will also be hugely beneficial for local residents.
 
“The new path will link communities, encourage people to get active and leave their cars at home.
 
“I look forward to this project progressing and the opportunities it will provide to our community,” Rob Stokes said.

Pittwater International Women's Day Breakfast

Wednesday 7 March 2018
hosted by Zonta Club of Northern Beaches

This breakfast marks International Women's Day. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.​ ​It's a day to acknowledge women's contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place.  Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The 2018 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater.

The delightful location at the RPAYC looks over the waters of Pittwater and across to Bayview and Scotland Island. Everyone is invited to attend and men are particularly welcome. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Booking details below.

Mona Vale Performance Space: Expression Of Interest For Committee Members

NBC are inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified community members for the membership of the Advisory Committee for the Mona Vale Performance Space Project.

The purpose of the Committee is to assist council in an advisory role for the purposes of developing a feasibility study and detailed business case, including a business plan for the construction and operation of the project to ensure the project’s viability.

The community members are required to have specialist skills in the development of new government infrastructure and/or community projects. Knowledge of performance venues, the performing arts, car parks and commercial retail development is highly desirable.

A community engagement strategy will be developed with the Committee to facilitate, engage and enable communication between the community and stakeholders, with an interest in the development and for the use of the performance space, with the NBC and the Department of Education and Training (DET).

The Committee will meet approximately four times a year.

For more information please view:
The Charter and Terms of Reference (automatically downloads PDF: 333.96kb)
For queries please contact Governance on 1300 434 434 or email:

Committee nominations close Wednesday 24 January 2018

NBC Information on:
Stage 1 - Development of Feasibility Study and Business Case

The objectives for Stage 1 of the project include:
  • To develop a feasibility study for the proposed Mona Vale Performance Space to test the viability and achievability of the proposed project.
  • To develop a business case for the proposed Mona Vale Performance Space in order to understand the potential cost for construction and future management and operation of the project.
  • To initiate a charitable trust that can receive donations for the construction of the centre.
  • To actively engage with the community to gauge and garner their support and buy-in for the project.
  • To understand costs of the operation and lifecycle of the venue for the future.
  • To determine the most suitable location for the Performance Space.
Background
The Art, Culture and Heritage Strategic Reference Group Directions Paper (April 2017) identified the community's desire to have a musical performance space in the Northern Beaches community and a Social Plan was developed to further this idea.

Concept plans for an auditorium were developed as part of a civic and cultural precinct in the Mona Vale Place Plan and further to this plan, the opportunity has arisen for a potential site at the Mona Vale Public School. This concept was originally proposed around 2014 and now has gained further support from various stakeholders including the Department of Education and Training (DET) that have offered school land at the corner of Bungan and Waratah Streets, Mona Vale.

Currently a high level project scope for the community performance space includes -
  • an auditorium 600 – 1000 seats
  • stage size for concert orchestra 15m x 10m
  • warm up and rehearsal spaces
  • technical attributes – low tech
  • funding approximately $20M
  • potential retail/ commercial use
  • underground carpark

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Albie


AGE/SEX: 12 months / M
BREED: Bull Arab X
Albie is a gentle affectionate boy who loves people and loves to give you kisses. He has that calm placid manner and is a pleasure to be with. Albie sits for treats. He learns very quickly. He is clever and eager to please. He loves being around kids and would cope with a bit of overexcited play and overpatting by kids. Albie has a smooth coat and weighs 29.9kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400. 

For further details or to meet all dogs at DoggieRescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

The DoggieRescue E-Magazine is now available online! 

January 2018 Issue:

Surf Clubs Receive Funding Boost

Friday 12 January 2018: Surf Life Saving NSW
Eighteen Surf Life Saving Clubs across the state will be given a new lease of life after successfully applying for funding through the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Grants.

The 2017/18 recipients of the Surf Club Facility Grant have been confirmed with the successful applicants set to receive varying amounts for club upgrades, refurbishment and vital safety and accessibility projects.

Earlier this season the NSW Premier announced that the pool of funds would be doubled from $2 million to $4 million in a move welcomed by the Surf Life Saving community struggling to maintain ageing buildings and infrastructure.

Grants range from $25,000 through to $350,000 and will be used to upgrade facilities, including complete refurbishments of clubhouses, improving access to people living with disability, upgrading electrical wiring and storage facilities for vital lifesaving equipment.

