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