Pittwater Online News

Community News - February - 2014

February 23 - March 1, 2014: Issue 151

Council Wins Grant to Reduce Impact on Lagoon

Pittwater has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Greater Sydney Local Land Services.

Mayor Jacqui Townsend said the grant would help restore the creekline and upper catchment of Narrabeen Lagoon, through providing increased assistance to community-based Bushcare groups.

“This important project will ultimately reduce impacts on the Lagoon by creating a healthier ecosystem within the Deep Creek, Bilarong and Elanora areas.

“Council will also provide funding of $50,000 to the project so we can host a series of community planting days,” said Mayor Townsend.

“There will be plenty of opportunity for residents to get involved with four planting days planned over the coming months.”

The Council’s Natural Environment & Education Manager Mark Beharrell said the first planting day would be on Saturday 1 March from 9am to 12pm at Woorarra Lookout Reserve (corner of Woorarra Avenue and Allawah Avenue, Elanora).

Mr Beharrell said a free morning tea and native plants were on offer to volunteers.

“If you’re intending to come please wear sturdy covered shoes, long sleeves, long pants, a hat and sunscreen.”

For more information regarding the Bushcare event, contact Pittwater Council’s Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367 or email helena_dewis@pittwater.nsw.gov.au

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NDIS Workforce Strategy Development Underway - 20 February 2014

The Abbott Government recognises that a strong, responsive and NDIS-ready workforce is key to making a better deal for people with disability a reality.

The Government has kick-started the process for developing a National Disability Insurance Scheme Workforce Strategy with a report into workforce issues.

National Disability Services (NDS) has been contracted to deliver the report. NDS met with the Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield last week to identify priority areas.

The NDIS Workforce Strategy will be critical to the Government’s agenda to work with the disability sector to optimise workforce and service provision beyond the trial sites and into full launch.

The rollout of the NDIS will create significant employment demand and opportunities in the disability sector, and the Government is committed to working with the sector to prepare for this change.

The size of the disability workforce will more than double by 2019-20, and importantly, the workforce will need the capacity to respond to the NDIS funding model, which places the consumer at the centre and in control of their funding package.

The Report will have three priority areas:

supporting and retaining the existing workforce;

ensuring workforce supply to support people with disability into the future; and

building the capacity of the workforce to adapt to the new funding model of person-centred choice under the NDIS.

The Report will address workforce needs in the current trial sites, as well as any issues that will develop when full national rollout occurs.

The Final Report will be delivered to Government in August 2014.

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The 2014 NSW Variety Bash - the Palm Beach Mermaids & Car 2108

For some of you I know it’s “Long time – No Write”, HOWEVER, I’m hoping lots of you are followers of our Bash adventures and this year it’s going to have an unreal “Grand Finale” for the 30th Anniversary.

It will see us ending in Sydney at “Busby’s Bore” Centenial Park on Sunday the 17th August, having left Bowral at about 9am, travelling 155 kilometres to arrive some time around midday for the parade which we think may have a surprise destination. We will be joined by all the other states Bash’s, there will be over 600 cars finishing or starting in Sydney on that day and 1,000 Bashers in the one spot - sure to be amazing !

Beryl, Greg, Viki and I will be staying in the “Valentine on George” on the night of the 17th as I think it will also be a big day!!!! We will have started in Brisbane at the Suncorp Stadium on the 8th of August so fingers crossed we make it back in time. This is just a heads up for those of you who like to be organised to mark the day.

We will be doing dinner at the Royal Industries hall Moore Park on the night of the 17th August and will have a price for that closer to departure for those of you who would like to join us there.

Thanks for all the support we get from you,

Elyse, Beryl & Viki

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Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade - Bushfire Bulletin

The NSWRFS Bushfire Bulletin is available online and contains many stories about RFS volunteers. In particular, the stories that ‪‎Ingleside‬ volunteers were involved including: Mona Vale Fuel Tanker Crash, Barrenjoey Headland & Blue Mountains bushfires. Find out what RFS Volunteers have been doing.

