Pittwater Online News

December 29, 2013 - January 4, 2014: Issue 143

2013 in Pittwater - A Year in Pictures

January

Adrian Curlewis - Twilight Masters Carnival and Open Carnival - Palm Beach SLSC

ArtSpot Exhibition

Pittwater to Coffs Ocean Race

February

Avalon Soccer Club Members Raising Funds for Vanuatu Visitors Tour by washing....cars.

Birdland Adventures - Wetlands and their verges

Sailability Pittwater - late Summer fun

NRL Stars Descend on Hitchcock Park to raise funds for the Sunnyfield Association

March

RPAYC Club Marine Sail Expo

Adrenalin Grom Comp.

April

Newport SLSC Launch the Surf Racing Academy

Southern Cross Wildlife Care Fundraiser at 'Coomalong' - Bayview

Kimbriki recycled Ned Kelly art exhorts all to do the same - recycle!

Anzac Day in Pittwater

May

Mona Vale Hospital -NO land being sold off community assured

Mothers Day 2013 - Flower Panels

Duck Bath ! - littlies loved this one

Songs for Soibada III

June

Sorry Day 2013

RMYC Marine Art Exhibition

No Amalgamation of Councils!

Sunset Ceremony - Avalon Tattoo

NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN THREE NORTHERN SYDNEY NATIONAL PARKS -

Monday, 3 June 2013, Media Release from Robyn Parker MP - Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage

New mountain biking tracks, camping and tourism opportunities are some of the exciting options being proposed in plans now on exhibition for Garigal, Ku-ring-gai Chase and Marramarra National Parks. Environment Minister Robyn Parker today called for people to have their say on the proposed changes, saying they are part of the government’s commitment to provide more opportunities for people to enjoy national parks and reserves. “There is increasing demand for new and exciting experiences in our national parks, such as opportunities to mountain bike or camp in selected areas,” Ms Parker said. “The first priority in introducing new opportunities is to ensure we can protect the environment and the cultural values of the parks.

“Mountain biking is a rapidly growing, widespread recreational activity in NSW and there is high demand for this recreational activity in our national parks. The proposed 6.5 km, one-way cross-country mountain biking track at Bantry Bay in Garigal National Park, would be designed to provide a sustainable experience, while minimising environmental impacts.

The proposed amendments would also facilitate the reintroduction of camping at Twin Beaches in Marramarra National Park to cater for those wanting a more natural, low impact bush experience close to Sydney, Ms Parker announced. “There is also a proposal in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to open up opportunities for Barrenjoey Headland and light house buildings to be leased or hired for a variety of uses such as accommodation and hospitality."...

July

Avalon Active Seniors Art Show 2013

Winter in Pittwater

The Barrenjoey Rally

August

NSW GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO BARRENJOEY’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND HERITAGE VALUES

- Wednesday, 7 August 2013- Media Release

Environment and Heritage Minister Robyn Parker today visited Barrenjoey Headland to reaffirm there will be no large scale development of the headland under changes to the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park plan of management. Ms Parker, who was joined by Pittwater MP Rob Stokes, said there would be no fast food outlets, conference facilities, souvenir shops or new commercial buildings at the top of the headland, apartments, resorts or public roads. “The NSW Government is committed to retaining Barrenjoey’s character, heritage buildings and natural environment,” Ms Parker said. “There will be no commercial developments of new buildings on the top of the headland and the community will continue to enjoy the scenic views, walk the trails and have access to tours of the headland and lighthouse. “The NPWS has received 170 submissions on the draft amendments to the plan and we will continue to listen to the community about the future of this special location.