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce says the grants will make a significant difference to surf clubs as they work to provide safe, appropriate facilities to train lifesavers and provide lifesaving services to their communities.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the State Government in making these funding programs available to our clubs.”

“By being able to fund these projects it will revitalise these important facilities and turn them into places that the entire community can be proud of.”

2017/18 Surf Club Facility Grant Program Recipients
Evans Head-Casino SLSC
Tacking Point SLSC
Port Macquarie SLSC
Tamarama SLSC
Clovelly SLSC
Sawtell SLSC
Woolgoolga SLSC
Salt SLSC
Cronulla SLSC
Queenscliff SLSC
Mollymook SLSC
Narooma SLSC
North Steyne SLSC
Dixon Park SLSC
Randwick District of the Sydney Branch of SLSA

Public Consultation For Improving Disability Resident Protections In Supported Group Accommodation

12 January, 2018: NSW Dept. of Family & Community Services
The NSW Government wants to hear from you on how we can improve resident protections for people with disability living in supported group accommodation.

To participate, read one or more of the consultation papers and then send us your feedback by:
  • answering an online survey (approximately 15-20 minutes)
  • emailing a response
  • writing a letter to the Department of Family and Community Services.
The consultation is open to anyone but we especially want to hear from:
  • people with disability in NSW who are living in supported group accommodation their families and guardians
  • peak body and advocacy groups
  • people and organisations of the disability and housing sector.
The public consultation period runs until Friday 2 March 2018.

The NSW Government will release a final report in June 2018.

Visit www.facs.nsw.gov.au/residentrights for more information about the consultation and how to be involved.

RAHS History House Open Day: Pot Luck History And Book Sale

January 26 2018 @ 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
History House, 133 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: Free

Call into History House between 10am and 4pm on Australia Day for a chance to visit our beautiful heritage building. While you are visiting, check out our Book Fair and listen to historians speaking about the events, people and places that contributed to Australia's history. 

There will be interesting ten minute talks every half hour between 11.30am and 3pm. There is no need to book, just turn up.
More information, please click here

Safety A Priority On NSW Waterways

January 11, 2018: NSW Government
The NSW Government has launched the Maritime Safety Plan to minimise trauma and promote safety on NSW waterways.

The plan aims to reduce the rate of fatalities and serious injuries on NSW waterways by 30 per cent by the end of 2021 at 2014 levels. This would save four lives and prevent 16 serious injuries each year.

Its long-term vision is for zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2056.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said in the 12 months to June 2017, NSW recorded the lowest number of fatalities in at least 40 years, with only four casualties.

“While we have made significant progress in reducing drowning fatalities on boats, increased effort is needed to respond to non-drowning fatalities – caused by factors such as speed, alcohol, keeping a proper lookout and judgement,” Mrs Pavey said.

Private Insurers To Offer Home Building Compensation Cover

January 11, 2018: NSW Government
Changes to the NSW Home Building Compensation (HBC) scheme will improve protections for homeowners against incomplete and defective work.

Builders and tradespeople can now take out their compulsory insurance under the Home Building Compensation Fund through private insurers approved by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA).

Increased choice for builders means homeowners may receive greater minimum coverage of $340,000 for defects and $340,000 for non-completion. On top of the minimum cover, the new providers may offer innovative features, such as cover for additional risks or allowing claims in additional circumstances.

Homeowners and renovators will see greater transparency in building contracts from 1 July 2018, when all builders are required to disclose the amount of HBC insurance.

Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said the insurance was a vital safety net for homeowners.

“NSW is experiencing a building boom, so it is critical that homeowners are adequately protected,” Mr Dominello said.

All builders are required to take out insurance for residential building projects costing over $20,000. The cover protects homeowners in the event a builder cannot complete residential building work or fix defects, due to insolvency, death, disappearance or licence suspension

Coaches & Managers Invite For 2018

Newport Rugby Club
Newport Breakers Rugby Club is advertising for senior coaches and managers for the 2018 season. Newport Rugby Club is a leading 3rd Division NSW sub-districts club.

The club fields 3x grade sides and 1x colts side and has enjoyed recent on field success with 2 grand finals (2nd and 3rd grade) and a premiership in 2017 (3rd grade).