Available here:

Southern Cross Wildlife Care - Critter of the Month - February 2014 - curated by Lynleigh Greig

Rocky - the pine-cone impersonator

If you saw this shingleback lizard in the wild (minus the big blue bandage) you might mistake him for a giant pine-cone!

Shinglebacks are widespread in New South Wales from the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, but do not occur naturally in Sydney. They prefer a semi-arid climate, where rainfall and humidity are low.

Rocky was found far South of Sydney and brought to us with a gaping hole in his side. The hole was so large that we could see right into his chest cavity and could even see his exposed ribs and tiny lungs!

We’re not 100% sure how he acquired the wound, but we believe he may have been bitten by a fox or other feral animal.

Dr Ralph anaesthetised Rocky and spent an entire hour cleaning debris from the wound, flushing out any foreign bodies and filling the wound with vaseline gauze to keep the area moist during healing. Rocky was given fluids and antibiotics and his wound was dressed.

Due to the gory nature of the wound, we decided not to publish the photos from his first consultation.

With a wound that size, Rocky’s future was uncertain...

Every second day, Rocky was given antibiotic injections and his wound was cleaned and re-dressed twice a week.

It was interesting to note that his appetite was not affected by his injury...! He ate large quantities of vegetables, snails, mealworms, chicken and his favourite... lychees!

This is his wound after 4 weeks of healing.

This is Rocky’s wound after 8 weeks of healing.

He was very pleased to have the bandages permanently removed and enjoyed the freedom to bask in the sun unencumbered by vet-wrap and micropore.

Look at this little face... It’s difficult to see from the photos what a character Rocky is. He earned rock-star status with his legion of adoring fans! Everyone who met him, fell instantly in love with him.

We’re thinking of starting a Facebook Fan Page for Rocky ha ha ha :)

Unlike most lizards, shinglebacks tends to be monogamous. Such pairs have been known to return to each other every year for up to 20 years! So, Rocky, your mate is waiting for you to come back to them and we will make sure you return to each other soon...!

February 16 - 22, 2014: Issue 150

NO GUARANTEES FOR RESIDENTS AS MASSIVE OVER-DEVELOPMENT LOOMS - Warriewood Residents Association Media Release, Friday 14th of February, 2014

The Director-General of planning and Infrastructure, Sam Haddad was confronted by protestors at his Bridge Street headquarters yesterday morning. A bus load of residents from the northern beaches suburb of Warriewood gathered outside and their efforts were rewarded with an invitation to meet with Mr Haddad.

President of the Warriewood Residents Association (WRA) Chris Hornsby said while the meeting was convivial there is still no imminent outcome for the residents concerned about rampant over-development in Warriewood Valley.

What is at stake is the future and character of the Warriewood Valley, ( and the rest of the Northern Beaches) a suburb where residents purchased homes based on a liveable community with agreed density criteria.

A Strategic Review held last year, settled on an acceptable density of 32 dwellings per hectare for the remaining undeveloped land in the Valley. The review was endorsed by Sam Haddad, the Director General of the Department of Planning on 1 May 2013 and adopted by Pittwater Council on 12 June 2013.

But Mr. Haddad attached an ambiguous letter to his endorsement which said he considered there could be future opportunities for higher density which could be assessed on merit. That letter has opened the door for changes to the agreed development and that’s why the residents are concerned. A new proposal was lodged seeking 98 dwellings per hectare, a 300% increase.

“We are grateful for the meeting with Mr Haddad however there are no guarantees the proposal will be quashed but we trust in due process,” said Chris Hornsby. “Time is running out and all we got from the meeting was some ‘bureaucrat speak’ about departments and planners and know one really knows who is going to make a decision and when. What we do know is if this rezoning of land does go ahead, that’s a big win for developers who gain a 300% increase in what was agreed to and a slap in the face to the residents.”

Mr Hornsby and members of the WRA refuse to give up.

“We won’t stop until Sam Haddad agrees with what the JRPP concluded and to stop massive overdevelopment in Warriewood. While we are fighting for our suburb what this means for other parts of NSW is land can just be rezoned at the whim of the department of planning. We are concerned that consultation with the community means nothing to this government, it’s all forgotten now the election has been won.”

