ABC in Willoughby

When I asked our Community Services Director in early November if we should be expressing an interest in local ABC Centres the response was "NO - not yet!" Looks like the time may be upon us as today the mellifluous sounding Mr Honey (The Receiver @ McGrathNichol) announced that only 2 of the ABC Centres located in Willoughby Local Government Area (Tulloh St & Johnson St)would continue to operate amongst the 720 to remain as part of the restructured organisation. Australia wide, 55Centres will be closed. We have not been told which ones however parents of children at those centres will be offered places at nearby (2.5k radius) Centres. Mr Honey thought there would be jobs for 80% of the staff from these Centres. He also announced that another 241 Centres were "not viable under ABCs business model" but that it was possible that they could be profitable if operated under an "alternative business model". Four Centres operating in Willoughby (Fullers Rd Chatswood, Mowbray Rd Artarmon, 354 Eastern Valley Way and Barcoo St Roseville) are amongst them

Meanwhile, Julia Gillard announced a further $34M of federal support for the 241 Centres, available till March "if necessary". The Deputy Prime Minister made it clear on the 7.30 Report tonight that she thought the alternative business model was going to be that of the not for profit and local government providers.

So far as local government is concerned, I can assure Willoughby parents and staff that your Council will move to protect your places and your livelihood and we will be doing our utmost to negotiate fair and just terms in any handover from the Commonwealth (and Mr Honey). This negotiation is probably best done collectively through our peak organisation, the NSW Local Government Association of which I am now an Executive member.

Interesting to note that Mr Groves organisation appears to have secured a preferred provider arrangement with the previous federal government having a monopoly over all 21 Defence Force sites - all of which will continue to trade. Makes you wonder whether the Commonwealth has made special arrangements which have not been the subject of any press releases.

I will keep you posted and am looking forward to the return of quality child care for our children.

PostScript:
ABC (the broadcaster) reports that "a consortium" comprising Bendigo & Adelaide banks and unspecified "charities and community service agencies" are interested in taking over all 241 of the non viable centres. Also that 100 of the 500 staff of the centres to be closed "will not be reassigned" Full story here

Green Infrastructure

Our Mayor tells me he enjoyed the opportunity to go to Canberra last week - especially since he came home with a promise of some $285K to spend on infrastructure projects before September next year. He and other NSW Mayors must have found it refreshing to be treated respectfully after the contemptuous way in which our state government and its Ministers deal with local government! We must prepare a submission in order to secure the funds and our GM will be working on it right now. An additional $50M is being made available - on a competitive basis - and in this regard, I'll be asking Willoughby and northside Councils to advocate for an iconic piece of Green Infrastructure HarbourLink Have a look and see what you think:


If you like the idea, please send an email to :
1. Your local Council
2. Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and Federal member for Grayndler, A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
3. cc info@sydneyharbourlink.com
As soon as you can, thanks!

NSW Planning Legislation

Kristina Keneally now presides over Sartor's empire. Despite her reportedly being both a sensible and a sensitive person, it seems she is in no position to reverse the excesses of her predecessor or indeed what may be the best chance she and the bunch of bullies infesting Macquarie Street's front bench have of being returned. To create a housing bubble, barriers must be removed from the planning process. Chief amongst the barriers are local elected reps and the opportunities they have created for neighbours to be informed about (and yes - even comment upon!) development proposals next door.
I have just returned from a briefing provided by our Environmental Services Director. He presented some interesting facts for example, Willoughby currently determines more DAs of greater total dollar value faster than either North Sydney or Lane Cove Councils. Anyway, leaving aside the lucrative $10M+ developments which the Mnister and her appointees are to deal with, the so called planning reforms are aimed at moving local development along such that 50% of all applications can be dealt with under "complying development codes" (CDCs) and the rest by Planning Arbitrators should the applicant feel the Council is being too slow. The current plan is to have one Complying Development Code for single storey & one for two storey developments. The latter code has not yet seen the light of day and will not be availalable for public comment before being introduced early next year - March I think..

