New dog laws to boost community safety - 21 August 2013 - NSW Govt. Media Release
The NSW Government is overhauling the way companion animals are managed in NSW, including creating a new category of "menacing dogs", to better protect the NSW community, Local Government Minster Don Page MP said today.
The new rules will allow councils to require owners of menacing dogs to muzzle their dogs in public, have them on a leash, under the control of a person over 18 years old, and ensure they are de-sexed.
The new law is part of a package of measures announced by Mr Page to respond to the Companion Animals and Dangerous Dogs Taskforce and to concerns about dangerous and threatening dogs in the NSW community.
"The Government has carefully considered the expert recommendations from the Taskforce and the more than 5300 submissions received in a public consultation, so that we can deliver a comprehensive response," Mr Page said.
"The Liberals & Nationals Government has listened to community concerns about the threat of dangerous dogs and we are acting to implement tougher dog controls and to enforce stronger penalties on the owners of dogs that exhibit violent behaviour."
Recent tragic dog attacks in Deniliquin and Ashcroft demonstrate why this is vitally important.
Mr Page said the new categories would boost community safety by giving more power to council rangers.
"The changes will mean that council rangers will be able to be more proactive. Under current legislation a dog has to attack before it can be declared dangerous," Mr Page said.
"This is a more proactive approach that is followed in other jurisdictions."
"As well, the Government is implementing stronger fines of up to $77,000 and jail terms of up to five years for owners whose dogs have been involved in serious attacks, and providing councils with more options to deal with these dogs and their owners."
"While there is no substitute for constant vigilance – particularly where young children are concerned - I believe these changes will significantly boost community safety.’"
"The Government intends to introduce legislation into the spring session of Parliament to implement these and other measures so that we can better protect the NSW community.
"The Government will adopt most of the recommendations of the Taskforce in full or in part.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Companion Animals and Dangerous Dogs Taskforce and members of the public who provided their views and expertise on these important issues," Mr Page said.
Taskforce chairman Andrew Cornwell said he was pleased the Government had acted so quickly to boost community safety.
"The new category of menacing dogs will bring us into line with other States," said Mr Cornwell, who is the Member for Charlestown and is also a practising vet. "Attacks by dangerous dogs are terrifying and something this Government takes very seriously," Mr Cornwell said.
"It is important we do all we can to use the law as a deterrent where dangerous dogs and irresponsible owners are concerned to stop these attacks."
The response includes the following key measures:
• A new 'menacing dog' control category, allowing councils to require owners to muzzle their dog in public, be on a leash, under the control of someone 18 years of age or older and ensure it is desexed
• Stronger penalties including maximum jail terms for owners whose dogs have been involved in an attack, increasing to a maximum five years for owners whose dogs have attacks after the owner has failed to comply with a menacing, dangerous, or restricted dog control requirement by council
• Enabling councils to immediately seize an unmicrochipped dog for which notice of intention has been issued to declare the dog as menacing, dangerous, or restricted.
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Walls going Up at Avalon SLSC this week
And in related news – Avalon Beach RSL has made a $3300.00 grant to the Avalon Beach SLSC to assist in running the club’s rubber ducks. Great pre-season news!______________________________________________________________
YOUTH CONFERENCE WITH ECO FOCUS
Pittwater and Warringah Councils will host the Youth Leading the World (YLTW) conference at the Coastal Environment Centre (CEC) at North Narrabeen from 3 to 5 September 2013. The Global Youth Leadership Congress invites young people aged between 12 and 25 to come together locally and connect globally on issues of sustainability. The congress is facilitated by the not-for-profit organisation OzGreen and is one of 90 being held worldwide.
Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend said the congress was a great initiative involving young people across the world, educating and inspiring them to act on their environmental concerns.
“This hands-on three day session allows young people to work out their own eco-footprint and on action plans to make changes in their lives, at their schools and in their communities,” she said. “I encourage every young resident on the northern beaches to become involved in this great event,” added Mayor Townsend.
Warringah Mayor Michael Regan also praised the program and said it was a way of developing real solutions to environmental issues at a community level.
“This is a great opportunity for young people to participate at a local and global level to voice their concerns about the environment,” said Mayor Regan.
“I am pleased that Warringah Council is, once again, contributing financial support to the running of this very important youth event.”
