March 17-23, 2024: Issue 618



This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Profile of the Week Tom Borg McGee 

Tom is a Physiotherapist, Fitness Trainer, local creek cleaner (Careel Creek) and WIRES wildlife rescuer and carer. He is one of millions of young Australians who are calling for a shift in local, state and federal politics to put our environment first and save what remains of local wildlife, habitat and forests, especially in Tasmania, across New South Wales, and in Pittwater.

For the third year in a row Tom has taken part in the takayna/Tarkine Trail marathon – the sixth annual running of this event - which sets out from Waratah, Tasmania. Tom has again raised thousands of dollars for the Bob Brown Foundation which will be used to raise awareness of plans to log thousands of hectares of a place which has been recommended for a World Heritage listing for decades.

Tasmanians are heading to the polls this coming Saturday, March 23, and have the two-party usual choice, both of which have stated during campaigning they intend to ensure the destruction of Tasmanian forests on an even larger scale continues. 

Tom also supports the North East Forest Alliance, a volunteer organisation working since 1989 to protect rainforest, old-growth forest, wilderness and threatened species in north-east NSW.

Locally Tom is the one who makes you aware another old tree has gone from our area, for development of a house or because it was in the way of 'the view'. If a tree is felled in Clareville, you will hear Tom bellow from Palm Beach.

This week a few insights from and into a gentleman many consider a 'local legend'..

History The Old Road To Narrabeen - The Unspoilt Days Of 100 Years Ago When You Could Still See The Sea

In recent years the rush to fill every residential block with cheek by jowl concrete and go higher has led to a loss of the views earlier visitors and residents had of our beaches, their headlands, and the green bush inland, towards the west.

In fact, once you cross the Narrabeen bridge, it's hard to see any ocean unless you are glancing quickly down the streets that lead to the beach. If you do, there is a flash of blue and great open sky before the moment has passed and is blocked by multi-storey townhouses all the way south to each horizon until you get to Long Reef. 

In areas that do not have that recourse to the shady tree and chirruping creek or views over bush and water, the living indoors, and turning ever inwards, has been worked on in everything from playgrounds for children to providing 'something for people to do, somewhere for them to go' since this city began to be developed. Bayview's Maybanke Selfe-Wolstenholme-Anderson was a champion of the Kindergarten Union way back in 1890's Sydney. Better health and clearer thinking for youngsters was the result.

Around here we call it 'running into the arms of God', or Mother Nature, whichever name you choose - for what is experienced during that embrace.

As soon as many people cross the Narrabeen bridge into Pittwater they begin to relax, they feel as though they are 'home'. The same occurs on the long slide down the hill from Ingleside and Tumbledown; as soon as that first glimpse of ocean and salt air drifts in through the car window, a sense of coming home and relaxation begins - it's a natural response to something that was missed for the day or longer.

The perils of NOT sticking up for the places you live in, whether that's joining your local residents group, helping out for a few hours once a month with your bushcare group, or keeping across changes proposed at local, state or federal government level are obvious - you can see them from here.

Although the PON History pages for 2024 will share some of these changes through a focus on local creeks and beach reserves, having commenced with an overview of Mona Vale's Black Swamp, the first Pittwater camping reserve set aside for all for all time, and the  Avalon Beach Reserve, the first Pittwater beach reserve set aside for all people for all time, it's worth looking into other causes of these changes that saw green landscapes threaded with sparkling creeks built upon to the point where the shape of the hills disappears and those creeks entombed in concrete pipes, channels and stormwater drains.

The rapid changes were lamented by those who were here before us, most especially by our First Nations people who felt the breaking of songlines with every carving into and cutting up of each place. 

A few photos from past photographers, and words from the pens of those who could see what was coming, reveal those who witnessed the shift from this area being a place of farms and weekenders to the 1920's rush to build roads to access everywhere for development as the horse was overtaken by the motor vehicle, the movement to beaches and tents during the 1930's as at least there you could fix canvas over their heads when it rained and draw fish from the sea for their bellies, and then again in the post World War Two need for suburban plots for new families, called for better planning then, as people do today.

To whet your appetite for what will come, in between other history subjects, a few glimpses into a Run to Narrabeen.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: March 2, 2024

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

Contents: Secret Island Opening Night: 'a Triumph',  Secret Island: what you didn't know about your neighbour, Feast for Freedom, Cooking Class, The Tuesday Discussion Group, Island Café, International Folk Dancing, Moon Dance

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Woody Point Yacht Club's (WPYC) 2024 AGM 



updates: Land & Environment Court hearings + other DA's

Whale Beach increase of Patrons
Tuesday 19 March 9:30 am commencing with an on site at Whale Beach 'Deck'. Hearing set for March 20.

Case No: 2022/00331015, Case Name: Leslie Cassar v Northern Beaches Council
Although initially refused, an amended DA (Mod2021/0987)was approved on January 27 2022, after being submitted on January 12 2022, for the redevelopment of the site at 231 Whale Beach Road to include demolition works and construction of a Mixed Use Development comprising Shop Top Housing and retail premises, including a café/ restaurant for 44 patrons indoors and 20 outdoors plus 6 staff. 

A modification was submitted by the developers to increase the number of patrons to 140 indoors and 30 outdoors plus 18 staff. 

This was refused on August 3 2022 (Mod2021/0983) due to the site having minimal onsite parking, did not adequately demonstrate that the proposed patronage levels can be accommodated within the building, including back of house operations, the measures proposed in the acoustic report were highly unlikely to be consistently implemented in practice (e.g. consistent closure of windows and other openings on summer evenings), and failure will result in unacceptable noise impacts on adjoining and nearby residential properties, and impacts associated with the large increase in patronage would result in additional street parking, noise associated with the movement of patrons, and safety of pedestrians and patrons given the poor road alignment in the area.

This too attracted high volumes of objections from residents and continues to.

The developer referred the the matter to the Land & Environment Court where it will be heard on 19 and 20 March 2024. Demolition of the existing building will start in April.




Newport Surf Club Alterations+Additions
Friday 22 March 10:30 am Case No: 2023/00109048. Case Name: NORTHERN BEACHES COUNCIL v NORTHERN BEACHES COUNCIL (at the control and direction of the Sydney North Planning Panel).

A Hearing also took place on Friday March 15 2024

The Sydney North Planning Panel refused the Council’s DA for Alterations and additions to Newport Surf Life Saving Club in October 2022. The decision by the panel’s members was unanimous. The DA went to the SNPP as the works, as costed, will be just over $7.3 million.

The refusal was perhaps the first time where the Coastal Management Act 2016, ‘’ An Act to make provision for the ecologically sustainable management, use and occupation of the New South Wales coast; and for related purposes’’, featured in a local DA determination.

In their Statement of Reasons the SNPP cited matters raised during the September Public Meeting, where it had deferred its determination pending those points being addressed.

This was a list of 12 points and included in considering the suitability of the site when preparing the current proposal, specifically, what design and location options were considered by the Applicant and when and why were they each rejected in favour of the current proposal? In detailing the design and location options the Panel asked that the Applicant demonstrate consideration of:

the Coastal Management Act (CM Act) s 3 - Objects of the Act, and in particular item (g) “to recognise that the local and regional scale effects of coastal processes, and the inherently ambulatory and dynamic nature of the shoreline, may result in the loss of coastal land to the sea (.....), and to manage coastal use and development accordingly, and”;

suitable alternate locations for the Project given that storm inundation will continue to increase as the sea level rises, until such time as maintaining a building on the site and a beach seaward of the building becomes impractical; and

whether only the elements of the existing building that are of high or moderate heritage significance should be retained and whether the additional facilities could be accommodated in a new building that was further landward and consequently less exposed to coastal processes, thereby reducing the length of any coastal protection works.

The Panel also wanted the Applicant to provide a detailed assessment of:

what the beach and adjacent area may be like following a severe storm now, and in 2050 and 2080 (location of escarpment, wave inundation, loss of trees amenity or infrastructure) once the works are completed.