An Aboriginal History of Willoughby

A nice photo of three of my Councillor colleagues last Wednesday at the lauch of Bo-ra-ne Ya-goo-na Par-ry-boo-go Yesterday Today Tomorrow, an Aboriginal History of Willoughby. Stuart Coppock looking especially happy to see this great result of a Motion he put to Council some 3 years ago, celebrating with newly elected Clr John Hooper and returning Clr Wendy Norton. Author Jessica Currie has stated that she wants us to imagine what Aboriginal life would have been like in the Willoughby area, before the arrival of the British. Over many months she has assembled a remarkable amount of material from the archeology, from journals of the coloniser and direct quotation from Aboriginal women "to give a voice...where that connection has been lost". The work is nicely illustrated, well referenced and provides a chronology of Aboriginal history 1770 - 2008. A drop in the ocean against the 60,000 years of continuous prior occupation, care and custodianship of this great land of ours!

Incidentally, the Northern Sydney Reconciliaion Network extends to you an Invitation to a FREE EVENT - ALL WELCOME Its a COMMUNITY BBQ at 6.30 & FORUM (7.15 - 9 pm) on Friday 24 October 2008 The Dougherty Centre, 7 Victor St, Chatswood entitled " PATHWAYS OF PROGRESS: ABORIGINAL INSIGHTS featuring:
ADEN RIDGEWAY Executive Chairman, Indigenous Tourism Australia"Indigenous Tourism - Future Opportunities"
GREG DAVISONIndigenous Engagement Officer, CSIRO"Indigenous Engagement - Engaging in a Sustainable Way"
LINDON COOMBES Executive Director, Tranby Aboriginal College"Aboriginal Education - A Changing Environment"
0438 777 545 for more information.

More Spring Festival Events

Hallstrom Park was once again the setting for Northbridge Rotary Club's excellent Garden Fair. I was pleased to hear from Malcolm (seated) and Penny Lye that this year, twice last years number of patrons came out to look, learn and buy from the many colourful and well stocked stalls. Outside broadcast studio Radio 702 BL was there with Simon Marnie hosting a live performance from Bruce Mathiske jazz guitar master, cooking demonstrations and plenty of horticultural chat. Locally indigenous chat could be had at the WEPA (Willoughby Environmental Protection Association) stall where I found Sheila & Gay taking a break. How gorgeous is that parasol? A perfect location for this sociable and somewhat languid event..looking just like a set from Midsomer...

Sunday in Naremburn

There was plenty to do in Naremburn last Sunday! In the morning I caught up with the Bike Week Guided Discovery Ride - along the new Epping Rd Shared Path, led by Bike North Club members. About 45 people, 27 of whom used the Centennial Park hire bikes (courtesy of Council) participated. Nash from Renegade Cycles at Lane Cove conducted safety checks and Alison Jones, Council's wonderful Sustainable Transport Officer was there, holding it all together. As it was such a success, we might try doing this regularly - let us know what you think..
Up the road at the former Temperance Hall in Central Street, Ingrid Morley's studio was participating in our annual Artists Open Studio Weekend. I took these pics of works in her garden.. Then it was back down to Hallstrom Oval to watch 3 Northbridge Football Club teams (under 13 boys, under 14 girls & under 16 girls) play in State championship matches. Congratulations to all these members of our diverse, talented and vibrant community!

Russia, Siberia, Mongolia, China - by bike!

Celebrating NSW Bike Week, Willoughby City Council is hosting a bicycle film festival this Sunday the 28th Sept, 3.00 - 5.00pm. The event will feature a series of short films including the award-winning documentary Off the Rails, directed by Tim Cope. "It was March, the beginning of Spring in the northwest corner of Russia. Struggling to make 6km a day, Tim Cope & Chris Hatherly, both 20 year-old Australians had embarked on an epic journey across Russia, Siberia, Mongolia, and Northern China, finishing in Tiananmen square, Bejing." The 14 month cycling journey is as much about the warmth and hospitality of Siberian villagers and Mongolian nomads, as it is about the haunting landscapes, the outer limits of a cycling adventure and a tested friendship. Our venue is The Freeway Hotel located on the Gore Hill Freeway shared path. Bicycle parking is available. This event is presented in association with BikeSydney and the eighth annual Bicycle Film Festival (13-15 November 2008 @ the Dendy Newtown). For further information phone 9777 7706. This is a FREE event.