David Lowery from the CEC said the Congress would culminate with a community forum for young people to share their inspirational plans with the wider community.
Young residents across the northern beaches are invited to register at www.ozgreen.org
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Canberra Glassworks
The Canberra Glassworks is a unique facility within Australia where visitors can view the latest in contemporary glass art, watch artists creating and learn glass making techniques themselves.
Built and funded by the ACT Government the Canberra Glassworks is Australia's only cultural centre that is wholly dedicated to contemporary glass art. The Canberra Glassworks is in the Kingston Powerhouse. Built in 1913 this is Canberra’s oldest permanent public building. The Powerhouse was originally intended to be a temporary structure and was used to supply Canberra with coal-generated electricity from 1915, continuing to operate as a powerhouse until 1957.
It was sited on the banks of the Molonglo River and used the river water to convert to steam to generate electricity. This site was also located alongside the railway line, which brought coal to fire the boilers. The impressive coal elevator remains affixed to the Northern side of the building today. The elevator lifted coal from the trains into the hoppers in boiler room. Historically, the Engine Room housed the Kingston Powerhouse turbine engines. Today it is used for our classes and experiences, as well as housing the equipment and facilities for glass processes such as kiln working, flame working and cold working. Live Glassmaking is the element of the Canberra Glassworks that make us unique in the Australian landscape. The work you see being created is not a demonstration for spectator purposes, it is real glass art being created by real artists.
Glass making at any level involves the sharing of ideas, information and skills, and the outcomes are the result of artists and others working together to achieve common goals. Volunteers are an important part of this creative process.
By prior arrangement visitors can experience the drama of glass forming in our state of the art Hot Shop! Working one on one with an experienced glass blower, be guided through the processes of learning how to make your own stylish paperweight or bird paperweight. Shape molten glass adding colour and using different tools to create your own unique design. Your unique glass piece will be available for collection the following week or posted to you. This is a great opportunity to have a ‘hands on’ experience here at the Glassworks as well as creating something beautiful that you can take home.
From: www.canberraglassworks.com
Studio artist Tim Edwards (left ) and Nick Mount. Nick is a leading figure in the Australian studio glass movement. Tim has exhibited widely internationally including the Corning Museum of Glass in the USA. Photo by Michael Mannington
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Preferred Route Selected For Mona Vale Road Upgrade - 8 August 2013 - Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced the preferred route for the Mona Vale Road upgrade has been selected following widespread interest from the community. The Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is currently planning for the future upgrade of the 3.3km section of Mona Vale Road between Ingleside and Terrey Hills from two single lanes to a four lane divided road. Following extensive environmental and geotechnical assessments, and a review of community feedback, three options were developed for further investigation to better understand the social, environmental, economic and engineering factors of this large-scale project. Following this process, Option 2 has been selected as the preferred route as it presents the most practical route to build, would cause in the least congestion during construction, provides a consistently wide shoulder for cyclists and offers the best opportunities to enhance fauna connectivity.
“The selection of the preferred route is a key milestone in this enormous project,” Rob Stokes said today. “With infrastructure projects of this scale there are dozens of boxes to be ticked during every step of the process.
“The key factors considered by the RMS in selecting this route included the need to enhance safety, reduce congestion and improve travel times.
“The feedback from our community has been vital in finalising this stage of the project and enabling the RMS to proceed.
“The Preferred Option Report is available to view online atwww.rms.nsw.gov.au/roadprojects or in hard copy at Mona Vale Library, Warringah Mall Library, and the Warriewood and Frenchs Forest Motor Registries.
Direct to Mona Vale Road page link HERE
“Following community feedback the NSW Government has also allocated funds to begin developing upgrade options for the second key section of Mona Vale Road between Foley Street at Mona Vale and Manor Road at Ingleside,” Rob Stokes said.
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No Shooting in National Parks Petition
On Thursday 22nd August at 4:30pm the public gallery in NSW State Parliament was packed as Alex Greenwich, Member for Sydney rose to speak in favour of the No Shooting in National Parks petition. As wildlife advocates listened intently to what was being said, Mr Greenwich began, “I also welcome everyone to the public gallery to see the People's Parliament and democracy in action. This petition was signed by nearly 12,000 New South Wales residents, calling on the Government to overturn legislation regarding recreational hunting in national parks. It represents one of the strongest community campaigns in recent years”.