An assessment of the anticipated life of the development/use on the current site, given the sea level will continue to rise beyond the adopted planning period to 2080.

A summary of Coastal Hazard mapping/reporting including present, 2050, 2080 and 2100 “lines”. Advise which one the Applicant and Assessor are relying upon and what sea level rise was used for each? (Ref Carley letter report dated 8/7/21 included as App B to Horton Report on “Coastal Engineering and Flooding”, Fig 15; “SEE” Fig 14 Section 6 page 32 referenced as Horton). Which interpretation is the Applicant relying upon?

The DA presented a section of the building of high or moderate heritage significance as approximately 18.5 metres long (north-south), while a vertical seawall proposed extends along the beach for approximately 100 metres, significantly increasing the impacts. The SNPP asked were other length options considered and for comment on their viability [in accordance with the coastal vulnerability objectives presented in the CM Act, Part 2 section 7(2){c}, (d) (e), (f), (g)].

They also wanted it confirmed that Secant not Contiguous piles were to be used, for the Council to address the unknowns in the reference notes to Dwg. S02 Rev D by Horton.

Council  commenced a Section 8.2(1A) Review of Determination - Review of Determination of Application DA2021/2173 for alterations and additions and coastal protection works to Newport Surf Life Saving Club. This commenced with an onsite hearing in September 2023.

Friday 15 March 12:00 pm. Case No:  2023/00242901. Case Name: Asia Digital Investments Pty Ltd v NORTHERN BEACHES COUNCIL.
Listed again for:  Thursday 28 March 2024 

This is the DA Proposed for 1102 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach DA2022/0469 (former Fish and Chip shop), initially recommended for approval by the Council prior to a community backlash.

The common theme throughout the submissions objecting to the DA proposal for the old fish and chip site at Palm Beach, abutting historic Barrenjoey House, is that there have been too many breaches of the LEP and DCP - height breaches, bulk and scale breaches, heritage breaches, public amenity breaches and even geotechnical breaches. 

A decision from the Northern Beaches Planning Panel on February 15 to defer consideration of  Application No. DA2022/0469 was to give the applicant the opportunity to submit to Council by 15 March 2023 amended plans that reduce the overall height, bulk and scale including removal of the mansard roof, set back the upper level and roof form to be more compatible with surrounding development particularly heritage listed Barrenjoey House, reduce the overly strong vertical influence of the balcony columns at the front and their impact on bulk and scale and redesign the mechanical plant enclosure to minimise the height of the screening and the provision of rooftop landscape screen. 

Throughout the iterations of barely modified plans the Council has expressed its support for the proposal and recommended to the NBPP that it be approved, despite the clear breaches and hundreds of written objections from right across the community pointing these out, chapter and verse.

On April 20 2023 another public meeting by the NBPP was held at which the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel, on behalf of Northern Beaches Council as the consent authority, refused Application No. DA2022/0469 for construction of shop top housing 

The proponent subsequently referred the the matter to the Land & Environment Court.

A Section 34 Land & Environment Court Conciliation Conference was held on site on 24 January 2024. Approximately 80-100 people attended the Court hearing.

A number of objectors addressed the Commissioner including two of the Palm Beach Whale Beach Association’s Committee Members, following which the Commissioner, legal representatives, experts and the developer’s representatives visited two adjoining properties to understand the concerns raised by the owners of the properties. 

The parties then moved to Council’s Dee Why Chambers to discuss the application and the issues raised by Council. These discussions occurred over 4 hours during which a number of amendments to the plans were discussed. 

However, the Court did not find a way to resolve the issues so the conference was adjourned to enable the applicant to produce amended material for Council’s consideration. It was made clear that any amended material will have to be provided to the interested parties and that a decision on such material by Council will only occur after a consideration of any comments received following such notification.

Amended plans were provided in early March and reviewed by Council's experts who did not consider the amended scheme should be approved.

The matter was next before the Court on 15 March at which time it was expected the s34 conference would be terminated and the matter listed for hearing later on in the year.

18 Rock Bath Road
S.34 Conciliation conference onsite 27 and in court 28 March at 18 Rock Bath Rd known as "Pegasus". DA2023/0894

This DA Proposal attracted a high volume of residents objections. The main concerns included:
  • The proposed dwelling will be a dominant feature of the headland. The bulk and scale of the building is not minimised particularly when viewed from the beachfront and ocean. The dwelling does not nestle into the vegetation within the ridgeline. It is bulky, heavy and obtrusive;
  • The proposal fails to achieve a view sharing outcome;
  • The proposed setbacks and dwelling design result in unacceptable privacy,
  • visual bulk and amenity impacts;
  • The proposal is inconsistent with the desired future character of the Palm Beach Locality;
  • The proposal is inconsistent with the objectives of the C4 Environmental Living zone;
  • The proposal is inconsistent with the Chapter 2 – Coastal Management considerations of State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience and Hazards) 2021;
  • Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the development will not compromise the stability of the coastal bluff area and adjacent properties; 
  • The proposed dwelling is located at the end of an unmade road (paper road) section of Rock Bath Road north of Florida Rd/Whale Beach Rd junction. Access to the existing dwelling is by foot only. There is a popular, well used public pathway, located on the western side of this unmade road, which leads to the ocean pool below. The proposed building of a driveway on an unmade public road needs to ensure that public access to the existing public walkway is maintained and accessible at all times and that this section of the unmade Rock Bath Road will remain in public hands and not just become a private access road for the exclusive use of No.; 16 and 18
The Court has listed this matter for a conciliation conference and hearing pursuant to s.34AA of the Land & Environment Court Act 1979 on 27 and 28 March 2024. The conference will commence at 9:30am at the Property.

It is the Court process to allow residents and interested persons who objected to the proposed development the opportunity to inform the Court orally of their concerns in relation to the proposed development. The Commissioner presiding will have discretion as to the number of residents permitted to address the Court.

It is the usual course for the Commissioner to hear from objectors at the commencement of the conference. 

Following the evidence from residents and interested persons, the parties will then participate in a conciliation conference. This is a confidential conference between the parties and the Court, and as such residents are not be permitted to attend. The purpose of a conciliation conference is to explore whether an agreement can be reached between the parties.

If the matter is not resolved between the parties at the conciliation conference the matter will then move into the hearing phase, which will require the Commissioner to consider the expert evidence, the objectors’ submissions and legal arguments before making a decision on the application. 

Hearing dates of 21 and 22 March 2024. Case No: 2023/00096634, Case Name: Warriewood Developers Pty Ltd v Northern Beaches Council are also listed for the coming week.

Updates on other DA Proposals

1112 - 1116 Barrenjoey Road Palm Beach. DA2023/1289
This site, the old Palm Beach General Store, has, like the old fish and chip shop,  been largely cleared by developers IPM Property, and alike the proposal for the old fish and chip site, attracted a high volume of residents objections.

The Proposed development is a non-compliant development contrary to SEPP 65 and the associated Apartment Design Guide (ADG), Northern Beaches Local Housing Strategy (LHS), Pittwater LEP 2014 Objectives of the E1 zone – Local Centre; Clause 4.3 Height of Buildings, Clause 5.10 Heritage Conservation and Pittwater DCP 2014 Controls, A4.12 Palm Beach Locality; B1 Heritage Controls; B2.6 Shop Top Housing; B3.11 Flood Prone Land; B6 Access & Parking; D12.1 Character as viewed from a public place and D12.14 Scenic Protection Category One Area.

There is significant overbearing impact of a 5-storey built form and lack of appropriate building separation that is non-compliant with the above EPI’s, LHS and planning controls.
The proposal is entirely contrary to the purpose, strategic direction and future character of the E1 zone in this location.

A development application was approved for shop top housing on this site in 2010 by Pittwater Council but following the sale of the site in 2021 a new DA was lodged for a much larger development. 