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See more on last week's Issue in: Warriewood Valley Meriton Development Not Recommended by JRPP – Residents Asked to Step up Local Support

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World Environment Day Awards – Entries Open

To celebrate the United Nations World Environment Day (Thursday 5 June), the United Nations Association of Australia is inviting Award nominations from Local Government, individuals, organisations and community groups whose work serves to protect, manage or restore our natural heritage.

The prestigious national World Environment Day Awards recognise innovative and outstanding environmental programs and initiatives from across Australia, and the important work of Australian environmental leaders.

Category details, entry criteria and the nomination information are available on the UNAA website (see fact box).

There are two Local Government Awards:

• Best Specific Environmental Initiative

• Excellence in Overall Environmental Management.

These two Awards seek to recognise the work of Local Government organisations that have implemented outstanding specific conservation initiatives, or are leaders in overall environmental management. These

Awards recognise the essential role that councils play in sustainable development, particularly in regards to local action for environmental sustainability and collaboration with local businesses and community groups to achieve positive outcomes for the environment. Nominations for the UNAA World Environment Day Awards are NOW OPEN. Entries close AT 5pm Thursday, 17 April.

See categories and entry forms at HERE:

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DUAL NAMING FOR PITTWATER

I am a proud descendant of the Garigal people and my Indigenous ancestors were custodians of the lands around Pittwater and Barrenjoey for thousands of years.

Back in 1836 my Great great Uncle Bowen Bungaree lived with his family (a wife and four children) in the Customs house at the bottom of Barrenjoey Headland. Bungaree was a police tracker and one of the first Aboriginal persons to be given a rifle for his own protection. Later in 1853 Bowen was murdered by bush rangers – shot in the back while protecting the new settlers of the area on a hill in Newport. Today the site of Bowen Bungaree’s murder is sign posted as Bush Rangers Hill. Is it appropriate that we recognize the colonial name of this site without respect to our traditional land owners?

From Tasmania, to Melbourne, Hornsby, Dubbo, and Grafton are just a few of many places that have already adopted a Dual Naming policy for road signs that feature corresponding Colonial and Aboriginal names. Here in Pittwater, it is our responsibility to recognise and preserve important cultural sites on Guringai land for our future generations – and the introduction of Dual Naming in Pittwater area is a must.

Please help by writing to Pittwater Mayor, Jacqueline Townsend to show your support Dual Naming today!

www.facebook.com/aboriginalguringaiactiongroupbudawa

Neil Evers, a proud Garigal man and ASG-MWP member

“Dual naming is about recognising the Aboriginal community’s rightful status as the first inhabitants of this land and celebrating their living culture, traditions and language,” – Lara Giddings, Premier of Tasmania

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Australian Taxation Office - Warning!

New phishing scam circulating – below is an image of the fraudulent email. This is doing the rounds again and causing problems

Details of the scam:

• displays as being sent from the Australian Taxation Office

• informs that you have a tax refund due to you

• displays an invalid Tax File Number

• website it links through to requests credit card details.

Remember:

• If you receive this scam email, DON’T click on the link. Delete the email immediately.

• Only access our online services by visiting ato.gov.au. We will never ask you to confirm, update or disclose confidential details via an insecure channel such as email.

Share with your friends and family so they don’t get caught. Check out other scams currently circulating, read tips on how to protect yourself, and learn how to report scam tax emails atwww.ato.gov.au/onlinesecurity

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Draft planning circular: advice on coastal hazards - Councils urged to think global as well as local when dealing with coastal hazards – NSW Govt. Media

The NSW Government has moved to ensure that coastal property buyers are given clear and accurate advice by local councils on the impacts of coastal hazards such as erosion and flooding.

A draft planning circular, which is on public exhibition from today, recommends councils distinguish between current and future hazards on Section 149 certificates.

Section 149 certificates alert purchasers to risks on the land which can restrict development, such as whether building is subject to flood related development controls.

The new draft planning circular follows advice to the NSW Government from the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer who examined this issue in April 2012. She in turn took advice from leading experts in sea level rise, CSIRO’s Dr John Church and Dr John Hunter from the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre. The Coastal Expert Panel has also provided advice to the NSW Government to help refine its approach.