The campaign to overturn Barry O’Farrell’s deal with the Shooters which allowed recreational shooting National Parks has been long, hard and passionate. The petition was lodged with the Parliament in June this year and some hard fought improvements have been made. These include much improved safety guidelines that ensure that all volunteer shooters undertake training and children will no longer be eligible to shoot. However, whilst acknowledging these improved safety measures, wildlife groups still hold concerns.
Until the additional safety measures are enshrined in legislation wildlife advocates remain concerned that as time passes the measures will be watered down. Until such times as the additional safeguards become law, there is nothing to prevent changes in policy taking place. Concerns are also held that the additional measures do not apply to shooting in state forests. A review of the legislation is required both to enshrine the new safety measures into legislation and to extend all additional safety measures to shooting in State Forests.
It is proposed that shooting will commence in National Parks from October this year. Initially the trail will involve 12 yet to be named National Parks.
Photo: Alex Greenwich, MP for Sydney and Wendy Williamson fromSydney Wildlife after the debate.
NEW LOOSELY WOVEN CONCERT WAS TERRIFIC!
“some hotly contested issues were canvassed with larrikin humour and true reverence - that is, in typical Loosely Woven style”
“Sonia’s lovely 'Bogong Ranges' stole my breath away”
These quotes from the following review by Paul Cruise give us the essence of “NEVER FORGET YOU” the new concert given in Avalon on the 4th August by Loosely Woven musicians led by Wayne Richmond. The concert raised over $600 for Avalon Group of Amnesty International.
An enthusiastic audience of over 80 were enthralled by the music, and were also supportive of the Avalon Amnesty Group’s petitions on behalf of prisoners of conscience in Iraq and Bahrain.
Many commented also on the great refreshments provided by Avalon Baptist Church and the AIA Group.
Review (Paul Cruise)
I've come to expect a range of emotions to move me during a Loosely Woven concert. Tonight I was more impressed by the sheer skill and talent of these performers. "Never Forget You", a programme dedicated to the late Denis Kevans, was a slight departure from the group's customary palette of widely varied material but the local theme served them well. Indeed, with his musical partner Sonia Bennett leading the charge, this tribute to our own 'Poet Lorikeet' just couldn't miss. It was a sublime experience. The emphasis on original songs by Denis, Sonia and others, plus a couple from Henry Lawson, shone a spotlight on contemporary Australia without sentimentalism or bravado. From coal seam gas to the plight of the Great Barrier Reef and hunting in National Parks, some hotly contested issues were canvassed with larrikin humour and true reverence - that is, in typical Loosely Woven style.
Ah, yes, the performers! A very strong, tight chorus ably complemented Sonia's leads and splendid guitar work - her lovely 'Bogong Ranges' stole my breath away. Bee Higgins's warm clarinets and Cathy Kirk's trumpet interjections deepened the sonic texture, while some fine arrangements allowed harp and xylophone to shine in the hands of Noni Dickson and Meredith Williams. Even maestro Wayne Richmond's concertinas got a look in, as did the blues! So the usual mad mixture was there after all, in the execution as much as the instrumentation. It's the nature of what they do, and it's getting better all the time ( as Sir Paul McCartney might say )!
Avalon Amnesty Group wish to give heartfelt thanks to Wayne and Loosely Woven for their great music, and for their continuing work in raising money to help those who suffer injustice around the world. Photo at top: Sonia Bennet and Loosely Woven
Wayne Hunts in National Parks
Preferred Route Selected For Mona Vale Road Upgrade - 8 August 2013Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced the preferred route for the Mona Vale Road upgrade has been selected following widespread interest from the community.
The Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is currently planning for the future upgrade of the 3.3km section of Mona Vale Road between Ingleside and Terrey Hills from two single lanes to a four lane divided road.
Following extensive environmental and geotechnical assessments, and a review of community feedback, three options were developed for further investigation to better understand the social, environmental, economic and engineering factors of this large-scale project.
Following this process, Option 2 has been selected as the preferred route as it presents the most practical route to build, would cause in the least congestion during construction, provides a consistently wide shoulder for cyclists and offers the best opportunities to enhance fauna connectivity.