Bike Week - 20 - 28 September

Willoughby Council has 4 great events organised:
FREE Cycling Skills Workshop (adults & children 12+) FREE
10AM - 1PM Sat 20 September in Naremburn Park

Bike Path Discovery Ride
10AM Sun 21 September meet @ Hallstrom Park
Bike Hire available (booking essential) FREE

Bike Film Festival
3PM Sun 28 September
3 short films at the Freeway Hotel Artarmon FREE

Bike Maintenance Workshop
6PM - 9PM Thurs 25th September
@ Renegade Cycles Lane Cove (booking essential) $40

BOOKINGS & INFO 9777770

NSW Labor rearranges the deck chairs

At least this is an indication that they understand how bad things really are! Whilst there is much rejoicing that Frank Sartor has been 'kicked to the curb', the sad fact it that his "planning reforms" are enshrined. Whilst personalities come and go the damage done by corrupt Party politics in NSW seems inexorable. It's my observation that the same culture is evident amongst certain of our apparently 'independent' candidates for Council. As election day draws near, we are again supplied with the usual flood of false and malicious leaflets in a desperate attempt to undermine what has been achieved by a genuinely independent Council here in Willoughby. What I find so disturbing is the overwhelming negativity, the manipulative creation of fear and insecurity, the distortion of fact and use of base personal insult. Willoughby Council has achieved a great deal over the past 10 years or so. The achievements are there despite the culture of personality, not because of it. Fortunately, the majority of people in Willoughby have been able to distinguish between candidates with sincere and positive aspirations and those whose populist rhetoric and cheap point scoring distinguishes them as essentially game players.

Vote 1 - Group C - for Naremburn !

On September 13th most residents of NSW get to vote for members of their local councils. Sadly, quite a few LGAs have had autocrat / administrators installed by the state government as a result of corrupt practice. These situations have generally featured associations of corrupt political party hacks, Liberal and Labor. Fortunately on the Northside, we seem to have a tradition of favouring independent local Councillors. Although many Councillors are card holding party members, they seem to prefer standing as 'independents' probably because people don't seem to want parties in local government for the above - and other reasons.

Here in Willoughby we have 4 "Wards" each with 3 Councillors. Councils have a fixed term of 4 years, except for when the government would like to change that (e.g. this term was 4 and a half years). In Willoughby we also get to vote for the Mayor - who is then elected for the full term. Most Councils still elect a Mayor every year,by the Councillors. In my experience, although sometimes the people make a mistake with the Mayor, a 'popularly elected Mayor' generally delivers a better result as the Councillors are not distracted by the horse trading which used to accompany the annual election process!

Here is a pic of our team for Naremburn. I feel very honoured to have the support of these two people - Stuart Sexton and Bruce de Graaf.

Stuart and his partner Rhoda are the backbone of Artarmon's Sustainability Street group. He is also a member of Willoughby Walking Volunteers (responsible for much of the local route finding and signage you may have noticed around our parks and reserves) and of the Artarmon Reserve Bushcare Group

Bruce is the proud father of two beautiful and talented girls who attend local schools, he is Secretary of Crow's Nest Rotary and plays football for the West Pymble Pymble over 35 division 1 Premiership winning team. Perhaps because he works locally he can also find time to support Naremburn's Bushcare Group!

Thanks so much for your support guys!

Giant burrowing cockroaches @ Willoughby Park!

But not normally found there!
On show at Willoughby's Fauna Fair today, courtesy of the "Bug Man" were a range of stick insects, spiders and the giant - being shown around here by Daniel, an enthusiastic member of the audience. Apparently they're the world's biggest (up to 80mm & 35 grams) and thankfully, mostly found in north Queensland. Also on display were bats from the Ku-ring-gai Colony, a tawny frogmouth, lorrikeets and butterflies from Ossu, our sister city in East Timor. A great day, made possible through e.restore, Council's Environmental Levy - for which we have recently won an extension.

On the way there, I took this photo of Telford Lane - Willoughby's only surviving cobbled street runing between Eastern Valley Way and Fourth Avenue. An unexpected but wonderful relic don't you think?!

No news..... is that good news?

The news about Naremburn Primary School is that the meeting scheduled for this Thursday has been "postponed" for about 3 weeks. For the reason that no one seems prepared to report anything.

In the email advising this, Council officer Lyn Smith says that :

. DET's Assets Division has appointed a Mr Terry White "to analyse the demographics" across the lower north shore and that the Dept is taking this "very seriously"
. A Mr Michael Slattery has been appointed as the consultant for the Catholic Schools Office & he is undertaking "a full study of the existing site at Naremburn, a feasibility study that will be available in the near future" and promisingly,
. "Mr Slattery and Mr White are in regular communication"

Can anyone read between these lines?!

Channel 9 - No sale!