Because of the time which has elapsed since lodging the DA, the developers are able to claim “deemed refusal” and can therefore refer it to the Land and Environment Court for determination which they have done even though the Council is still assessing it and it has yet to go to the Local Planning Panel. 

No dates for the hearings have yet been announced. No listing for this matter has, as yet, appeared in the court lists for the L&E.

15 Ocean Road Palm Beach. DA2023/1532
This is a proposal for a 4 storey dwelling alongside the iconic Palladium building. 
A Clause 4.6 height variation request was submitted as 8.5 metres is the applicable standard for this block, and two-storeys, however 13.6 metres height is proposed to accommodate the 4-storey DA proposed, or 19.57m TOW (top of wall) on a sloping site overall, a 60% to 140% breach of what is allowed. 

This property is in an area zoned C4 Environmental Living. 
Objectives of this zoning are -
  • To provide for low-impact residential development in areas with special ecological, scientific or aesthetic values.
  • To ensure that residential development does not have an adverse effect on those values.
  • To provide for residential development of a low density and scale integrated with the landform and landscape
The Applicants agents submitted amended  plans for this proposal to Council on Friday March 15 2024 and a letter stating the height has been reduced to TOW 18.37m or 12.4m, a 53% breach of height. Council's DA webpage for that proposal provides the new details.

The address, 15 Ocean road, is one of three blocks James Brown Craig, the middle brother of a family who bought so much land in Palm Beach during the first land sales for the same, who worked at his father's company, Prescott & co. Pty Ltd "Commission Agents, Produce and Wholesale, Provision Merchants, Auctioneers". Here a house named Tigh-Na-Mara (Scottish Gaelic 'the house of the sea') was built next door to The Palladium but no longer exists - a victim of fire. A property given the same name was rebuilt on the same site used as a guesthouse for a while, bought by the Toohey family and held by them for 5 decades before being resold in 2020.

A few notes from PON History pages;

Raine and Horne Ltd at their indoor auction sale next Thursday will submit the following:
Palm Beach Tigh-Na-Mara Ocean road modern bungalow close to beach with five rooms garage etc with or without furniture 
Richard Stanton and Sons, Ltd., report that at their next auction sale, to be held in their rooms, Stanton House, 133 Pitt-street, Sydney. next Tuesday, October 18, the following properties will be offered:
Palm Beach, furnished cottage, five rooms, etc known as Miami, Florida-road, REAL ESTATE. (1934, October 13). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17141623

SURFING enthusiast at Palm Beach these days is the Hon. W. M. Hughes, who is staying at Tigh-Na-Mara . . . he goes for his dip in the early mornings and again in the afternoons. At the same address are Joy Minnett, Betty Oxenham, and Gwenda Ashcroft. ROUND THE TOWN. (1940, January 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29889262



Tigh-Na-Mara. Enlarged sections from EB Studios (Sydney, N.S.W.). (circa 1917-1924). Panorama of Palm Beach, New South Wales, 7 Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-162484891

Under 'new management'.


Advertising (1947, January 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27904234

NEWEST and smartest playground for the social set is Bob Stephen's Palm Beach Country Club on Ocean Road . . . you may remember the hostelry as former guest house Tigh-Na-Mara. Look Who's Here (1948, October 28). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 15 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231146714

Conversely, a DA for 14 Ocean Road (DA2021/2262), next door, was approved by Council on June 22, 2022 with only 2 concerns from residents, immediate neighbours who would be impacted, being lodged. 

This too is a four level structure. 

An amended roof plan nominated the natural ground levels below the southern edges of the proposed upper-level roof form with the south-eastern corner of the Level 2 having a maximum parapet height of RL 19.71 located immediately above interpolated natural ground level of RL 10.00. This, according to the proponents agents, confirmed a maximum building height of 9.71 metres, which, it was stated, is below the 10 metre concessional standard which may be considered on steeply sloping sites.

The areas of the development which exceed the 8.5 metre height standard have been significantly reduced through a reduction in overall building height achieved through the provision of increased setbacks to the southern boundary at each level and a pulling back of the upper level of the development relative to the street, the agents stated.

However, this will still be a significant change of what front the ocean at Palm Beach from the two storey norm.

Both these developments, at 14 and 15 Ocean Road, are costed at over $4million to build.


15 Ocean road and the former house at 14


14 Ocean road in January 2024


Concept image of how the new build at 14 Ocean road will look on completion


13 Ocean Road Palm Beach - 'Rocklands' home

20-22 Macpherson Street, Warriewood. DA2023/2096 Refused
The proposed re-development of the Flower Power site at Warriewood - sub division into 53 lots and 53 dwellings has been refused by the NSW Government's Sydney North Planning Panel.

Residents were concerned about the significant adverse impact this huge development would have on Warriewood, its character, the environment and traffic it would generate onto an already struggling road network.

The Panels Reasons for Refusal were:
  • The Panel concurred with Council that the proposed design and density and the lack of variation in housing typology (townhouses only), provides a situation in which the extensive ground coverage is not site responsive nor locality responsive. 
  • It results in concerns with lack of spatial separation and physical breaks between buildings, encroachment of buildings and lots within the creek line corridor, and lack of space for appropriately designed internal vehicle circulation.
  • As detailed in Council's Report, significant issues remained unresolved and while Council listed 21 reasons for refusal, the Panel believes foremost in that list are the encroachment upon the creek line corridor and the unyielding uniformity of design.
  • The Panel considers the application has been properly assessed against the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations 2021, relevant Environmental Planning Instruments and Council policies and it is in the community interest the DA be refused.
In coming to its decision, the Panel considered 31 written submissions made during public exhibition and heard from a member of the public at the public meeting. Issues of concern included Encroachment into Outer Creek line Corridor, Built form, Contaminated Lands Biodiversity Landscape, Riparian Lands and Creeks issues Stormwater, Flooding, Traffic Waste Privacy. 

173-175 Whale Beach Road, Whale Beach Proposal Approved
The Land and Environment Court has upheld the appeal for  Development Application DA-2023/0607 for Torrens Title subdivision of two lots into three, demolition of existing structures and construction of a new dwelling on each resultant lot at 173-175 Whale Beach Road, Whale Beach, is determined by the grant of consent subject to conditions contained in Annexure ‘A’. 

The proceedings arose as the result of the deemed refusal by Council.
Objections to the proposal stated:
  • there are significant height breaches for 2 of the proposed new houses, one of 5.8% and the other of 20%; 
  • all three proposed buildings are 4 stories high with three stories stacked over significant parts of the new buildings; 
  • Blocks B and C do not comply with the 2.5 m side setback; 
  • at 12.5m – 15.3m in width, the proposed lots are less than the 16m wide minimum lot width prescribed by clause B2.2 of P21 DCP;  
  • each of the lots has a slope in excess of 30%, being the maximum gradient for new lots and this breaches this control B2.2 of P21 DCP; 
  • the garages do not comply with the building envelope requirement. They are the dominant feature on the streetscape and will block views of the ocean from the street and;
  • the proposed landscaping on the road reserve will usurp public space
Nevertheless the LEC2023/219825 - Judgment - 173-175 Whale Beach Road Whale Beach - DA2023/0607 has granted consent. 

The property sold on November 30, 2021 for $8,400,000. 

Pittwater Council's LEP cl 4.3 establishes a maximum building height control of 8.5m, however, subcl 4.3(2D) provides:
“(2D) … development on land that has a maximum building height of 8.5 metres shown for that land on the Height of Buildings Map may exceed a height of 8.5 metres, but not be more than 10.0 metres if—
(a) the consent authority is satisfied that the portion of the building above the maximum height shown for that land on the Height of Buildings Map is minor, and
(b) the objectives of this clause are achieved, and
(c) the building footprint is situated on a slope that is in excess of 16.7 degrees (that is, 30%), and
(d) the buildings are sited and designed to take into account the slope of the land to minimise the need for cut and fill by designs that allow the building to step down the slope.