“The selection of the preferred route is a key milestone in this enormous project,” Rob Stokes said today. “With infrastructure projects of this scale there are dozens of boxes to be ticked during every step of the process.
“The key factors considered by the RMS in selecting this route included the need to enhance safety, reduce congestion and improve travel times.
“The feedback from our community has been vital in finalising this stage of the project and enabling the RMS to proceed.
“The Preferred Option Report is available to view online at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roadprojects or in hard copy at Mona Vale Library, Warringah Mall Library, and the Warriewood and Frenchs Forest Motor Registries.
Direct to Mona Vale Road page link HERE
“Following community feedback the NSW Government has also allocated funds to begin developing upgrade options for the second key section of Mona Vale Road between Foley Street at Mona Vale and Manor Road at Ingleside,” Rob Stokes said.
Scotland Island Hazard Reduction BurnLast weekend the Scotland Island Fire Brigade and RFS began their preparations for the upcoming bushfire season. These Images are courtesy of the Pittwater Offshore Newsletter.
Prepare. Act. Survive. will be the motto for us all again this Summer. To find out more about upcoming Hazrad Reduction Burns or support our local firies visit the NSW Rural Fire Service at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/
First entries in for the 33rd Club Marine Pittwater & Coffs Harbour Regatta 2014 - Friday 9 August 2013
Close Halled, Graeme Hall’s 40-footer from Lake Macquarie Yacht Club has been honourably acknowledged as entry number one for the Club Marine Pittwater & Coffs Harbour race and regatta.
“It might be the only prize we win,” quipped the former Commodore.
Graeme Hall’s Beneteau First 40 Close Halled at the start of the 2012 Pittwater to Coffs race – photo by Damian Devine
Hall was spending a lot of time at his computer lodging paperwork for the summer’s major coastal races and decided while he was on a roll to complete his entry for the first offshore sailing calendar event of the New Year.
“It’s a hell of a job preparing for the big races so I thought I’d pop my entry in while I was at it. Hopefully we’ll be able to encourage a few more Lake boats to enter,” Hall said.
“The appeal for us is the race length and temperature heading north, plus we’ve always enjoyed great hospitality thanks to the Coffs Harbour community.”
Hall’s Beneteau First 40 has collected solid results in the northern bluewater classics including third in IRC Division C in the 2011 and 2012 Audi Sydney Gold Coast yacht races. An IRC overall third place and second in IRC 2 in the 2011 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race was an unexpected but well-deserved result that was followed up in 2012 with a second in IRC Division 2.
“The First 40s rate well on handicap, plus when we return from Coffs Harbour I can go cruising on the Lake with my wife. It’s a good all-round boat,” added Hall.
Close Halled will carry an unchanged 10-strong race crew north, most of them “old blokes over 60 with a couple of young bucks to do the heavy work” the skipper laughed.
Graeme Hall dockside with crew after their 3rd IRC overall place in the 2011 race – photo by Damian Devine
Since the Notice of Race was posted and online entries opened for business, the host Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club has received two nominations for the 33rd edition of the 226 nautical mile Club Marine Pittwater to Coffs Harbour ocean race.
Second entry and first RPAYC boat, Robert Alder and Bill Bailey’s Cookson 12 Occasional Coarse Language One, recently finished third in their division and fifth overall in the Sydney Gold Coast yacht race.
This will be Alder’s 16th Coffs race and regatta - the boat’s third - and he is keen they continue their run at the podium, which has so far included their Gold Coast result and third in the NSW State IRC Championships at Port Stephens in April.
RPAYC’s Alder/Bailey Cookson 12 Occasional Coarse Language One hoping to continue their run on the podium - photo by Damian Devine
he 226nm Category 2 Club Marine Pittwater to Coffs Harbour yacht race will start at 1pm on January 2, 2014, off Palm Beach headland on Sydney’s northern beaches. The annual post New Year’s Eve pilgrimage north is part of the RPAYC’s five race Blue Water Series.
Once the fleet has disappeared over the horizon on the 2nd, the club’s race management team will relocate to Coffs Harbour for the second stage of the pointscore, the four windward/leeward and passage race regatta to be run over January 5 and 6. The regatta races are open to category four yachts and with late morning starts just off the harbour entrance, provide the perfect opportunity for competitors and their families to combine a holiday at the popular tourist destination.