The NSW Government is seeking feedback from the community and councils on a proposal to provide clearer advice to councils on how buyers of coastal properties should be informed about coastal hazards such as erosion and flooding.

The proposed change would require councils to make a clear distinction between current and future hazards on Section 149 certificates, which are required when selling a property and list future restrictions on development.

The proposed new advice aims to give more clarity to all stakeholders in the process including councils and property owners and buyers. It will also help ensure coastal councils deal with Section 149 certificates in a consistent way.

Read the draft planning circular and make a submission

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Coastal Ambassador Program Returns

Pittwater Council’s award-winning Coastal Ambassador program will be on again this year during the weekend of 29 to 30 March.

Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend said the Coastal Ambassadors program was started by the Council’s Coastal Environment Centre in 2005.

“Every year since then, the program has trained volunteers from surf clubs and other community groups to become ‘ambassadors’ for the local marine environment,” she said.

Natural Environment & Education Manager Mark Beharrell said surf club members across the northern beaches were invited to come and learn more about their coastal environment.

“It is a great way to learn about our coastline and how global changes may affect it,” he said.

“Our hope is that participants will feel motivated to share the conservation message with other members of their club and the wider community.”

Mr Beharrell said the program was a great way for club members to be a part of ‘creating positive solutions to keeping our coastline clean and beautiful’.

The Coastal Ambassadors course will be held at the Coastal Environment Centre on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March.

All interested participants must be members of a northern beaches surf lifesaving club or members of a registered community group within Pittwater.

To complete an expression of interest form. The closing date for applications is Monday 10 March 2014.

The Coastal Ambassador program is supported by Surf Lifesaving Sydney Northern Beaches.

For all enquiries please contact David Lowery on 9970 1259 or email david.lowery@pittwater.nsw.gov.au

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Coin shares the spirit of a Century of Anzac - 13 February 2014

The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, The Hon. Steven Ciobo MP, today unveiled a new $1 circulating 2014 coin featuring the Centenary of Anzac logo and produced by the Royal Australian Mint.

The special commemorative 2014 $1 circulating coin features the official logo of the Anzac Centenary, including the image of an Australian soldier, head bowed and rifle reversed in solemn reflection and the words ‘100 Years of Anzac - The Spirit Lives.’ The coin is rimmed with a motif reflecting the sun’s rays as captured on the Australian Army’s Rising Sun badge.

Senator Ronaldson said the Anzac Centenary would be one of the most important commemorations in Australia’s history and it was fitting that the Royal Australian Mint had created this coin.

“The Centenary of Anzac will be one of the most defining moments in our nations’ story and the creation of a coin is a permanent way to reflect on and remember this commemorative period,” Senator Ronaldson said.

“I am delighted that the Mint has chosen to feature the Centenary of Anzac logo on the 2014 circulating coin.”

Mr Ciobo said introducing this coin into circulation would mean that for many years to come these coins would pass through the hands of thousands of Australians.

“Every time someone looks at this coin it will remind them of the service and sacrifice of our past and present Australian Defence Force members. In particular, of those who died in the First World War,” Mr Ciobo said.

Students from St Andrew’s Primary School in Werribee attended the launch and were presented with coins by the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary.Â

Royal Australian Mint CEO, Ross MacDiarmid, said the Mint had a proud tradition of commemorating Australian military history with the production of a coin and the 2014 $1 ‘100 Years of Anzac - The Spirit Lives’ circulating coin would add to that.

“The Anzac Spirit has long been invoked as part of the essence of what it is to be Australian. The Anzac Centenary reminds us all that it is a living spirit and this coin captures aspects of that spirit in a permanent form,” Mr MacDiarmid said.

As Australia’s official coin producer, the Royal Australian Mint has developed a comprehensive coin program to be released over the coming Centenary period, marking significant events and dates from 1914-1918. The 2014 $1 Century of Service circulating coin will be a reminder for all Australians of the courage and selflessness of those who’ve served in Australia’s Defence Force for many years to come.