The deal is off...we might have another chance to get rid of that awful tower. Here's the story

More pics of the Bike Breakfast (thanks Neil!)

According to a local resident :
"....by about 7:20, there were quite a few cyclists enjoying the breakfast.
The stand was good and informational too. (I got a few good leaflets of cycling tracks). I'd also confirm that over the last few months, bike traffic is growing, which I reckon is fantastic.To all those involved in this initiative, well done..."
Erin, who looks after Willoughby's sportsfield bookings is seen here astride one of Council's newly acquired bike fleet - her work includes auditing our shared paths to ensure safety for users. Nice work huh?

Bike Breakfast @ Fleming Park

It must have been a bit of a suprise to the early morning joggers, dogwalkers & to the early shift - off to catch the Willoughby Rd bus this morning!
Between 80 and 100 cyclists stopped off to enjoy breakfast - Bakers Delight buns & Forsyth's Coffee - courtesy of Bicycle NSW and Willoughby Council. We were all there to celebrate the (almost) open shared path from Ryde to Naremburn. Here's Russell & Alex, champions for the cause and Clare, Imogen and Fran enjoying their hot chocolate!

Cycling matters

I know its not what was promised (another work by Shane Haurama) but it does at least explain what's in the big green box! We are waiting a while to see what additional adornments local artists might apply (to see how effective the anti grafitti coating is!) before we give the same treatment to the locker on the other side of the station. Not sure if anyone's renting yet!

FREE BREAKFAST FOR CYCLISTS!! to celebrate the opening of the Epping Road to Lane Cove cycleway

Date: Tuesday 24 June 2008
Time: 7am - 9am
Where: Fleming Park, near the Willoughby Road and Gore Hill Freeway underpass

Last night while we were sleeping...

The NSW Upper House passed Frank's pro developer planning laws. The Greens missed out by one vote in having the legislation sent off for review (thought that's what Upper Houses were supposed to do)
As I have already reported here, the Shooting Party were reportedly "bought off" with a rifle range in the Southern Highlands & one or two other trinkets. Robert 'Shooter' Brown, one of these two Honourables said in debate :
" Councils are great at collecting garbage and carrying out other work but they should not stick their noses into the business of home owners."
A true giant eh?

What kind of school?

I received this email from Maria:

Dear Councillor Lamb,
I attended last weeks meeting regarding the reopening of a school in
Naremburn.

After searching the internet to see if there was any further information, I
came accross your website which had a section titled 'Public Meeting to
reinstate Naremburn Public School'.

I was under the impression that the meeting had not yet determined whether it would be a State, Catholic or Combined School. In fact, some people I subsequently spoke to were convinced that it would be a Catholic School. At the meeting, it became apparent that there would be division over this. This raises the question, 'do people know what they are fighting for-Catholic, State, Combo?' and upon this realisation 'would they continue to show their support?'.


Kindest Regards,
Maria

& in reply :

Dear Maria

My preference is that the NSW government reinstate a public school in Naremburn. At the meeting the consensus reflected in the resolution, was that the community wants a primary school in Naremburn. My understanding is that the working party will be able to explore options in the light of input from all interested stakeholders. Residents of Naremburn are stakeholders. I would encourage anyone interested to contact Working Party members, I'll be posting their contact details & the exact wording of the meeting's resolution on the blog...
Kate

As I don't know the details of all members yet I can tell you that Karen (kptwo@hotmail.com) and Belinda (rb.lewis@bigpond.net.au) who organised the petition are on the Working Party and would like to know what you think - or you might like to post a comment here!

NAREMBURN PRIMARY SCHOOL - An Update

Here's the 6 part Resolution moved at the meeting last Wednesday St Leonard’s Catholic Church Parish Hall, Willoughby Road, Naremburn

1 That having regard to the changes in demography of the Naremburn area, the Department of Education, Catholic Dioceses of Broken Bay, local Member for Willoughby and Willoughby City Council commit to work together to achieve the opening of a new school within 2 years in Naremburn.

2 That the representatives from Dept of Education and Training and the Catholic Diocese, Broken Bay be thanked and efforts noted and appreciated for their mutual collaboration on this issue.

3 That we immediately establish a Naremburn Precinct School Working Party, such working party to be facilitated through Willoughby City Council.

4 The State Member, with Council and community support seek delegations to meet with the Minister for Education and Minister for Transport to put forward the communities concerns.