The 2014 regatta will once again play host to the third annual Australian PHS Championships, won in 2013 by another Novocastrian yacht from the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, Storage King Wallop, a Sydney 41 owned by Peter Hewson.
The 10 year race record is held by Bob Oatley’s Wild Oats IX set in 2003 in a time of 18 hours 29 minutes and 14 seconds and with the right conditions this fastest course time could easily be eclipsed.
The closing date for entries is Friday 6 December, 2013.
The 2014 Club Marine Pittwater & Coffs Harbour Regatta Notice of Race and online entry is available from the event website at www.pittwatertocoffs.com.au
An online crew register has been set up on the event website for those interested in racing in the regatta but who don’t yet have a crew position. For race enquiries and documentation please contact the RPAYC Sailing Office on (02) 9998 3771 or yachting@rpayc.com.au By Damian Devine & Lisa Ratcliff/Club Marine Pittwater & Coffs Harbour Regatta media. Photos by Damian Devine
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Slender Rice Flower-ing
Pimelea linifolia is an Australian shrub, variously known as Queen-of-the-bush and the Slender or Flax-leafed Riceflower. It is widespread throughout the south and east of the continent and is toxic to livestock.The bark can be processed into fine strong thread for catching Agrotis infusa, the Bogong moth. This string, called a 'Bushman's bootlace', is produced by a traditional method that involves wetting, drying, beating and rolling the material. The plant is prostrate or 1.5 m high. The leaves of the species are narrow or oblanceolate, 2-7 mm, and may be up to 30mm long. Up to 60 white flowers form brachteate heads on glabrous peduncles, bracts are 4 or 8. It was first published in 1793 by James Edward Smith, in his A Specimen of the Botany of New Holland. It is endemic to south-eastern Australia, occurring in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland. Pimelea linifolia. (2013, May 17). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pimelea_linifolia&oldid=555493949
Photo by A J Guesdon, August, 2013
Green Wing Press - The Red Light of Palm Beach
It is with great joy, and at least one small leap into the air, that we announce the launch of Green Wing Press Pty. Ltd, the hard copy publishing arm of which Pittwater Online News is now a subsidiary.
To commence this 'branch' of our ever expanding passion to create and share permanent records of our stories, we have the very great privilege of announcing the first book we will sell is Jervis Sparks's'The Red Light Of Palm Beach'.
Bridget and Jervis are doing well in Queensland and we know a lot here miss them. We will bring you more news soon... Jervis has kindly consented to allowing us to run a Profile on him in October and there is a lot to talk of there !
Copies may be purchased for a minuscule $25.00 by contacting us at greenwingpress@live.com.au and providing your details. Please put 'Red Light of Palm Beach' in your subject heading and provide details of a delivery or postage address. Once payment is confirmed you will own your own copy of this great book. You can also post a cheque/money order to the office; 724 Barrenjoey Road, Avalon, 2017, if this works better for you.
To find out more about where springs Green Wing Press from, and what we hope to achieve through this, please read this week's Front Page.
Pittwater Online News will remain a News Service - emphasis on 'service', and we will continue to approach each and everyone of you with the firm belief that you are doing us a favour by allowing us to share your stories and voices.
We would like secondly, as requested by so many of you, to publish a hard copy of the stories from Pittwater Online News you want to hold in your hand and curl up under a shady tree to enjoy and we're still running the whole shebang on pure willpower alone, so let us find our feet in this first.
kind regards,
A J Guesdon, Editor.
Above: Recent photo of Bridget and Jervis.
Newport SLSC AGM - 2013
Rob Emerson was again elected President. Sandy Menzies was elected Vice- President and Ian Storey was elected Treasurer.
Two members were elevated to Life Membership. They were Greg Howard and Bernie Howard. Greg Howard joined the club as a Junior Member in the 1964/65 season and has been heavily involved with the club ever since. Greg Howard. He is still very much involved with the Nippers at Newport to this day.
Bernie Howard is known as Mr. Newport! He has received many awards from the club and undergone extensive training in series of surf life saving skills. He was awarded the National medal in 2009 for 15 years of patrolling service and at least 30 hours of service in each of those seasons. Awarded Distinguished Service in 2007, Bernie has trained as an official supporting Newport competitors across the state.