Those interested in receiving information regarding the Royal Australian Mint's upcoming Anzac Centenary collectable coin program should email their contact details to info@ramint.gov.au

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Council On A Mission For One Of Its Own

Pittwater Council has launched a Workplace Giving Program to benefit local charity the Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation (www.sanfilippo.org.au).

The Council started the program to support staff member Allan Donnell, who is father to siblings Isla and Jude Donnell. Four year old Isla and two year old Jude both suffer from Muchopolysacchridosis III Type A (also known as Sanfilippo Syndrome).

Sanfilippo Syndrome is a degenerative genetic condition that is fatal to children and for which there is currently no effective treatment or cure. Life expectancy for affected children is limited, with most dying in their teens.

The Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation was launched last year to raise much-needed research dollars and enable Australian children access to therapies and trials for treatment of the syndrome.

General Manager Mark Ferguson said the Workplace Giving Program would allow participating Council staff to donate to the charity via the payroll system.

“We very much want to support the Donnell family and other families on the northern beaches affected by genetic disease.”

“By setting up the Foundation, Allan and his family have turned their own sad situation into a positive force to find a cure.”

Regular donations through workplace giving program help charities and not-for-profits remain economically viable, said Director of the Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation Megan Donnell.

“It is a win-win for employers, employees and foundations like ours. Employees in any organization can donate whatever amount they choose from their pay and all donations over $2 are tax deductible.”

To learn more about the Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation, make a donation or sign up for a Workplace Giving Program, visitwww.sanfilippo.org.au. You can also follow the Sanfilippo Foundation on Facebook atwww.facebook.com.au/sanfilippochildrensfoundation and Twitter https://www.twitter.com/SFCFoundtn

Swimming Pool Education for Real Estate Agents

A swimming pool education workshop for real estate agents is being hosted by the Council next week.

The free workshop will be held at Pittwater Rugby Park next Tuesday between 10.30am and 11.30am.

The session will explain the new laws affecting backyard pools and spas introduced by the state government last year.

Under the new laws, all privately owned pools and spas must be registered on a NSW-wide database, with a deadline of 29 October 2013.

As of 29 April 2014 a pool owner must obtain a swimming pool compliance certificate before they can sell or lease their property. This will be a compulsory requirement for any property with a swimming pool or spa.

The laws were implemented by the state government to try and prevent drowning accidents affecting young children.

Compliance Manager Jeff Lofts said the free workshop would assist real estate agents with rental properties and those for sale ensure that pools complied with the new laws.

“Council staff will explain what they should look for when inspecting a property and what to tell property-owners enquiring about how the new laws affect them,” he said. “Agents need to be ready to assist their clients to obtain a swimming pool compliance certificate from April this year.”

Mayor Jacqui Townsend said the intent of the new laws was to protect children from unnecessary risk.

“There are over 5500 backyard pools in Pittwater and we have prepared an extensive education campaign on the new laws,” she said.

“This included a free session for builders to inform them of the laws and how they affect new pools and spas.”

Bookings are essential for next Tuesday’s workshop; real estate agents wishing to attend can call 9970 1194 or emaileceducation_team@pittwater.nsw.gov.au

Smooth Sailing for all Abilities

Local residents interested becoming volunteers in the Sailability program in Pittwater are invited to an info session at Mona Vale Library on Thursday 27 February 2014.

Sailability helps sailors with a wide range of disabilities to have freedom on the water, in social sailing and competitive racing.

John McCausland from Sailability Pittwater said the pleasure the sailing experience gives to disabled sailors was a strong motivator to all those volunteers involved.

“We’re seeking a wide range of volunteers who may like to become involved in the program this year,” he said.

Mr McCausland said the opportunity to volunteer was open to all whether they were sailors or not.

“Non-sailing volunteers are also able to learn to sail and even compete when boats are available for regattas. There is no doubt that people with all sorts of skills fulfil vital roles that make sailing day so special,” added Mr McCausland.

The talk is free and will take place in the Pelican Room at the Library from 2pm on Thursday 27 February.

Due to limited space, bookings are required and can be made by calling the library on 9970 1600.

To learn more about Sailability Pittwater visit:www.sailability.org/au/pittwater

Pittwater Mayor Cleans Up Coastal Site

Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend will lead by example this Clean Up Australia Day, as she spends time at the Coastal Environment Centre’s registered site on Sunday 2 March.