5 That we seek support from North Sydney Council on this issue.

6 That a further Public Meeting be reconvened in 3 months to report on progress.

There will be a Report to Council next Monday after which, the Working Party will be convened. Here's the North Shore Times article

Nappy Valley = Naremburn

Despite thunder and lightening this evening, more than 120 people arrived at the St Leonards Catholic Church Parish Hall to make it known that Naremburn needs a school. It was good news then to hear from both Deonne Smith (Regional Director,DET) and Brother Tony Whelan (Catholic Education Office)that they were going to talk to each other and also to find out later, that there was "someone from the Property Division " lurking in the audience. We passed a motion which amongst other things :
. committed the Department & the Church to work together, to provide a school within 2 years
. set up a community working party to establish the case for a school and call on Ministers for Education and Transport
. required a 'report back' within 3 months

Thanks to Delia from Probate St who coined "Nappy Valley", to Gladys for her committment to represent us on this and to the Progress Association for organisation & publicity. Most of all, thanks to Karen and Belinda who have worked so hard to get to this point - nice going Naremburn!

And here's beautiful Belinda, with everyone's favourite neighbour John and Geoff, a longstanding resident who cares passionately about this community.

EPA Bill

Sartor ploughs on. The first reading of the EPA Bill 2008 happened yesterday morning – you can read Hansard on line (50 pages worth!) It does not propose any inquiry or review of the impacts.
The second reading will not be until Parliament resumes week of 3rd June however it will be in the Upper House that we have any chance of amending the thing and the advice I have so far is that although several of the cross bench members are supportive, it may be that the 2 Shooters Party members have been "bought off" with a rifle range at Hill Top in the Southern Highlands. Ironically this development was "called in" by Minister Sartor under Labor's Part 3A "State significant" legislation, that which allowed him to take control of the CRI development site in Chatswood (aka the Transport Interchange).
Democracy at work in NSW..

Public Meeting to reinstate Naremburn Public School

Following presentation of your 350+ signatures to our Council, Willoughby Mayor Pat Reilly, has called a Public Meeting to be held at the St Leonards Catholic Parish Hall on Wednesday 28th May at 7pm. Representatives from The Department of Education and the Catholic Education Office are being invited to attend and local MP Gladys Berejiklian, has confirmed her attendance as Parliament is not sitting on that night...

Happy as a pig in mud....

Nice pic from this morning's Herald
Read the story here

Sustainable Sydney 2030 City Talk

Danish Professor Jan Gehl, will speak about Sydney's Public Spaces & Public Life surveys, conducted here last year along with the consultants responsible for the recently launched & controversial Sustainable Sydney 2030 strategy, (developing Central Railway, greentransformers, burying the Western Distributor and removing the Cahill).

City Recital Hall Angel Place,Sydney, Wednesday 16 April 2008 6.30 pm - 8 pm Bookings: Tickets are FREE, but bookings are essential and available by calling Angel Place Box Office on 8256 2222

Keep it local !

Today NSW Local Councils launched a campaign supporting the right of local comunities to have a say in developments that affect them
Key messages are that the State government's pro-Developer laws will mean that communities have fewer services and no say in neighbourhood developments.
Led by the Local Government and Shires Associations (LGSA) voice for 152 Councils in NSW, everyone is invited to the website www.keepitlocal.org.au where you can read recent press coverage on the new laws and then 'click through' to send a message to your local MP

Medieval Planning Reform

Its full steam ahead for Frank and the robber barons.
Undeterred by over 180 individual citizens and 71 community groups who put pen to paper, objecting to their being removed from local planning processes, NSW Labor continues to shaft the public interest. Subverting and/or supplanting local Councils, we are to have at least two extra layers of (Ministerially appointed) planning authorities (PACs & JRPPs) who may be delegated the less juicy pickings from the Minister's greedy table laden as it is with the lucrative and sleazy spread of the NSW development industry. Have only skimmed the 'Explanatory Note' as I have to go to work tomorrow but here's a bit of what's on the menu for Development Assessment:

S.23N includes provisions requiring councils to provide access to records and use of council staff and facilities to assist the PAC, a JRPP or a planning arbitrator in the exercise of their functions. Offences apply to council staff and general managers in relation to failure to provide such assistance.
S.23O requires councils to pay the costs of the PAC, a JRPP, planning arbitrator or an IHAP where those bodies are exercising functions with respect to development under Part 4 which is located in the relevant council’s area

and, re Complying Development (the matters your Private Certifiers will take care of):