The club has a strong playing roster and boasts rich traditions, a strong financial position and an organised, experienced and passionate committee and supporter base.

The club is based out of arguably Australia’s best suburban rugby ground, Porter’s Reserve, which overlooks Newport Beach. We also boast one of Australia’s largest junior clubs with over 400 junior players. Applications are invited for the following positions:

First Grade – Head Coach, Forwards Coach, Backs Coach, Manager.
Second Grade – Head Coach, Forwards Coach, Backs Coach, Manager.
Third Grade – Coach, Manager.This year, we’re looking to build on recent finals appearances and convert into premierships.

The coaches’ roles will include:
  • Leading by example to promote an inclusive, committed and united club culture. 
  • Raising the skill level of new and existing players.
  • All club positions are volunteer appointments; however a small honorarium may be available depending on experience 
  • Innovative coaches with the ability to plan, design, implement and review training programs consistent to ensure player development and enjoyment.
  • Player roster, game day and mid week administration and management duties.
  • Working with the committee and players to promote the playing, social and community objectives of the club.
The head coach will be supported by a player manager to assist with administration of the team and various support staff.

All applicants must be Smart Rugby compliant.
Applicants should email a brief coaching and playing history, coaching qualification details and a description of what they can bring to Newport Rugby Club to... heath.radel@suncorp.com.au.

For more information, call Heath on 0429 660 439. All club positions are volunteer appointments; however a small honorarium may be available depending on experience.


The countdown is on .... the 2018 Team Navy ASRL Open will be held at ELOUERA, NSW on February 16 - 18, 2018.

The biggest surf boat event is BACK and it's run BY THE BOATIES FOR THE BOATIES. Three days of exciting racing will be held at a new venue.
More information will be available in the coming weeks so stay tuned! The official event page can be found here 

Entries are now open via the 'ASRL' section of the Carnival Manager System.

The 2018 Team Navy ASRL Open - proudly supported by Team Navy ASRL and Destination NSW

Residents Want 'Welcome To Pittwater' Sign Returned

Pittwater Online has been contacted by a number of residents this week expressing their dismay that the 'Welcome to Pittwater' sign as you come along Wakehurst Parkway has disappeared.

Although many of the former Pittwater Council logos are disappearing or being scrubbed out from the names of wharves, obviously to be replaced by the new 'design', readers have expressed this cheery sign made them many feel welcomed and gave those returning home a boost after a long day.

As Pittwater is now a Ward, with different boundaries, the wish expressed is that such a sign may be returned and placed where the new lines mark Pittwater's circumference so that good cheer may continue.
The Old
 The New?

Call For National Heritage List Nominations

Media release - The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, Minister for the Environment and Energy
Nominations are now open for places of outstanding natural, Indigenous or historic significance to the nation for possible inclusion on our National Heritage List.

“Our prestigious National Heritage List celebrates and protects places that reflect our unique landscapes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and development as a nation,” said the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, Minister for the Environment and Energy.

“The List currently includes more than 100 sites from across Australia and its territories, ranging from icons such as Bondi Beach, Fraser Island and Kakadu National Park to lesser-known gems such as the Dirk Hartog’s Landing Site, Darlington Probation Station, Mount William Stone Hatchet Quarry, Witjira-Dalhousie Springs and the High Court-National Gallery Precinct.”

“Each year, more places are added to the List as our national story unfolds and understanding of our heritage deepens.”

Nominations are open until 26 February 2016 and will be considered by the Australian Heritage Council before a final list of places to be assessed in 2018-19 is developed. As part of that assessment process, there will be further opportunities for public comment on each proposed listing.

Nominations of natural, Indigenous and historic places with significant heritage value for possible Commonwealth heritage listing are also being sought.

Petition: Save Ingleside From Over-Development

PROPOSED INGLESIDE DEVELOPMENT
We the undersigned, write in connection with the above proposal and wish to object strongly and respectfully to the development of the area in the proposed manner.

Ingleside is a dispersed settlement where development proposals should be considered very carefully: infilling could ruin the character of the area but estate development will not only overwhelm it but also overwhelm the vast majority of residents living from Narrabeen to Palm Beach who will travel through or near Ingleside every day.