Local residents are invited to join the Mayor at the site that reaches from the Coastal Environment Centre at Lake Park Road to the bridge at Ocean Street.

To date, 17 Clean Up sites are registered in Pittwater and the aim is to have more than 25 this year.

Mayor Townsend said she was looking forward to the event, saying the initiative was one that made a difference on a local and national level.

“Clean Up Australia Day brings people together united in a common goal to clean up an area they visit regularly, or just one that they think needs some TLC,” Mayor Townsend said.

To participate, residents are invited to identify a site that they think needs cleaning and register it online.

Clean Up Australia Chairman, Ian Kiernan AO urged everyone to do their bit for Australia. “If cleaning up isn’t your scene, there is another way to put yourself in the picture on Sunday 2 March. Clean Up Australia is inviting individuals, schools and businesses to join them as a community sponsor of Clean Up Australia Day.”

“All they need is 125,000 Australians to donate just $2 to show how much YOU care about the environment - it's less than the cost of a cup of coffee,” said Mr Kiernan.

“We are inviting people to join us in any way they can, whether registering a site, asking your friends to sponsor your site, joining as a volunteer or making a donation to the YOU campaign – every one of us can be centre stage in 2014,” he said.

To register your site, join an existing one or to donate go online or call 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329).

Volunteers should bring with them gloves, a hat, sturdy shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Bee Workshop Books Out in Days

A workshop on keeping native bees has booked out within days and Pittwater Council will now consider holding another one later this year to meet demand.

The workshop is being hosted by the Council at its Coastal Environment Centre at the end of February, in response to public concern about the diminishing population of native and domesticated bees.

A report published last year by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) noted that global bee populations were in decline and issued a stark warning as a result. “The fact is that of the 100 crop species that provide 90 per cent of the world's food, over 70 are pollinated by bees”, the report states.

Natural Environment & Education Manager Mark Beharrell said the native bee workshop had been an important education initiative for the Council.

“Native bees are an integral part of our natural environment and are very seldom seen. However they are essential for the health of the environment to assist in pollinating native plants.”

Mr Beharrell said the workshop was being hosted by Tim Heard, a senior research scientist at the CSIRO, who will teach those attending how to identify and keep native bees as well as how to extract honey from the hives.

“The workshop is very interactive and Tim shares his expert knowledge on stingless native bees,” he said.

Mr Beharrell said he hoped another workshop would be held at the Coastal Environment Centre later this year.

“We will publicise details closer to the date through the Council’s new monthly e-newsletter About Pittwater and our website atwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au

Driving Small Business Success

Local small businesses can take advantage of high quality business assistance with the arrival of the Small Biz Bus.

The Bus will be visiting Mona Vale and Brookvale, giving local small business operators the chance to access personalised advice from business experts on 19 and 20 February.

“The Small Biz Bus is one of the key initiatives the NSW Government has put in place to ensure the ongoing viability of small business in the State. I encourage small business operators to take advantage of the practical, localised support the Bus offers,” NSW Minister for Small Business, Katrina Hodgkinson said.

Small business owners can access the support of expert advisers on the Small Biz Bus at no cost to them.

The Bus will be at: Wednesday 19 February, Outside Mona Vale Memorial Hall, Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale, from 9am to 3pm. Thursday 20 February, Warringah Mall car park (outside the Woolworths entrance), Brookvale from 9am to 3pm. Anne Paterson from Sydney Business said "This is a great opportunity for local businesses to meet our local Small Biz Connect business advisors, Kelly Robinson and Louise Lye. The Small Biz Bus is a great initiative.”

To book an appointment on the Bus or to speak to your local Small Biz Connect adviser, call Sydney Business on 1300 134 359 or visitwww.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/hop-on-the-small-biz-bus

A special word of thanks is extended to Westfield Warringah Mall and Warringah & Pittwater Council for their support and for hosting the Small Biz Bus.

The Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner also helps small businesses by providing low-cost dispute resolution services, speaking up for small business within government and delivering quality business advice through Small Biz Connect.