Schedule 2.1 [15] currently section 76A(6) of the principal Act provides that development cannot be complying development if the development is critical habitat, part of a wilderness area, land subject of a interim heritage order or an item of environmental heritage. The proposed amendment will remove these legislative restrictions
Schedule 2.1 [21] removes section 85A(2) so that the public notification requirements are provided for in the EP&A Regulation rather than in the council’s DCP.(i.e. not a Council matter - haven't found the EPA Reg as yet)
Schedule 2.1 [22] amends section 85A of the principal Act to allow a council or an accredited certifier to issue a complying development certificate, even if the proposed development does not comply with the relevant standards and conditions
That one really takes the cake - don't you think?

I've not yet seen reference to participation except where it's being reduced or removed...opportunities for Applicant reviews appear to be generously extended whilst we must wait to find out what they may be in the case of Objectors :
Schedule 2.1 [34] (proposed section 96E) It is proposed to amend the principal Regulation to make provision with respect to the persons who are qualified to apply for an objector review.

Kids Cottage

On Monday evening the Rev Charlie Bramall and Todd, one of his parishoners presented Council with a petition asking us to reconsider our policy limiting use of the White St Kid's Cottage facility in West Artarmon.
Years ago, when my daughter attended after school care at the original facility - an adapted federation era cottage - I was aware that this facility was too small to be used by the community as a meeting place & that the only alternative in West Artarmon was (the not readily available)St Basil's Church Hall. When I was elected to the Council I advocated for a KC redevelopment as a mulitpurpose facility for the many people who lived in the immediate vicinity. It was a hard lesson for me when after the project's unfortunately lengthy lead time, I came to understand that without adequate and timely consultation the very best of intentions can backfire! A number of the redeveloped Centre's neighbours felt that Council had so blighted their outlook and disturbed their amenity that the least we could do was severely curtail the type of activity it housed and the days & hours during which it could be used. Which Council did, by resolution and it is not available to anyone outside of Council's out of school hours and family day care programs.
Rev. Bramall would like us now to revisit this resolution and allow him to hold Sunday morning services in the facility. What do you all think?

Planning Reform Submissions Report

My favourite quote is what the 'independent' authors (Manidis Roberts P/L) say of the 26 subs from "developers and private businesses" i.e. "they were generally very supportive of the reforms". Well I can't say I'm at all surprised since they as good as commissioned it with their $10.6M donation to NSW Labor over the past 8 years!
Only 3 MPs (Clover, Sylvia Hale and Pittwater's Rob Stokes)have made submissions - thoughtful and constructive ones.
The 180 formal submissions from residents included "a large number" who opposed the reforms "primarily due to their perception that local community input would be eroded in the process and the protection of local environment and heritage" (their grammar, see p. 21 - but my emphasis). And no fewer than 71 community groups lodged formal submissions which were "generally opposed to the reforms...the principal areas of concern were the effect of the reforms on environment/heritage...and perceived lack of community consultation". Note the 'independent' consultants use of the word 'perceived' in their analysis - the inference being that they (i.e. we) do not properly understand the situation!
How arrogant. In 1979, one of the 3 principal objects of the then new Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (S.5) was identified as :
to provide increased opportunity for public involvement and participation in environmental planning and assessment
Seems the consultants are so busy spinning they no longer know which way is up. See for yourself here

Willoughby Symphony Orchestra in Naremburn Park

Voted the best Community Orchestra in Australia, the WSO performs at its best whenever Nick Milton is conducting. So what a treat for Naremburn this evening as we laid out our picnics, caught up with friends & neighbours and settled in for 2 hours of fantastic music. The program featured violinist Cameron Hill Australian Young Performer of the Year, in Mendelssohn's Concerto for Violin in E Minor. You might not know that your Council is one of a handful in the country and possibly the only one in NSW which supports a full Symphony Orchestra. Being so proud of this Orchestra, we have designed in the new Civic Place a 1000 seat Concert Hall - a fitting home venue for an orchestra of this quality. And we believe, a venue which will attract many other acts of high quality to come over to the Northside!

