March 19 - 25, 2017: Issue 305

BAYVIEW-CHURCH POINT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION INC


Website: bcpra

Prior to 1900 residents of Bayview and Church Point were actively involved in matters of preservation and progress.
In 1893 and 1899 the reference was the Progress Associations of Bayview, Pittwater and Narrabeen in seeking ferry timetabling from Sydney and to have a Constable appointed to the area. When Bayview wharf was officially opened in 1900, it was recorded "The official party was met at Bayview by the President of the local Progress Association P.T. Taylor." In the Sydney paper of 1907 it was reported that the residents had formed the Bayview-Church Point Progress Association.

Over the years the Association lobbied for essential services whilst maintaining the natural beauty of the area.
The Bayview Baths were constructed beside the wharf in 1916 which Warringah Council maintained until the early 1990s.
In the 1930s electricity and town water were connected and a regular bus service from Manly to Church Point commenced.

In the 1980s residents and the Association prevented `Planners' infilling all the bays and inlets between Mona Vale and Church Point to build a four lane highway.

In 1993 the Progress Association was incorporated and adopted our Constitution. In accord with changing times the name was changed in 2005 to Bayview-Church Point Residents Assoc Inc.

We worked with the other Residents' Associations of Pittwater under the banner of PRAID `Pittwater Residents Against Inappropriate Development' to support Pittwater Council to put in place sound Planning Rules and Guidelines against over-development and destruction of our beautiful area.

In the 1990s the State Govt assessed the environmental protection required for the foreshores, particularly at Church Point and residents are continuing to try to prevent over-development.

Our main aim as an Association is to be a voice for the residents of the area.
During the Pittwater Council local government time, our Committee members were represented on all Council's Reference Groups, particularly regarding the environment. Representation is continuing with the Northern Beaches Council.

The Committee is elected at our Annual General Meeting in March each year.
The financial year is January to December.

Membership subscriptions are advised prior to the AGM and every endeavour is made to keep them as reasonable as possible. 
Membership is $25.00 per year.

We carry Public Risk Insurance for members when involved in Association business.

Association Objectives
  • Being a voice for the residents of Bayview and Church Point
  • Preserving and enhancing the unique environment and quality of the area
  • Facilitating environmentally sustainable progress
  • Maintaining ongoing rapport with Council, MPs, Police and local authorities ensuring awareness of local issues
  • Liaising with other Associations and Residents groups to ensure a meaningful voice in local matters
Objectives

The objectives of the Association are based on a clear belief that the Bayview-Church Point area is unique and unlike any other Sydney metropolitan region. As such it is understood that special care and attention is needed to ensure that sensitive environmental issues are of prime importance and need to be balanced with controlled development of the area.

• To be a voice for the residents of the area, as well as being responsive to the needs and criticisms of the majority of people.

• To encourage and preserve the unique environment and quality of life of the area.

• To maintain progress coupled with well thought out and acceptable development of the area.

• To show strong civic interest in the Pittwater Area as a whole.

• To maintain and encourage ongoing rapport with Local Councilors, Members of Parliament, Police, and any other Authority to ensure awareness of local issues and needs.

• To liaise with other bona fide stakeholders to ensure a meaningful voice in local matters.

Members socialise at the AGM and if significant matters are to be dealt with during the year, further meetings are called.

We include Guest Speakers at such meetings and include Question and Answer time.

Regular information Updates are emailed and/or posted to members.

Residents' favourite places are their own homes, the natural environment and wildlife, the views and reasonable access to essential services.

Our core ethos/function is to be ever vigilant in preserving the magnificent area in which we are blessed to live, to look after one another without political or religious bias and to generally support good government and their decisions.


Our thanks to Margaret Makin, Hon. Secretary and Public Officer of Bayview-Church Point Residents Association for putting this page together.
Bayview-Church Point Residents Association Committee