Naturally, we understand that the State Government has a determined growth strategy. However, the overwhelming increase in immediate population and thoroughfare traffic will have a devastating effect upon the existing population who live here and contribute to Sydney as a city and as a defined demographic already. 

Pressure for the development in the region is considerable, mainly for housing city commuters, but has been successfully resisted for more than 30 years for the same reasons as now. The infrastructure was not in place and as can be seen by the impact of development in Warriewood, remains at an unsupportive level. The reasons for rejecting those schemes also included the inadequacy of the minor roads apart from Mona Vale Road to accommodate even small increases in traffic. 

Reference is made to the over one thousand comments on the supporting website, mostly by residents of Pittwater external to the immediate area of Ingleside who have failed to have a voice but as your constituents have equal right to be represented as bearing the impact of the development.
With the above in mind, we request that the development be reviewed to take into account the residents of Pittwater, whom you represent. Rather than telling them why it will be good for them, consider the voice of the residents and understand why it will be bad for them. 

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Searching For William John Gibbons

We are endeavouring to trace an early member of our family - a William John Gibbons.

We believe that my wife's grandfather, a William John Gibbons, lived on Scotland Island in the latter part of his life. It is understood that he commuted to and from the mainland to his place of employment, he may have been a journalist.

William's wife was Mary Eliza Gibbons who outlived William and later remarried Ernest Gotwald.

William died on September 13, 1912 in Newtown hospital. Family oral history believed that William was involved in some boating accident 7 days earlier and had subsequently died in hospital as result of his immersion.

We would be very grateful if there is any person who might have some knowledge of the unfortunate demise of William and be willing to share this with our family. Right now we have no verification that William  did actually  reside on Scotland Island nor that he actually did die as the result of a boating mishap.

John Blair
50 Hoffschildt Drive
Currumbin Waters. QLD. 4223
Ph: 07 5598 5960 or 0427 393 626

Planning Alerts


Find out what's happening in your area. Get alerts of new applications near here straight in your email. It's free!

Course For A Cause At Avalon

Just beyond the Bilgola Bends as you are about to enter the Avalon Village, nestled in behind a strip of nature that separates it from the often busy Barrenjoey Road – you have the Royal Avalon Golf Course.

Not only 9 holes of golf open to the public every day of the year, with no membership required but also one of the best located venues available for hire on the Northern Beaches, or even Sydney!

Recently we have begun a program called “Course for a Cause”. The initiative is designed to help local charities by offering free use of our facilities to raise money and/or awareness for a worthy cause.

Do you have a cause close to your heart?
Nominate your charity to become part of this program by calling 9918 2606 or emailing manager@avalongolfcourse.com.au

If you don’t want to play golf, but are still after a venue for your function, the clubhouse is available for extended hours. So with plenty of parking on sight, the time of day shouldn’t be a problem when promoting your personal cause.

If you don’t have a charity, but are still looking for somewhere to party, the clubhouse can be hired to celebrate all kinds of occasions.

The bar is available and serving some of your favourite beer and wine, or take advantage of our BYO option.

Day time events can always incorporate games to raise some extra money with the practice putting green beside the clubhouse being utilised for competitions or a bit of fun for the kids.

If you are interested in our Course for a Cause initiative OR would just like to hire Avalon Golf Course and clubhouse for a function, please emailmanager@avalongolfcourse.com.au or call 9918 2606


Red Cross Shop Newport

The Newport Red Cross shop desperately needs your quality, discarded clothing items. Now that spring is almost springing, perhaps you are all set to 'declutter' your offshore abode. But what to do with all those gems that are no longer you. Well donate them of course. The Red Cross shop at Newport is very excited to receive your cast offs. We also take small household items but alas, no electrical or furniture. 

Did you know that all profits from Red Cross shops stay in Australia? Profits from Red Cross shops support worthy programmes like providing breakfast for school kids, Telecross - a daily call to elderly people in need of contact, youth services, disaster relief, mental health services and much, much more.

Should you need assistance please feel free to call me or just leave your items in our boat. We live on the northern side of Lovett Bay between Now and Zen and Therese and John. The house is called 'Foreshore' and our boat is a Stabicraft for purposes of identification! 

Don't hesitate to call in to the Newport Red Cross shop with your donations - close to Woolworths petrol station at 334 Barrenjoey Rd Newport or call Lesley Scott to help with donations - 0410 687864