Car & Bike Fest at Pittwater Park

Car and bike enthusiasts will be out in force at the Car & Bike Fest at Pittwater Rugby Park this month.

The one-day event on Sunday 23 February is expected to feature over 100 vehicles and motorbikes and is being hosted to help raise funds for the Heart Kids charity.

On display will be Australian and American ‘muscle cars’, so-called because of their V8 engines and hotted-up bodies.

Other highlights of the Car & Bike Fest include Japanese performance cars, hot rods, motor bikes, commercial, classic and vintage cars.

The event is being organised by the Australian Chrysler & Valiant Owners Association. Gates open to the public at 10am with activities running until 3pm. To enter your car or bike arrive between 7am and 9.30am; $20 entry for cars and bikes.

Public admission for adults is $5 and children under 12 are free. Raffles and prizes will be drawn during the day and food and drinks are available; with a jumping castle for the kids.

Entry to the Car & Bike Fest is via the Pittwater Rugby Park entrance off Pittwater Road or Walsh Street, North Narrabeen.

Enquiries about the event can be directed to Barney Bedelis on 0478 032 122.

Information about the Chrysler and Valiant Owners Association can be found at www.ozshowcars.com

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Easier way for busy parents to have their say on childcare - The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Assistant Minister for Education,

In a first, time-poor parents can have their say on the nation’s first major review of childcare since the 1990s without having to make a full-length submission. Assistant Minister for Education Sussan Ley said the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Childcare and Early Childhood Learning had incorporated the option for people to leave a “brief comment” via a simple online form on their website.

It is the first-time a PC Inquiry has offered this type of opportunity, she said.

Ms Ley said it was a timely reminder for the 729,780 families who used childcare in Australia, given submissions closed on Monday (Feb 3).

“The work lives of Australian families are no longer strictly nine-to-five and have never been busier,” Ms Ley said. “I’ve been a working mum with young children myself and it’s hard enough to get five minutes to yourself, let alone sit down and lodge a full submission.

“However, this ever-growing pressure on our family lives is exactly why we want to hear from parents to ensure Australians have access to child care that’s both affordable and flexible.

“It’s fantastic the Productivity Commission is pulling out all the stops to make it easier for busy parents to take part in this once-in-a-generation Inquiry.”

Ms Ley said the online form could be accessed from any device with internet access, meaning it was perfect for people “on the run”.

“This is a quick and easy way to ensure you have your say that you can easily do on your morning coffee break or on the bus or train to work,” she said.

“It’s also a perfect way for educators, operators and parents and grandparents who’ve used childcare in the past to share their views and experiences.”

To make a comment using the online form visit:http://pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/childcare/comment.

Ms Ley said the Coalition had tasked the Productivity Commission with taking a holistic view to reform, including looking at issues facing mothers returning to the workforce, rural, regional and remote communities, shift workers and disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

She said the Productivity Commission had also released a short discussion paper posing key questions to help guide responses, including:

Have you experienced difficulty accessing suitable care for your child? If so, is this due to a lack of services in your area or available places at the time you require?

Has increasing workforce participation by mothers increased demand for childcare, or has improved availability, affordability, and/or quality of childcare led to increased participation?

What can childcare operators and governments do to improve the delivery of childcare services to children with additional needs?

What are the particular challenges facing parents and operators in regional, remote and rural areas?

Whether any increased staffing costs for operators have been, or will be, passed on in higher fees charged to families?

Ms Ley said anyone interested in downloading the issues paper, making a full submission or finding out more about the Inquiry could visit http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/childcare.

The Productivity Commission is expected to report to the Government by the end of October 2014.

Childcare by numbers (At last count (March quarter 2013), there were:

More than one million children (1,042,280) attending approved childcare services – increased 6.8% on year before
729,780 families using approved childcare services – increased 5.8% on year before
15,454 approved childcare services in Australia – increased 4.1% on year before

February 2 - 8, 2014: Issue 148

Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast Tuesday 11 March 2014

Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc will host the annual Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast on Tuesday 11 March 2014 at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport. The 2014 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater. Guest speaker at the breakfast will be Lindsay Cane, CEO Royal Far West, Manly.