The proposed dwellings (under the Consent granted) reach the following heights:
  • Dwelling A: 10.39m
  • Dwelling B: 10.15m
  • Dwelling C: 11.16m 
Judgement may be read in full here  
The stamped plans (dated March 7 2024) may be viewed here

Congratulations!

Congratulations Jennifer Drury 40 years officiating award (she started when she was 5). Thank you for your volunteer service over decades Jennifer, without great people like you our local surf lifesaving carnivals could not run as smoothly as they do.


Congratulations Elton McKay 10 years officiating! Thank you for your volunteer service Elton, you are a member of the A Team!




Photos: Melinda Akehurst

Save the Date: 2024 PHS Reunion/Catch-up!

Dear PHS Alumni,

Mark your calendars and dust off those photos and Kalori yearbooks! The 2024 PHS reunion/catch-up has been booked and confirmed. Here are the details:
Date: Saturday, 9th November 2024
Time: 12 noon
Venue: Royal Motor Yacht Club Newport (not the Newport Arms or the Prince Alfred Yacht Club)
Location: We’ll be gathering at the Terrace above the pool area—the perfect spot for reminiscing and creating new memories.

How to Spot Us: Look out for the friendly faces surrounded by Zimmer Frames and walking sticks—yes, that’s us! 
Food and Drinks: The bar and bistro will be open for you to purchase your favourite drinks and meals. No need for confirmed numbers, but please indicate your attendance on the Events page so we can give the club a rough estimate.

Last year, nearly 80 of us caught up, laughed, and shared stories. Let’s keep the tradition alive and celebrate the bonds that time can’t break. After all, none of us are getting any younger! 
See you there! 

Pittwater High School 1963-1973
Dave Whiteman

Congratulations Corrine; thank you for your service! 

Lifesavers are also life givers. It's just another regular Saturday on patrol for Corinne Deall from Long Reef SLSC. 

Corinne is 33 weeks pregnant and plans to keep patrolling right up until the due date in late April. So dedicated is she to the community and her club that she finished her Bronze Medallion, while pregnant in the first week of December. 

Corinne says the vibe at Longie is infectious - she loves catching up with everyone and seeing people enjoy themselves on her beach. Thank Corinne and we can't wait to meet your new little lifesaver!



Photo/news: Surf Life Saving NSW

GST Revenue Sharing Relativities report released: NSW GST reduced from 92.4 per cent to 86.7 per cent

March 12, 2024
The State Government has stated NSW will be $1.65 billion worse off next financial year according to the Commonwealth Grants Commission after it reduced the State’s share of GST from 92.4 per cent to 86.7 per cent.

The figures are contained in the annual GST Revenue Sharing Relativities report released today.

The six percentage point adjustment to GST relativities is the largest single year reduction to the NSW share of GST since the system was introduced in 2000.

It takes the State’s share to the lowest it’s been since 2018-19, when former treasurer Dominic Perrottet railed against the “black magic” formula that saw NSW’s relativity reduced from 87.7 per cent to 85.5 per cent.

The NSW Government made it clear at its first budget in September that a lot of external factors had to go right for the State to return to surplus.

The hard journey to budget repair has just been made significantly harder, three months out from the NSW budget.

Recent decisions at the Commonwealth level, including the withdrawal of $3.2 billion of infrastructure funding as well as ongoing uncertainty over schools and health funding agreements, do not help.

The NSW Labor Government, as previous state governments have noted, is at the mercy of drastic fluctuations via the GST distribution calculation.

The NSW Government will continue fighting for a fair share for its citizens and for revenue certainty into the future, including the extension of the No Worse Off Guarantee beyond the current expiration date of 2029-30.

The Commonwealth is currently undertaking a five yearly review of how it determines states’ shares of GST.  That review is expected to be finalised next year.

It’s another reminder of the critical need for NSW to continue carefully managing the State’s finances, the same way that every NSW family is having to do.

The NSW Labor Government inherited the largest debt ever passed from one government to another, as well as the largest deficits recorded in NSW history, jeopardising the delivery of essential services in the process.

In its first year, the NSW Labor Government has reined in the previous government’s waste, adjusted the debt trajectory and reinstituted fiscal discipline.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:
“This result shows how out of touch the Commonwealth Grants Commission is. NSW takes most of the nation’s population growth, but is being punished by having its GST cut.

“It is an absurd process in dire need of reform.

“I agree with former treasurer Perrottet when he railed in 2018 against the ‘black magic GST distribution formula’ which was ‘seeing the hardworking taxpayers of NSW being ripped off by a perverse and unfair distribution model’.”

Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos said:
“We have been honest with the people of NSW about the challenges our budget is facing since we were first sworn in.

“We will maintain our fiscally prudent approach, focused on rebuilding our State’s essential public services.”

NSW Government introduces laws to ban harmful LGBTQ+ conversion practices

Wednesday March 13, 2024
The NSW Government has introduced a bill today, the Conversion Practices Ban Bill 2024, to parliament to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices, fulfilling a key election commitment.

Conversion practices, which can include so-called “conversion therapy” and suppression practices, are formal or informal practices based on the false ideology that LGBTQ+ people have a ‘disorder’ or require treatment. Evidence shows that conversion practices are dangerous and damaging.

The legislative reform has been carefully considered and developed to protect LGBTQ+ people, while acknowledging and respecting longstanding religious and cultural beliefs and practices.

The Department of Communities and Justice and NSW Ministry of Health were tasked with jointly leading a working group who consulted extensively with a range of stakeholders.

These stakeholders included members of the health, education, legal and government sectors, faith and multicultural organisations, LGBTQ+ community advocates and victim-survivors, academics, and researchers, as well as others nominated by these stakeholders as having relevant views or expertise.

The Government has also considered legislation in other jurisdictions where conversion practices are outlawed, including in Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, New Zealand and Canada.

The proposed reform integrates feedback received through this process, while also reflecting the government’s continued commitment to supporting religious freedom.

Expressing a belief through sermon, taking offence at religious teachings, and seeking guidance through prayer will not be included in the ban.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“Every person in NSW deserves to be respected for who they are and that’s exactly what these new laws will do.

“It is intolerable that we have a situation in NSW where children can be told something is wrong with them and that they need to be fixed.

“I’ve personally met with survivors of conversion practices and know how important it is that we put an end to this.”

Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Penny Sharpe said:
“LGBTQ+ people are fine just the way they are.

“There is no place in NSW for harmful conversion and suppression practices.

“Thank you to advocates from the LGBTQ+ community, in particular victim survivors who have told their stories so that others will no longer be harmed.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:
“Conversion practices are incredibly harmful and have severely damaging health impacts. I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering on its commitment to stop them.

“These landmark reforms are the result of diligent and extensive work and consultation across a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the model is tailored to NSW. We want them to function effectively and as we intend.

“We have worked closely with a wide range of health experts to ensure that this Bill is fit for purpose and provides clarity around obligations for practitioners.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:
“Conversion practices are known to cause significant ongoing trauma because they try to force LGBTQ+ people to change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“We have carefully considered this legislation, developing it thoughtfully following extensive consultation to ensure that it strikes the right balance between protecting vulnerable communities as well as legitimate religious and cultural practices.

“The Government does not intend to ban the teachings of a religious leader or expression of a religious belief through sermon.

“We have been guided by a core principle - that all people across NSW should be able to live free of practices that cause harm and be protected by evidence-based protections which the community expect, deserve and can rely upon.”

Webinar: Play Our Way program grant opportunity

A sector webinar for the Play Our Way program grant opportunity will be held on Friday 22 March 2024 from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm (AEDT).

About the program
The Australian Government is providing $200 million for the Play Our Way program. The program will run over 3 years from 2024–25 to 2026–27.