The Phoenix Bushcare Group

Here they are! Maybe you've noticed how the grassy area near the rail underpass at the top of Burra Rd has been slowly restoring itself? Well these are the local heroes behind the scenes making it all possible. Front to back they are Neil, Brenda, Mary and Barry supported by Liz in blue, from Council's Bushland staff. I was lucky enough to walk by at smoko and was invited to join them for tea and one of Brenda's yummy muffins. We sang Happy 35th Birthday to Neil (altho' there were one or two skeptics about that !) Meeting every 2nd Thursday 10 - 1 they are just one of around 50 such groups caring for our natural heritage areas throughout Willoughby City. Call Mandy on 9777 7875 for more information about groups near you - or drop by on a Thursday morning..

Public Art

You may have noticed this Council comissioned mural on the shared path below the baseball diamond at Bicentenial Reserve. It is the work of Shane Haurama, indigenous artist. We have asked Shane to apply a similar treatment to the big green bike locker on the east side of Artarmon Station. Having seen a small scale mock up of what he has in mind at our recent Bike Committee I can't wait to see the full scale version.
Post Script : At the last Bike cttee Meeting (22/4) we were advised that "The artwork on the bike lockers will no longer be completed by Shane Haurama due to personal problems. James Brocklebank in liaison with Jacky Talbot (council’s Arts & Cultural Manager) has since engaged a new artist who has developed a new design for the lockers. The new artwork is simpler and is no longer an aboriginal design. Work on the lockers will start shortly and will be completed by the end of the financial year..." Too bad.. I love Shane's work

Labor limbos way under accessibility benchmark

Did you read in Wednesday's Northside Courier about that dinosaur director of the NRMA's proposal to invite more cars into Chatswood? Had to write a letter when I saw the MOT response to it!

Dear Editor,

A spokeswoman for the Minister for Transport said "links to Chatswood Station were based on public transport and walking to minimise traffic on local roads" and this a very sensible response to the NRMA's Mr Evans' quite preposterous idea that we encourage more cars into Chatswood CBD by conveniently creating a commuter carpark for them! (p4 NSC March 5)
Whilst I'm reserving judgement on how well the bus interchange will work, the spokeswoman will find it very hard indeed to explain how pedestrian and cycle access from the south (i.e. via Thomas Lane) will be achieved and also to explain how - in this State government approved development - there has been an improvement to taxi drop off and 'kiss & ride' arrangements.
Our community should be aware that the Chatswood Station Redevelopment was the first major project Minister Sartor called in under his new planning powers and that the " transport interchange" function has from that moment, been the very last consideration after maximising the site's development potential. Not forgetting that his approval disallowed any S94 (developer contribution ) to assist Council in redressing the access shortcomings which are becoming painfully apparent.
sincerely
Kate Lamb

Dirty sexy NSW Labor

I saw that whippersnapper from the NSW Property Council on the telly yesterday suggesting that the Wollongong development scandal wouldn't happen under the planning "reform" measures being proposed by his mates in the Iemma government.
As if this has anything to do with local government and nothing to do with the fact that its a Labor dominated Council (like Liverpool)! That 'startled rabbit' look from Premier Iemma is beginning to look quite normal as he answers questions about his ministers behaviour, about his administration's employment of Labor mates or about his new found comittment to "do something" about developers donations to political parties.
I hope that no one is fooled by these attempts to make local government look like it has a corruption problem

Sorry

At last.
We have a Prime Minister and parliament capable of leadership.
Thank you to all who have worked towards this momentous occasion in Australia's history. Thank you to the Aboriginal people for your grace, patience and generosity.
I hope this is the beginning of a comprehensive response to the Bringing them Home report Recommendations

Alectura lathami (Suburban Turkey!)

Last year my neighbour Christine announced the arrival of the Scrub Turkey below Channel 9. Well this morning at 8.00am on my morning walk through Artarmon Reserve, who should strut out across the railway path not 2 metres ahead of me but said turkey! I imagine that it won’t be long before the Council starts getting complaints from residents about these birds “ruining their gardens” with their scratching & nest making – can’t wait (Thanks Neil - for this photo of our bird!)