Lindsay is an experienced CEO/Executive of health and sporting agencies. She has a strong spirit of adventure and a driven and competitive attitude to life’s challenges. Leadership positions have included Netball Australia, Asthma Foundation of New South Wales and Australian Physiotherapy Association.

Lindsay has trekked with camels across The Great Sandy Desert; walked the 800km Spanish Camino de Santiago (twice); learned to dance the Argentine Tango; played representative Basketball; been a long-standing Director of the Australian Masters Games and Confederation of Australian Sport and contributed as a Board member of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association among many other personal, professional and community achievements. She has been a finalist in the Telstra Businesswomen’s Awards.

Under her leadership Royal Far West recently received the Premier’s Award for Service Excellence to the NSW Public, in recognition of their unique Child Health Strategy and long standing contribution to the health and wellbeing of rural NSW.

Lindsay will speak on her ‘life story’.

The IWD Breakfast will be held at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport at 7am till 9am on Tuesday 11 March 2014. The cost is $38. Enquiries topittwateriwdbreakfast@gmail.com

or Susie Lough on 0413 623 392.

Proceeds from the breakfast will support service projects of Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc assisting local women in need, and Zonta International projects in developing countries. Come by yourself, bring a friend or make up a table of 8 to 12. We will seat you. Please note the new venue for this year.

The Pittwater IWD Breakfast is supported by Pittwater Council.

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Draft planning circular: advice on coastal hazards - Councils urged to think global as well as local when dealing with coastal hazards – NSW Govt. Media Release, 30 Jan 2014

The NSW Government has moved to ensure that coastal property buyers are given clear and accurate advice by local councils on the impacts of coastal hazards such as erosion and flooding.

A draft planning circular, which is on public exhibition from today, recommends councils distinguish between current and future hazards on Section 149 certificates.

Section 149 certificates alert purchasers to risks on the land which can restrict development, such as whether building is subject to flood related development controls.

Read the draft planning circular and make a submission.

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$600K Funding for Waste Avoidance & Resource Recovery for SHOROC Region

SHOROC and its partner councils – Manly, Mosman, Pittwater and Warringah – have received a $600,000 grant over four years to improve waste and resource recovery services for the region.

SHOROC President and Mayor of Pittwater, Cr Jacqueline Townsend said the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) grants support regional council groups to further develop waste and recycling infrastructure and include the appointment of regional waste coordinators and development of regional waste strategies.

“SHOROC is one of the first regional organisation of councils to appoint a regional waste coordinator –testament to the SHOROC councils’ long history of collaborating on waste management including the joint ownership of the Kimbriki Resource Recovery Centre at Terrey Hills and the adoption of a common waste collection system into the future.

“SHOROC’s new regional waste coordinator, Liz Quinlan, has already started and will work with our councils to build on their already outstanding record and find new innovative ways to reduce waste, increase resource recovery and minimise impacts on the environment.

“The EPA funding will further strengthen our councils’ collaboration on waste management and will enable councils to work together to develop a new regional waste avoidance and resource recovery strategy, to coordinate grant applications, deliver joint regional projects and support large-scale infrastructure projects.

“These strategies will see the region manage its own waste in a more sustainable manner to reduce waste and increase resource recovery within the region – rather than it being transported elsewhere.

“It’s encouraging to see the latest waste data showing NSW households are recycling almost four per cent more than five years ago and are sending less waste to landfill. For the SHOROC region we have had a seven per cent decrease in total waste to landfill from 2007 to 2012,” Mayor Townsend said.

This program is supported by the NSW Environment Protection Authority with funding from the waste levy.

Waste Less, Recycle More:

The $465.7 million Waste Less, Recycle More initiative is designed to enhance waste and resource recovery services both at an individual council level and with large scale infrastructure changes.

The EPA has approved $6 million over the next four years to fund the regional coordination of seven council groups (54 councils) in the waste-levy paying area to engage regional coordinators, undertake infrastructure planning and develop the Regional Waste Strategies required under the NSW 2021 Regional Action Plans.

More information about the Regional Coordination Support package, the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative and grants can be found at epa.nsw.gov.au

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