The program will provide funding for local solutions and improvements that address participation barriers faced by women and girls. The following types of organisation can apply for funding through a competitive grant opportunity:
  • local governments
  • community organisations
  • not-for-profit organisations
  • sporting organisations.
Grants will be available in two streams:
  • Facilities: For projects that establish and improve sporting facilities that are designed for women and girls and further encourage them to take part in sport and physical activity by better meeting their needs.
  • Participation and equipment: For programs that encourage women and girls to participate and remain involved in sport and physical activity for life, by tackling barriers such as disadvantage or lack of equipment, and for programs that will lead to sustained cultural change in sport.
The Australian Government has designed the program with help from experts across sport and government. This includes an expert advisory panel of women with experience in community and professional sport.

Grant Opportunity Guidelines are now available on GrantConnect [Forecast Opportunity View – P5261 on GrantConnect]. The Government expects application will open in mid-March 2024.

Play Our Way program grant opportunity guidelines Webinar
The Government is hosting a webinar to provide an overview of the Play Our Way grant opportunity guidelines and application processes to support potential applicants.

Presenters
  • Travis Haslam, First Assistant Secretary, Office for Sport
  • Kat Yuile, Director, Play Our Way Program Section
About the webinar
In this webinar, the Office for Sport will provide an overview of the Play Our Way program grant opportunity guidelines. Including information on eligibility criteria, assessment processes and how to apply.

The program will provide funding for local solutions and improvements that address participation barriers faced by women and girls in sport and physical activity.

A recording of the webinar will be available on this page soon after the live event, along with the slides and a transcript.



Wakehurst Parkway Improvements: Update on site investigations- March 2024

From: Transport for NSW
The NSW Government is investigating improvements to Wakehurst Parkway between Frenchs Forest Road, Frenchs Forest and Pittwater Road, North Narrabeen focusing on safety and capacity for this key link in Sydney’s northern beaches.

As outlined in our November 2023 notification, we have been carrying out site investigations to better understand and inform the options being considered as part of these improvements.

Investigations will continue until Friday 28 June 2024 to assist with design development. Work will be carried out in stages across the 9.5km corridor and include ecological, utility, survey and geotechnical investigations which may involve boring and minor excavation at times.

We will be on site periodically over the next four months and will include both day and night shifts, weather permitting. Day shift hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm. 

Night work hours are Monday to Saturdays from 8pm to 5am.  This work will take place up to 15 night shifts over the next four months. No work will be carried out on Sundays or during public holidays. 

Traffic changes
To ensure public safety, temporary traffic lane closures and reduced speed limits may be in place. For the latest traffic updates, please call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW App.

Access to some properties may be impacted during our work. We will notify any impacted properties prior to work commencing and discuss alternative access arrangements with property owners directly as required.

Contact us
For more information, please contact us on 1800 684 490 or email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au


Proposal to name Fairlight lookout after former Manly Mayor

Council has announced the community has the opportunity to comment on the proposal to name a lookout in Fairlight in honour of former Mayor Jean Hay AM.


Jean Hay AM. Photo: AJG/PON

The location is in the park adjacent to the Manly Scenic Walkway, just east of Fairlight Beach.  



Mrs Hay was first elected to Manly Council in 1987. She served three Mayoral terms from 1999 to 2004, then 2008 to 12 May 2016, making her the longest ever serving Mayor of Manly Council.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the tribute is fitting given Mrs Hays 50 years of service to the people of Manly.

“A life-long resident of Manly, Jean Hay AM has made an enormous contribution to Manly and our community and so in recognition of her efforts this beautiful location has been chosen to commemorate her. 

“She has been awarded several accolades over her lifetime including the Member of the Order of Australia and the Centenary Medal for services to the community through local government, community action and sporting groups, and fundraising for welfare and health education programmes.” Mayor Heins said. 

In addition, Mrs Hays other contributions to the Northern Beaches community include:
  • Re-establishing the Manly District Support Committee to help less fortunate people. 
  • Redeveloping the Seaforth TAFE site with new community facilities and accelerating the construction of bus shelters at no cost to ratepayers. 
  • Beautification of the Manly oceanfront walkways. 
  • Manly Pathway of Olympians and Paralympians. 
  • Manly Andrew Boy Charlton Aquatic Centre upgrade. 
  • The successful fight to establish Bear Cottage* and laying the foundation stone (opened 17 March 2002). 
  • Raising funds for the mobile Life Education classrooms* for the Northern Beaches, now known as Healthy Harold. 
  • Helping the Sunnyfield Association fund-raise $2m for a business and training centre*.  (*Not a Council facility)
Should the proposal go ahead, Council will upgrade the existing picnic setting at the location and install an interpretative sign to further acknowledge Mrs Jean Hay AM’s contributions to our community.

To have your say on the proposal visit Council webpage for this consultation at: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/jean-hay-lookout-fairlight

Feedback is required by Sunday 7 April 2024. 

Council states this naming proposal is consistent with Council’s Naming Our Reserves, Facilities and Roads Policy and does not require the approval of the Geographical Names Board of NSW.

Please join us in celebrating 100 years  of  Creative Leisure: 1924 – 2024

What are your memories of Creative Leisure?
Calling past participants in any Creative Leisure Movement activities, to send us your stories or experiences.
By Post: Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc
PO Box 1718  WARRIEWOOD 2102
Phone: 9944 6027


Letters to the Editor

Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but considering the magazines inability to word limit itself - that remains optional. Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'. Letters should not contain attachments - these will be requested if required to illustrate content/subject.  Letters should be exclusive to Pittwater Online News. The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons, among other considerations. Email: pittwateronlinenews@bigpond.com

Report Hate Crimes

If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. 
You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police.

In an Emergency call Triple Zero (000). If not urgent, you can report online at crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000 or report in person at any Police Station. 

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports (plus Social Members)

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services - Community Organisations

Arts and Social

Congratulations Bob & Christine - 50 years Service + 50 Years of Marriage: that's golden!

This year, Mackerel Beach Brigade members Robert (Bob) and Christine Mitchell celebrate a golden milestone - 50 years of service in the RFS and 50 years of marriage. 



Mackerel Beach is a small community surrounded by the ever-present threat of bushfires, storms and other emergencies. In the early 1970s, as the youngest members of the Mackerel Beach community, Bob and Christine felt compelled to ensure the safety and well-being of their neighbours and officially join the RFS. 

Over the years the couple ran a family business and raised two children, Karen and Simon, who grew up attending every RFS event and when old enough, followed in their parents' footsteps joining the brigade. 

Now, as loving grandparents, Bob and Christine continue to serve their community, seamlessly balancing their roles within the family and the brigade.

When asked how they juggled multiple responsibilities, the couple attribute it to one key factor: teamwork, stating “we couldn’t have done it without working together.” 

More than 50 years of marriage, 50 years working side by side and 50 years of dedicated service to the Mackerel Beach Brigade. A golden era worth celebrating.

Photos: NSW Rural Fire Service and Mackeral Beach RFB

Mona Vale Road Update

Workers are still doing final landscaping around the wildlife overpass. Worker safety regulations require a buffer zone. The work is being done by a private contractor. 




Images supplied.

Narrabeen Super Cup 2024

This year's Narrabeen Super Cup provided tricky conditions for the 27 boats fleet who managed 4 races for the one-day event.  

Congratulations to Toby McKavanagh for taking 1st place in Gold Fleet and Archie Knight with 1st place in Silver.




Avalon Beach Historical Society: March 2024 Meeting

A few happy snaps: 86 people attended. 

A new member of the Society, but an early resident of Palm Beach, David Elfick, the owner of the Palladium on Ocean Road, was guest speaker.



David has owned the building for 50 years and seen it through some fascinating times.
After it began as a very popular dance hall in the 1930s. Later in its long life it served as a café, a restaurant, the Palm Beach Film Club, a film set and now as a private home. 

As usual David’s talk was supplemented with photos from different eras which Geoff Searl OAM, President of ABHS, explained, including some interior photos as well taken by William Goddard, who also helped out with research.

A full report on Mr. Elfick's shared insights, and PON's 'few extras' from a previous insight, can be supplemented by Geoff Searl and Bill Goddard's research, runs as next week's History insight.