The impact of positioning NSW as “Open for Business” is being felt keenly in local government. We are experiencing a sustained and far reaching erosion of local democratic process as the Iemma government eagerly fosters the business of property development. As the Greens have brought very much into focus, the property development industry is the most generous contributor to (major) political party campaign funds. The state government’s overhaul of S94 (developers) contributions will prevent us from providing the infrastructure residents have come to expect and the “Standard Template” for Local Environment Plans (LEPs) reduces our capacity to protect and preserve local environmental values along with our ability to achieve (with community endorsement) a higher level of ESD than the state government prescribed / lowest common denominator approach (e.g. BASIX).And as regards our funding base, the Productivity Commission in its Draft Report concluded that:

A wide variety of legislative and regulatory restrictions are imposed by jurisdictions on the raising of ownsource revenue by local government, although generally these do not appear to be significant impedediments to revenue raising in most jurisdictions, with the exception of rate pegging and concessions in New South Wales (my emphasis)

At the same time, a recent seminar run by the Environmental Defender’s Office examined the latest raft of the NSW government’s “Planning Reforms”. It was great to see Progress Association reps from Willoughby in attendance (Castlecrag & West Ward), in fact there was good representation from the northside generally (Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby and Pittwater) and especially good to see that they are getting organised. That’s about it for the good news though. Planners, lawyers, academics & environmental activists were joined by these (self described) ‘ordinary folk’ giving voice to deep concerns about the shutting down of public participation in NSW planning processes. Following on from the notorious Part 3A amendments last year, significant changes are proposed to :

• The process of Plan Making (particularly our LEPs)
• Development Assessment (including introduction of 3 levels of Planning Panels (highly controversial where they have been implemented e.g. in South Australia)
• Exempt & complying development – to be expanded to 50% of all developments (no notifications & no qualitative criteria)
• Private Certifier’s role extended to include discretionary matters & possibly subdivisions
The deadline for submissions is February 8th - find the EDO’s recommendations here

And finally about the Netball trial at Artarmon Reserve, the proposal was introduced at a Committee meeting late last year. I moved and was supported by Barry Thompson, to have the Council Officer’s report circulated, inviting your feedback. I thought it a bad idea at the time and judging by what you have copied me in on – I’m in good company!

New Office for Old Souls

In a totally unique collaboration, 7 northside Councils are working together to help protect and promote our Aboriginal Heritage. Cost shared and with support from the NSW Heritage Office the Aboriginal Heritage Office is a bridge for Councils in our Area with the Metro Land Council - the legislated body recognised as having responsibility for promotion and protection of Aboriginal heritage in most of urban Sydney, east of Parramatta. It is therefore a real honour for us to have the office located in Northbridge, as of about a month ago. Check out the website and see what's on in the way of guided walks and information resources. Every year the office participates in the Guringai Festival a series of events held throughout the region, from May through to July.
Pictured here are Sue Pinckham Social Planner, Dave Watts Manager, and Phil Hunt Archeologist. Looking forward to the official opening I am.

Graffiti

Grafitti generates a lot of heat at Council.
Personally, lots of other things bother me more. Although I do find some graffiti technically impressive and sometimes attractive, tagging is almost always tedious and at times (when it repeatedly defaces signs which people might want to read and natural features like tree trunks and rock faces) it is highly insensitive. Sadly, it is not often interesting so I am pleased to 'thow' this one up as I do quite like it!!
As some might recognise, it currently adorns the unlovely bike locker placed (at Council's request) at Artarmon Station, next to the permaculture garden at the Library.

2008 projects for Naremburn

As I'm still on holidays I have been out and about, swapping New Year's greetings and inspecting some of the prettiest gardens in Naremburn. First I went to see Alan and Dorothy in Dalleys Road. Alan had been saving me a cutting of the white crysanthemum I admired last year. Amongst other things, they remarked upon the number of strollers and prams being pushed around our suburb. At the 1996 Census, there were 382 children under 4 years old resident in Naremburn, in 2001 this number had grown to 463. Last year there were 596! Shame on our shortsighted state government for closing & selling off the greater part of the public school site/s some 10 years ago. This unfortunate decision has now led now to Council deciding to withdraw its Out of School Hours Service (OOSH) at the Community Centre (see Nov 13 blog entry). A remnant of the former site now called the North Harbour Unit, provides a valuable but not local use of the site, specialising in work with children who have behavioural issues. So why not reclaim the site as an Infants School?
Later on I visited John and Pat who told me that recently, the former residents of their house in Donnelly Street had come by and as well as being able to name every (former) resident in the street, they had stated that there was a park where the freeway is now! Why not reclaim that one too? Pat and John are most supportive of the Infants School proposal as almost every second house in their street is home to a young family now, every one of which will in all likelihood, be driving their cars, ferrying their little ones to schools at Cammeray, Artarmon or Willoughby - all of which are bursting at the seams on sites littered with demountables.
Got a view? Make it known - vote in the poll on this Blogsite! Should there be significant support our Council can take this one right up to the NSW government!