In related news three Newport members make the Australian team to compete in Japan in September. Kendrick Louis and Jake Lynch from Newport have been selected in the Australian Surf Team. Jake’s father Martin Lynch is the beach coach for the team.
Full Story from SLSA here Photo:Two new life members. Greg Howard on the left and Bernie Howard on the right.
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International Fleet Review
The RAN tested its new Three-Pound Gun Battery this week, in preparation for the IFR, the test firing is a rehearsal for the Gun Salute which will be a highlight during the IFR's recreation of the 1913 fleet entry. A Gun Salute stems from back in the day when a warship approached a foreign port or allied ship it would discharge its guns to show it posed no threat; the port or other ship would reciprocate by discharging its cannons in reply.
Petroleum (Onshore) Amendment Bill 2013 – from NO CSG – Byron Bay - Gas & Oil Industry to have access to ALL land without permission of the landowner
On the 20th August 2013 changes to this Bill will be made in the NSW Parliament to allow the Gas & Oil Industry to have access to ALL land without permission of the landowner. Please send letters, emails, phone calls etc. to your local member.
The Federal "water trigger" bill is also suspect. After all, hasn't Mr. Rudd made it clear he believes CSG to be a essential part of Australia's "transition" to renewable energy? Don't trust it. More on this later.
This month communities throughout NSW are making this a number one priority to have this Bill thrown out of the House.
Read the proposed Legislation:
Division 7 Entry in other circumstances—permits
104P Entry on land for rehabilitation purposes etc
(1) The Minister may grant a permit to any person to enter any land so as to enable the person:
(a) to carry out any rehabilitation work in accordance with a
direction in force under section 78, or (b) to remove any petroleum plant from any land in accordance with a direction under section 82 or as a result of a sale conducted under section 83.
(2) The holder of a permit under this section, and any employee or agent of the holder, may, in accordance with the permit:
(a) enter the land to which the permit relates, and
(b) do on that land all such things as are reasonably necessary
to achieve the purpose for which the permit is granted.
AND IT GOES ON...
104Q Surveys and sampling
(1) The Minister may grant a permit to any registered surveyor, or any officer of the Department, to enter any land for any of the following purposes:
(a) the carrying out of any geological, geophysical, geochemical or other survey of the land,
(b) the removal of petroleum, water or strata from the land.
(2) The holder of a permit under this section, and any employee,
agent or assistant of the holder, may, in accordance with the permit:
(a) enter the land to which the permit relates, and
(b) do on that land all such things as are reasonably necessary to achieve the purpose for which the permit was granted.
104R Environmental assessment
(1) The Minister may, on the application of a person who proposes to undertake an assessment (for the purposes of this Act or the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) of the likely effect on the environment of the activities to be carried out under a petroleum title, grant a permit to the applicant to enter any land so as to enable the person to undertake the assessment.
(2) The holder of a permit under this section, and any employee or agent of the holder, may, in accordance with the permit:
(a) enter the land to which the permit relates, and
(b) do on that land all such things as are reasonably necessary
to carry out the assessment to which the permit relates.
NATIONAL & MARINE PARKS UP FOR GRABS
(3) A permit under this section may not be granted in respect of land within a national park, state conservation area, regional park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area, wildlife refuge or Aboriginal place within the meaning of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 except with the concurrence of the Minister administering that Act.
(4) A permit under this section may not be granted in respect of land within a marine park within the meaning of the Marine Parks Act 1997 except with the concurrence of the relevant Ministers within the meaning of that Act.
104V Obstruction
A person must not, without reasonable excuse, obstruct, hinder or restrict any other person who is entering land, or carrying out any other activity, pursuant to a permit under this Division.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
And there are a number of other "little gems" in there. Full Document at HERE
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THE FACTS SAY YES FOR PITTWATER
Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend has today urged residents to say ‘YES to the facts’ in the upcoming referendum, in an effort to ensure that Federal funding continues to be available for important local projects.
“Pittwater Council stands to lose a considerable amount of Federal funding if the upcoming referendum regarding constitutional recognition for local government doesn’t succeed, “said Mayor Townsend.