Those gathered: photo by John Stone:


Guest Speaker with Geoff Searl OAM, President of ABHS and Bill Goddard, who helped with the research and took interior photos of the Palladium:



John Stone, Patron of the ABHS, who also helps out with supplying photos from his great cache and catalogue of images, taken over decades, of our local area:



Four OAMs attending: Brian Friend OAM, Warren Young OAM, Brian Friend OAM and Roger Sayers OAM

Clareville & Bilgola Plateau Residents Association (CABPRA) AGM 2024 

CABPRA website: cabpra.wordpress.com


Avalon Public School Road Safety: Proposed changes

Feedback closes April 2, 2024
Council have received a number of safety concerns from local residents and Avalon Public School about street safety and its impact on children, parents, carers and local residents.
Council are proposing to amend parking restrictions and other improvements to assist parking turnover and traffic flow around the school.

Council states they have consulted with Avalon Public School leadership and P&C executive who support the proposed changes and now are asking you to help them refine their proposal.

List of proposed changes:
  • Replace the P2 Parking During School Hours signs with No Parking During School Hours signs on the northern part of the frontages of Avalon Public School. A No Parking restriction allows parents to park for up to 2-minutes to pick-up and drop-off provided the driver remains in or within 3m of the vehicle. 
  • Replace the P2 Parking During School Hours signs with 5-minute P5 Parking During School Hours signs on the southern part of the frontages of Avalon Public School. This will encompass 7 spaces on Old Barrenjoey Road and 5 spaces on Bellevue Avenue and will allow for parents who need to park and leave their vehicles during school pick-up/drop-off times to walk younger children to or from the school gate.
  • Install No Parking Motor Vehicles Excepted on the eastern side of Old Barrenjoey Road opposite the school to prevent boat and trailer parking and increase parking opportunities for longer term parking of motor vehicles.
  • Remove pedestrian holding rails on traffic islands on Old Barrenjoey Road and replace them with reflective chevron hazard warning signs to prevent collision with the traffic islands.
  • Move the obstructed No Stopping and Bus Zone signs on Bellevue Road slightly to the south for better visibility.
  • Install painted “LOOK” stencils on the footpath ramps at the entrance of Sanders Lane to assist pedestrians to cross safely.


Feedback closes April 2, 2024
Provide your feedback HERE

Barrenjoey lighthouse volunteer tour guides needed

Details:

Avalon Bulldogs Open Day 

When: Saturday 23rd March from 2pm - 
Where: Hitchcock Park


Tree Killers in public Reserves: for Views?

Residents have been distressed to observe that four Casuarina trees located in the small waterside reserve between 877a and 879 Barrenjoey Road at Careel Bay have recently been poisoned and subsequently removed by Council contractors. 

The Council have erected signs to this effect and there is a reward for any information regarding the event, however, as has become apparent across Pittwater, the fines are no deterrent and those killing trees for their own purposes are either well able to foot any bill for the same to forward a development, or are poisoning these under the cover of darkness solely to benefit themselves - quite often to improve their 'view' over the estuary or beaches. 

There is currently a petition to the NSW Parliament  that asks to: 
Increase Penalties for Urban Forest Tree Vandalism and Recognise Trees as Natural Assets in the IP&R Framework of The Local Government Act


Council have advised that new Angophora trees will be planted as replacements after the Summer heat has eased - and hopefully will survive whoever killed what they now replace. The two Council signs will remain.



AED Now in Governor Phillip Park Palm Beach

The Palm Beach Whale Beach Association for residents have lobbied the Council for some time to install an AED (defibrillator) on the toilet block at the far end of Governor Phillip Park. Thousands of visitors pass by as they head for the Lighthouse or enjoy picnics and water sports on Station Beach. 

The Association are pleased to advise that an AED has now been installed and they thank the Council for facilitating this.



Photo: PBWBA

e-bikes on footpaths

Residents continue to experience being almost struck or mowed down on footpaths in shopping areas and other places by youngsters and teenagers speeding on e-bikes. The same is occurring with e-scooters and e-skateboards, which are illegal when used in public places -  NSW Police can issue a fine of $723 for the use of these in public places.

In NSW children under 16 can ride on the footpath unless there are signs prohibiting cycling.

Bicycle riders aged 16 years and over must not ride on a footpath unless they are:
  • an adult supervising a child under the age of 16
  • a postal worker riding a bicycle in the course of their work duties
  • a rider carrying a child under 10 as a passenger
  • a rider with a medical condition who is carrying a medical certificate that states a medical practitioner believes the rider should be allowed to ride on the footpath
  • a rider accompanying a rider with a medical condition.
All riders must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians, not expect them to get pout of their way when using either a footpath or shard path.

It is legal to ride on some small roads however Transport for NSW recommends children do not ride scooters, skateboards or rollerblades on roads. 

It's the law to wear a helmet in public spaces when on a bicycle.
  • All petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas such as footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways and cycle paths
  • All privately owned e-scooters are illegal in public spaces.
There are two types of permitted e-bikes: 
  • Power-assisted pedal cycles 
  • Electrically power-assisted cycles. 
The rider must primarily propel these bikes – a motor can't be the only source propelling it. The motor should only help the rider, like when going uphill or facing strong winds

If you see an e-bike speeding over 25kms this is illegal and a Fine of $723 can be imposed by Police.  

If an e-device is endangering the public call 000 or if not an emergency the NSW Police Assistance line on 131 444.  

Those NSW Police information sheets from a few years back;



Proposed roundabout at Foley Street and Warriewood Road intersection: Have your say 

Council is proposing to construct a roundabout at the Foley Street / Warriewood Road / Vineyard Street / Jubilee Avenue intersection, as identified in the Warriewood Valley Roads Masterplan.

In conjunction with the work, a Pedestrian Refuge is proposed on western leg of the roundabout on Jubilee Avenue. Council states this proposal will improve safety for all road users and pedestrians and will improve traffic flow through this intersection.
Council invite you to provide your feedback by:
Please include 'Proposed Roundabout – Foley Street and Warriewood Road intersection, Mona Vale' in the subject line of all email or written feedback.

Feedback closes Tuesday March 26 2024

Concept plan for the proposed roundabout and pedestrian refuge:


Supporting students with a disability: Audit Office of NSW - Have your say

Around one in five New South Wales public school students have a disability (183,000 students in 2022). Eighty-six per cent of students with disability learn in mainstream classes in mainstream schools, 11% learn in support classes in mainstream schools, and 3% in schools for specific purposes (SSPs). The Department of Education’s Disability Strategy (2019) committed to build a more inclusive education system and identified actions across four key reform areas:
  1. Strengthen support: investing in teachers and other support staff
  2. Increase resources and flexibility: enabling schools to operate with more flexibility
  3. Improve the family experience: making experiences better and easier
  4. Track outcomes: building an evidence base to measure progress. 
This audit will assess whether the department is effectively supporting students with disability in NSW public schools. 

Share your views
If you have experiences or views on support for students with disability in NSW public schools, you can share them with the Audit Office. This can be done anonymously if you wish.

We will consider all feedback provided as we audit the NSW Department of Education.

However, please note that: 
  • we will not examine individual matters 
  • we will not share feedback with the Department or any other party, nor publish it on our website. For more information on our confidentiality obligations, please visit Our confidentiality and reporting obligations for contributions page
  • audits focus on assessing whether NSW Government activities undertaken by government authorities are efficient, effective, economical and in compliance with the law. Under section 27B(6) of the Government Sector Audit Act 1983, the Auditor-General cannot question the merits of government policy objectives. 
To provide feedback, click on ‘Contribute to this audit’ or the message icon at the top right of this page; 

Feedback will be accepted until close of business Friday 3 May 2024.

Naming Proposal - Syncarpia Court, Newport: Have your say

Currently known as Walworth Court
Council are proposing to rename Walworth Court in Newport to ‘Syncarpia Court’. This will address concerns about the 'Walworth Court' street name too closely resembling the adjoining 'Walworth Avenue' street name and impacting deliveries as well as general wayfinding.

The Turpentine tree Syncarpia Glomulifera is endemic to the area and a large Turpentine tree is located midway down this lane.

At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 19 December 2023, it was resolved to exhibit the proposal.

The naming proposal has been pre-approved by the Geographical Names Board (GNB) of NSW. It is being carried out in line with the guidelines of both the GNB of NSW and Council’s Policy for the Naming of our Reserves, Facilities and Roads.

Notice of intention to name this road was provided in accordance with Section 162 of the Roads Act 1993 and Section 7 of the Roads Regulation 2018.

Feedback closes March 24, 2024
Council invite you to provide your feedback by:
Please include 'Naming proposal - Syncarpia Court, Newport' in the subject line of all email or written feedback.

Naming proposal - Spotted Gum Lane, Avalon Beach: have your say

Laneway from Bellevue Avenue (adj. 47)
The laneway adjacent to Bellevue Avenue, Avalon Beach is currently unnamed and provides access to the driveway of the residential property at 47 Bellevue Avenue, Avalon Beach, access to Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Hardware at the rear Avalon Parade, and is used by businesses from 47-55 Avalon Parade as a loading zone.

Council received a request to name the laneway to help locals and visitors identify the area and improve wayfinding.

At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 19 December 2023, it was resolved to exhibit the proposal to name this laneway Spotted Gum Lane, referencing the spotted gum trees common in the area.

The naming proposal has been pre-approved by the Geographical Names Board (GNB) of NSW. It is being carried out in line with the guidelines of both the GNB of NSW and Council’s Policy for the Naming of our Reserves, Facilities and Roads.

Notice of intention to name this laneway was provided in accordance with Section 162 of the Roads Act 1993 and Section 7 of the Roads Regulation 2018.

Feedback closes March 24 2024
Council invite you to provide your feedback by:

Please include 'Naming proposal - Spotted Gum Lane, Avalon Beach' in the subject line of all email or written feedback.

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Kelsey 

Chihuahua x 8yo


Kelsey is a sweet affectionate girl. She is super easy to cuddle and is very social with small dogs. She came from the pound very thin and hair loss on her back most likely due to fleas. Kelsey has also been diagnosed with heartworm. DoggieRescue is committed to seeing this treatment through at our cost but she needs a committed owner to follow the treatment protocols and she can be adopted at any time. She suits apartment living and FT hours alone. She has a short coat and weighs 3.7kg.

All our dogs come with desexing, vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. Her adoption fee is $600. 

Magic 

3yo Domestic short haired Cat


Magic was very timid and scared when he first came to us around 6 months ago. He was a dumped stray. Now super smoochy and loves a cuddle and scratch. He is very affectionate and loves his food!

All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220. To find out more call The Cottage Animal Hospital on 98907220 or DoggieRescue on 9486 3133  or email  Monika@DoggieRescue.com.  RON R251000024

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Have your say: A Heritage Strategy for NSW

Closes 31 March 2024
The NSW Government is developing a Heritage Strategy to set a new direction and vision for protecting heritage in our State.

Heritage includes the places, objects and stories we have inherited from the past and want to protect for generations to come.

Our heritage includes tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal culture and landscapes, natural heritage, historic buildings and structures, gardens, precincts and cultural landscapes, archaeological sites, shipwrecks and intangible heritage.

The NSW Heritage Strategy will address key challenges that heritage, in all its forms, is facing now and into the future.

Tell Heritage NSW what you think
Heritage NSW is seeking your feedback to inform and shape the direction of the NSW Heritage Strategy, ensuring it responds to community aspirations in delivering a better future for our heritage.

Your input will help to build our understanding of what is important to the community, key challenges facing heritage and opportunities to address them.

Please share your insights and ideas by completing the survey here until 31 March 2024.

Community encouraged to have their say on Clubgrants scheme

The NSW Government has released a discussion paper and begun community consultation into the effectiveness of the Clubgrants scheme, as part of a wider review to ensure the grants program is providing a social benefit to the people of NSW.

The consultation period will be open until 18 March 2024.

Clubgrants enables eligible registered clubs to contribute a portion of gaming machine profits to local community services, projects and infrastructure through grants, and receive a tax concession in return.

The discussion paper provides background on Clubgrants, the terms of reference and targeted questions to help guide submissions. There is also a survey for those who do not want to write a submission.

The public consultation will enable key stakeholders, participants, and members of the public to provide feedback and have their say as part of the review.


The Review into the ClubGrants Scheme was announced in tandem with the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform, which brings together representatives from industry, harm minimisation advocacy groups, law enforcement, unions and a person with lived experience to build consensus on a roadmap for reform.

It adds to a number of reforms already undertaken by the Minns Government to reduce gambling harm and prevent money laundering:
  • reduced the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new poker machines from 1 July 
  • reduced the statewide cap on gaming machine entitlements by more than 3,000 
  • banned political donations from clubs involved in gaming 
  • removed VIP gaming signage across NSW 
  • invested $100m into gambling harm minimisation over the next four years.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring integrity and public trust in government grants.

“The Clubgrants scheme has not been formally reviewed by government since 2013, so this review will give the community and key stakeholders a chance to have their say on its effectiveness.

"Registered clubs are part of the social fabric in local communities across NSW, and the Clubgrants scheme helps to provide vital local services, projects and infrastructure.

“Feedback from a broad range of stakeholders and members of the public is critical to ensure their views are considered. 

“I encourage everyone to read the discussion paper and provide a submission or complete the survey before 18 March. Your feedback about the scheme will form an important part of our review.”

Written submissions
• You can provide your submission via email to gaming.policy@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au
• You can visit the NSW Government’s Have Your Say website www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au for links to the survey and discussion paper.

Feedback must be provided by 18 March 2024

Entries Open For Aussies 2024 On The Sunshine Coast 

Entries for the 2024 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (The Aussies), the pinnacle event on the surf lifesaving sports calendar, are now open with entries numbers expected to exceed 6,500. 

Queensland’s Sunshine Coast will host the largest surf sports carnival in the world next April (13-21) with local Surf Life Saving Club’s Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Coolum all hosting the more than 500 beach and water events across Youth, Open and Masters age categories. 

Surf Life Saving Australia’s Sport Manager Wayne Druery says the event promises to be bigger than 2023, particularly with the inclusion of some new events. 

“The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships is the pinnacle for surf sports athletes and something that competitors, club members and families look forward to every year,” said Druery. 

“It is a time when the surf lifesaving community comes together to test their surf and rescue ready skills, as well as catch-up with friends from all around the country. 

“We are excited to announce that for the first time, we will be offering dedicated Adaptive Surf Sports events for competitors with a disability. These events have been designed following an extensive consultation process over the past two years, and as part of Surf Life Saving Australia’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.”  

Ocean Events including ski, swim, board and ironperson will be held at Maroochydore, surf boat and lifesaving events will be at Alexandra Headland, board riding at Coolum with Mooloolaba hosting the ocean swim and beach events. 

Standard entries close 31 March.  

Entries are open via the SLSA Sports Event Management System (SEMS).  


Planning Proposal: Dee Why 

Planning Proposal - The Planning Proposal application (PEX2024/0002) seeks a site-specific amendment to Warringah Local Environmental Plan 2011 (WLEP 2011) to increase the maximum height of buildings permitted on the site from 12 and 13 metres to 32 metres (9 storeys)at the corner of Dee Why Parade and Pittwater Road, and 23 metres (7 storeys) across the remainder of the site.

This is to develop the site for seniors housing, which is already a permissible use on the land, as it is zoned R3 Medium Density Residential under WLEP2011. The Planning Proposal also seeks to implement site-specific development provisions to guide a future seniors housing development on the site, for inclusion as an amendment to Warringah Development Control Plan (WDCP 2011).

Make a submission at HERE

Grants available for eligible heritage property owners

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 5 April 2024
Council is offering small grants of up to $3000 to eligible owners of heritage buildings and other items which are listed in the Manly, Pittwater and Warringah Local Environmental Plans as items of environmental heritage significance.  