For some time many really important local council projects, in particular the upgrade of many of our local roads have been possible due to direct Federal funding. At present, direct Federal funding of local projects is in doubt.” she said.
“A YES vote will preserve the sort of arrangements that, for more than 10 years, have funded important local projects. Voting YES simply ensures existing practice can continue and that’s a good thing for our community.”
Over the past few years Council has received Federal funding for the following local projects:
•Upgrade to Governor Phillip Park Playground, Palm Beach
•Construction of a new Church Point Boat tie up facility
•Upgrades to roads across many Pittwater suburbs
•Energy efficiency program allowing for solar hot water systems to be installed at a number of Council facilities.
“A YES vote will ensure our community can continue to receive Federal funding for local projects without the funds going first through the states. Direct funding by the Commonwealth ensures greater efficiency and injects money into our local economy.”, said Mayor Townsend.
“Our important local projects need Federal funding and voting YES is the only way to secure this. There is no other source to replace this funding.”
Around the country direct Federal funding has delivered safer roads, better playgrounds and parks, and upgraded libraries and other important local amenities – in short, safer and improved local environments for our communities.
But two recent High Court decisions mean from now on this funding is under threat. Which is why the facts say YES on election day.
For more information please visit:http://www.thefactssayyes.com.au/
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33rd Club Marine Pittwater & Coffs Harbour Regatta 2014
Notice of Race and online entry now available
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, organiser of the 33rd Club Marine Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race and associated Pittwater & Coffs Harbour regatta, has announced the release of the Notice of Race and invites applications for entry.
The five race regatta starts with the first ocean race of the New Year, the category 2, 226nm Pittwater to Coffs Harbour ocean race on 2 January, 2014, followed by four category 4 races in Coffs Harbour over two consecutive days on 5 & 6 January. The five races shall count for the overall regatta score with no discards and points awarded for race one, shall be doubled in value.
There will be five entry categories including IRC, PHS, ORCi, Shorthanded and One Design Classes. All boats are eligible to enter the Australian PHS Championships, a five race series.
RPAYC Commodore Robert Curtis commented, “The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club invites all past competitors and indeed newcomers to get a taste of some challenging and spectacular east coast racing in this warm water classic that’s entering its 33rd year.
Both the RPAYC and Coffs Harbour Yacht Club have put in a lot of hard work into setting up the regatta and we know it will be another great event for everybody. My crew and I are very much looking forward to the race and regatta this year and especially, the turning left aspect towards Coffs.”
Corey Yeung NSW State Manager of naming sponsor Club Marine added, “Club Marine is proud to be associated with this iconic ocean racing event and yachtsmen and women competing in it. For us, it’s a great opportunity to be a part of the Pittwater & Coffs Harbour Regatta and the Club’s Blue Water Series. Having witnessed the great camaraderie had by all in Coffs Harbour this year, we once again look forward to meeting all the competitors and seeing them out on the water and welcoming them when they arrive in Coffs Harbour in early January”.
2013 Club Marine Pittwater to Coffs race line honours winner Wedgetail - photo by Damian Devine
This year’s Club Marine Pittwater to Coffs race offered up a new line honours winner in Bill Wild’s Queensland based Wedgetail, which finished with an elapsed course time of 19hrs 53mins 3secs, the third fastest for the time-honoured Bluewater race.
Wedgetail’s savvy crew duelled with Syd Fischer’s TP52 Ragamuffin for all of the 226 nautical mile sprint north, winning by a mere 3 minutes and 30 seconds, with the latter getting their own back with a clean handicap sweep – IRC, ORCi and PHS – just days after Fischer’s second over-the-line in the Rolex Sydney Hobart with his plus size stablemate, Ragamuffin Loyal.
The 2013 overall regatta winners were the Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s Philip Dash’s Beneteau First 40 Just a Dash in IRC, Peter Hewson’s Sydney 41 Storage King Wallop from the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club in PHS and Mark Tinworth and Mark Waterhouse’s Beneteau 44.7 Le Billet from the host Club, The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s in ORCi. Storage King Wallop was also crowned the 2013 Australian PHS Champion.