The works must be approved and completed before applying for a grant and the allocation must not exceed 50 per cent of the total project cost.   

Projects that may be eligible for a grant include:
  • >Repairs to structural building components such as underpinning walls and repointing brickwork,
  • >Repainting of external walls of buildings,
  • >Repairing or reinstating walls, windows, verandahs, external balustrades, roof cladding or plumbing and decorative elements of buildings,
  • >Repairing historic fences, drainage and bridge structures.
Priority is given to works which save buildings from deterioration.
Previously awarded recipients have reinstated historic mortar on sandstone cottages and repaired leaking roofs and verandahs.
Applications are now open and should include:
  • >a completed application form,
  • >proof of approval for works undertaken,
  • >evidence of costs (invoices and receipts),
  • >plans/sketches and photographs before and after the works.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 5 April 2024. Council is unable to accept applications beyond this date.

If you think you may be eligible visit Council's website and download an application form or contact Council’s Heritage Planner on 1300 434 434 for more information.

ACCC Supermarkets Inquiry Invites Consumer, Farmer And Industry Views

Australian consumers are asked to share information about how they shop and what they experience through an online survey published today as part of the ACCC’s supermarkets inquiry.

The ACCC has also today published an issues paper outlining the topics the supermarkets inquiry will explore, and is calling for submissions from farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and other interested parties.

“We know that consumers and suppliers alike have a range of concerns about Australia’s major supermarkets, and this is their chance to have their say,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

“We will be using our legal powers to compulsorily obtain data and documents from the supermarkets themselves, but consultation with consumers and grocery sector participants is an important first step in our inquiry.”

Survey of supermarket customers
The ACCC invites consumers to complete the online survey to improve its understanding of where and how Australians buy groceries, and how price changes, loyalty programs and other factors influence how they shop.

Consumers are also invited to include information about any grocery shopping experiences they believed were confusing or misleading, such as “was/now” pricing or so-called “shrinkflation”, when a product is sold at a smaller size or volume for the same or a higher price.

Consumers can complete the online survey at Supermarkets inquiry consumer survey until 2 April 2024: consultation.accc.gov.au/accc/supermarkets-inquiry-consumer-survey

Issues paper and stakeholder submissions
The ACCC is also seeking submissions from industry participants involved in grocery supply chains, in response to matters raised in the issues paper.

The issues paper is divided into two sections: competition for consumer retail spending between the supermarkets, and grocery supply chains.

At the retail level, the ACCC will examine competition between supermarkets and the barriers that new or emerging supermarkets face when trying to enter or expand.

The ACCC is also interested in how retail competition differs across Australia, particularly in regional and remote areas.

“One of our major focus areas will be the supermarkets’ approach to setting prices, and whether there is evidence to show that a lack of effective retail competition is contributing to higher prices,” Mr Keogh said.

“We will conduct a detailed comparison of the price suppliers receive for their goods and the price consumers pay at the checkout, and the profits the supermarkets earn.”

“In addition, we will be looking at other issues such as loyalty schemes, discounting practices, the shift to online shopping and the impact of home-brand products,” Mr Keogh said.

In relation to grocery supply chains, the ACCC wants to hear from industry participants about competition within supply chains, trading arrangements, margins and price transparency, and if supermarket buyer power is impacting suppliers’ commercial viability.

“A lack of competition at any stage of a supply chain can result in inefficient or unsustainable prices across the supply chain,” Mr Keogh said.

Grocery supply chain participants and other interested parties are invited to make submissions in response to the issues paper via a guided submissions process on the ACCC’s consultation hub until 2 April 2024.

Parties can claim confidentiality over all or some of their submission, including their identity, if they believe the information being shared publicly could damage their business.

Further information is available at Supermarkets inquiry 2024-25: www.accc.gov.au/inquiries-and-consultations/supermarkets-inquiry-2024-25

Background
On 25 January 2024, the Australian Government announced that it will direct the ACCC to conduct an inquiry into Australia’s supermarket sector.

The ACCC received the formal direction from the Australian Government and the terms of the reference for the inquiry on 1 February 2024.

The ACCC last conducted a comprehensive inquiry into the grocery sector in 2008.

The terms of reference require the ACCC to consider matters such as the supermarkets’ approach to setting prices, the role of small and independent retailers (including those in regional and remote areas), and the impact of increased data collection and other technological developments.

Mona Vale Residents Association

Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area. Email: mvrasydney@gmail.com


Volunteers needed: meals on wheels

Meals on Wheels have lost a lot of volunteers in the last few months due to COVID regulations etc. so they are desperate for some new people on the roster. The local service covers all the way from Manly Vale up to Palm Beach, so a run takes around 60-90mins. 

You leave from and return to the warehouse in Bassett Street, Mona Vale.
You don’t need to sign on to permanent shifts, even once a month would help them out greatly.

All drivers need an unrestricted license, must be fully vaccinated and will require a volunteer police check. If you are able to assist please call Milly on 9457 3900 or email 
NBeachesVolunteer@kmow.org.au and she can give you more info and send you through training paperwork.


Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary needs volunteers

The Auxiliary is looking for new members to help with our fund raising efforts.  New ideas and assistance with our stalls are very welcome.  Contact 0407 216 253 for more information. The Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members host a stall at Pittwater Place on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 3pm selling knitting for babies and children, beanies, bedsocks and scarves for oldies, sewing items, craft and jams, raising funds for the rehabilitation and palliative care units.

JP Public Register

You can find a Justice of the Peace (JP) using the online Public Register. You can search by postcode, name of a JP, day of availability, language spoken and JP registration number. The register lists a JP’s location, availability and telephone number. Please note that JPs are volunteers and may not be available at all times. Click here to access the JP Public RegisterNB: There are  3 J.P’s working in Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch office, we work every Monday (10:30am to 15:30)except on public holidays:
  1. Terry Jones J.P.
  2. Robert (Bob) Wood J.P.
  3. Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P

become a volunteer radio operator: MRNSW

Are you looking for a new challenge? With the busy summer boating season coming up Marine Rescue NSW units up and down the coast want to hear from you! And if you live in Sydney, our State Communications Centre in Belrose is especially keen to hear from you, just drop a line to: base.sydney@marinerescuensw.com.au 

Prior radio and boating experience is not required, and as a Radio Operator you'll play a vital role in helping to keep our waterways safer. If you want to take the plunge and join a dedicated volunteer team helping to save lives on our waterways, then go here for more information: www.marinerescuensw.com.au/become-a-volunteer  or contact your local Marine Rescue NSW unit directly.


Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby weighed less than a kilogram when she was orphaned on the roadside after her mother was hit and killed by a vehicle. Fortunately, Phoebe was uninjured, taken to a local vet and raised and then released by Sydney Wildlife volunteer Jane. While Phoebe was fortunate, other native birds and animals are not so lucky. So, if you’re returning home, please slow down - particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas identified with wildlife crossing signs, for your safety and the welfare of our wildlife.

Please contact Sydney Wildlife Rescue on (02) 9413 4300 for advice if you hit a native animal or come across an injured one while driving. It is helpful if you can provide an accurate location or landmark to assist our rescuers who will pouch check marsupials for joeys, so little lives like Phoebe can be saved. 


 
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane Notice by Sydney Wildlife Rescue

Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: please share Wildlife Data 

Local wildlife rescuers are asking all members of the public to report any roadkill on McCarrs Ck Rd or any other road in the NB (Wakehurst Parkway or Mona Vale Road for instance) on www.wildlifemapping.org

It records the GPS position, date, sex, species. Photos can be added as they help in identification. The data is then forwarded to OEH and Transport NSW as it can help establish the best places to place  mitigation. Thanking you all in advance for your help with this. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. Although we have had pictures sent to us, many of these have no date or location. There is a database that volunteers maintain but this needs three pieces of information:
  1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
  2. The date
  3. The animal
The details can be entered into the database directly by you at: www.wildlifemapping.org

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