2013 Club Marine Pittwater & Coffs Harbour Regatta overall IRC winner Justadash - photo by Damian Devine
Competitors are invited to submit their entry online via the event website and the race will once again feature the Yellow Brick yacht tracking system to assist competitors, spectators, media and families onshore to follow the race with 15 minute updates.
Renowned as a fun, family event, there will also be plenty of onshore activity for families organised by the receiving club, Coffs Harbour Yacht Club.
The RPAYC is predicting a fleet of around 50 yachts will make the start line off Barrenjoey headland on Thursday 2 January 2014 at 1pm, for the race dubbed the warm water classic.
Applications for entry close Friday 6 December 2013 at 1700hrs.
The 2014 Club Marine Pittwater & Coffs Harbour Regatta Notice of Race and online entry is available from the event website atwww.pittwatertocoffs.com.au
For race enquiries please contact the RPAYC Sailing Office on (02) 9998 3771 or yachting@rpayc.com.au.
By Damian Devine & Lisa Ratcliff/Club Marine Pittwater & Coffs Harbour Regatta media
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Southern Cross Wildlife Care - Critter of the Month - August 2013
Whipper's Journey - The Tale of No Tail...
By Lynleigh Greig
On a balmy May afternoon, this beautiful Blue-tongue lizard was hiding in the long grass, minding his own business probably just waiting for a juicy snail to amble by... All of a sudden a loud noise ripped through the serenity and the blade of a whipper-snipper came bearing down on him. With no time to react, the poor little guy found himself without his glorious tail and a searing pain tearing through his body...
Thankfully the person operating the whipper-snipper realised the gravity of his situation and rushed him to a local vet.
Sydney Wildlife carer, Jodi, picked him up the following day. She aptly named him “Whipper”...
Whipper was whisked up to Dr Howard Ralph - a veterinary surgeon now specialising in wildlife. Whipper was put under General Anaesthetic straight away. With part of his bone exposed, Dr Ralph knew the wound would never heal. The bone was cut back, the dead cells curetted and a dressing applied.
Whipper underwent intensive daily treatment for his tail. He had to have daily Betadine baths and fresh dressings applied, as well as antibiotic injections to prevent infection.
Poor little darling looked like he was wearing a nappy...
Time for your check-up... Alright, Whipper, say “Ahhhhhhhh”
Despite all the pain he had to undergo on a daily basis, Whipper was a perfect gentleman throughout the rigorous procedure.
And he never lost his sense of humour (or appetite...!)
After 3 months, Whipper’s tail is looking mighty fine! He may be missing his glorious tail, but he’s still such a handsome fellow :)
Now, Whipper - stay away from gardening equipment...!
The Moral of the Story is:
Before you mow your lawn or whipper-snip your edges, please check the grass for these friendly little reptiles.
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National Library of Australia
We are thrilled to announce that the first batch of the much anticipated historic Fairfax Photos glass-plate negative collection has been digitised and published. Here is just a sample! See the first 4,000 images in Trove: http://trove.nla.gov.au/picture/result?q=text%3A%22Fairfax+archive+of+glass+plate+negatives%22
The images capture significant events, news and everyday life in Australia during the early 1900s. Many of the images have never before been published. Fairfax donated more than 18,000 glass-plate photographic negatives to The National Library of Australia in December 2012. Since then, The National Library has been undertaking an extensive project to restore, digitise and catalogue the Fairfax collection.
More images will be published on a weekly basis. You can read about the digitisation process itself on our blog herehttp://blogs.nla.gov.au/behind-the-scenes/2013/07/19/digitising-the-fairfax-glass-plate-negative-collection/
Australian aviatrix Nancy Bird in leather flight jacket, hat and goggles, New South Wales, 22 August 1933 [picture] http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-vn6247897
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Jacaranda Enriching Life Day Centre provides a range of activities, care and respite for older people and their carers in the local community. Located in the Pittwater Uniting Church in Warriewood,Jacaranda is looking for volunteers on Mondays and Wednesdays.
We need bus drivers (Light Rigid or C Class licences) and carers to help transport elderly people to and from the Centre.
Willing hands to heat and serve lunch and morning tea are always welcome. If you can assist, Jasmine or Janice would love to hear from you:
T: 9979 4299
E: nsrinfo@unitingcarenswact.org.au
W: www.unitingcareageing.org.au