Glad to see Chanukah this year supported by all three levels of government. We had a fantastic night at the St Ives Village Green, well attended by an inclusive, welcoming and diverse community. My kids also enjoyed meeting the team at Community Health Support and taking part in the games, rides, face painting and fireworks.
Julian Leeser MP
Matt Cross – Member for Davidson
Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay
Councillor Martin Smith
Councillor Kim Wheatley
Cr Simon Lennon
Cr Barbara Ward
Councillor Robert Samuel – Willoughby
Chabad North Shore
Glad to see Chanukah this year supported by all three levels of government. We had a fantastic night at the St Ives Village Green, well attended by an inclusive, welcoming and diverse community. My kids also enjoyed meeting the team at @[100080313635174:2048:Community Health Support] and taking part in the games, rides, face painting and fireworks.
@[100057708205393:2048:Julian Leeser MP]
@[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross – Member for Davidson]
@[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay]
Councillor Martin Smith
@[100081079106909:2048:Councillor Kim Wheatley]
Cr Simon Lennon
Cr Barbara Ward
@[100077659695386:2048:Councillor Robert Samuel – Willoughby]
@[100064833485045:2048:Chabad North Shore]
Visited the Roseville College Prize Giving Ceremonies yesterday. It was particularly cool to see those that I had previously taught at Sunday School and other local church programs get recognised for their achievements.
Visited the @[100044370982108:2048:Roseville College] Prize Giving Ceremonies yesterday. It was particularly cool to see those that I had previously taught at Sunday School and other local church programs get recognised for their achievements.
Thanks to everyone who contributed food and gift items to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. Yesterday I joined Gordon Ward Councillors Simon Lennon and Barbara Ward in packing and distributing hampers for Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney at Gordon Baptist Church. The hampers went to a range of causes such as the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter .
Thanks to everyone who contributed food and gift items to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. Yesterday I joined Gordon Ward Councillors Simon Lennon and Barbara Ward in packing and distributing hampers for @[100064520299383:2048:Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney] at Gordon Baptist Church. The hampers went to a range of causes such as the @[100067239740050:2048:Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter] .
Congratulations Sophia for being the 17th recipient of Abbotsleigh’s Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Award, recognising her excellence in leadership.
I attended Speech Day yesterday and it was great to see so many young people equipped to create a better future.
Congratulations Sophia for being the 17th recipient of @[100063700954501:2048:Abbotsleigh]’s Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Award, recognising her excellence in leadership.
I attended Speech Day yesterday and it was great to see so many young people equipped to create a better future.
It was encouraging to visit the Barker College Junior School celebration today to hear of the children’s accomplishments as well as their contribution to providing education to indigenous groups through their Darkinjung, Ngarralingayil and Dhupuma Schools.
It was encouraging to visit the @[100064001411105:2048:Barker College] Junior School celebration today to hear of the children’s accomplishments as well as their contribution to providing education to indigenous groups through their Darkinjung, Ngarralingayil and Dhupuma Schools.
The media has just reported that the state government will “𝘀𝗲𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴” in 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲, 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱, 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗻.
What does this mean? I don’t know yet as no official documents have been released. But I assume it means more building heights and when we find out the details, we will let you know.
The media has just reported that the state government will “𝘀𝗲𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴” in 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲, 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱, 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗻.
What does this mean? I don’t know yet as no official documents have been released. But I assume it means more building heights and when we find out the details, we will let you know.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/revealed-the-25-sydney-suburbs-where-the-government-will-seize-control-of-housing-20231205-p5ep72.html
Popped into the Wahroonga Village Fair, organised by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Wahroonga . The event was opened by Bagpipe and Drums from Knox Grammar School and a welcome to country from Peter Kirkwood OAM. I visited the balloon stall organised by girls from Abbotsleigh as well as Melissa from the Tiamo Baby stall.
Thanks to all the volunteers from Rotary for organising this. Funds raised go towards Rotary Club projects. There’s a lot more going on and I’d encourage residents to check it out today. (I had to dash off to the next event.)
Popped into the @[100083460155832:2048:Wahroonga Village Fair], organised by volunteers from the @[100064675150272:2048:Rotary Club of Wahroonga] . The event was opened by Bagpipe and Drums from @[100063701513330:2048:Knox Grammar School] and a welcome to country from Peter Kirkwood OAM. I visited the balloon stall organised by girls from Abbotsleigh as well as Melissa from the @[100063298356139:2048:Tiamo Baby] stall.
Thanks to all the volunteers from Rotary for organising this. Funds raised go towards Rotary Club projects. There’s a lot more going on and I’d encourage residents to check it out today. (I had to dash off to the next event.)
I was excited to attend the Kuringai Youth Orchestra Christmas concert, held at my old school St Ives Preparatory School. We heard Christmas classics such as The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky and Anderson’s Christmas Festival. It was encouraging to see our young people make use of the facilities nearly thirty years after my time in the same hall playing in the school orchestra.
I was also invited to do the raffle draw with all funds going towards KYDS Youth Development Service.
I was excited to attend the @[100053519367057:2048:Kuringai Youth Orchestra] Christmas concert, held at my old school @[100057498966588:2048:St Ives Preparatory School]. We heard Christmas classics such as The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky and Anderson’s Christmas Festival. It was encouraging to see our young people make use of the facilities nearly thirty years after my time in the same hall playing in the school orchestra.
I was also invited to do the raffle draw with all funds going towards @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service].
The State Government has been drip-feeding information on their top-down (bypassing council) housing density changes, with a public feedback process to commence early December.
What I discovered yesterday is that their definition of a ‘well-located area’ (for greater housing density) includes E1 local centres with frequently needed goods and services such as full line supermarkets, shops, and restaurants. So that will probably include places such as North Turramurra, St Ives North, West Pymble, East Lindfield and Eastern Road.
3-6 storey apartments will be allowed as shop top housing as well as in existing R3 Medium Density Zones.
Terraces, townhouses and manor houses will be allowed in existing R2 Low Density Zones that are within 800m walk of the local centre (shops).
Everywhere beyond 800m will allow for two homes on one lot.
High level information is available on the Department of Planning website.
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/diverse-and-well-located-homes
And their original 28 Nov announcement is here.
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/news/new-planning-rules-fast-track-low-and-mid-rise-housing
At this stage, I see council’s role as to make residents aware of the proposal (once the full details have been released in the coming fortnight), to help residents understand the implications of the proposal, and to encourage residents to participate in the State Government’s public feedback process.
Separately, councils across NSW will also be lobbying for appropriate infrastructure funding to support the increasing population. Because behind the scenes there are serious road, stormwater, transport, and other bottlenecks associated with this change. [Admittedly, the densification will occur over a few decades so there will hopefully be time to ramp up.]
More information to come once the State Gov gives us the details.
Come visit the KYDS Youth Development Service fundraiser at Pymble Bunnings. The Barbeque and Christmas stall is open til 4pm.
If you can’t make it but want to support the cause, visit
https://kyds.kindful.com/
Come visit the @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service] fundraiser at Pymble Bunnings. The Barbeque and Christmas stall is open til 4pm.
If you can’t make it but want to support the cause, visit
https://kyds.kindful.com/
🎄Christmas tree is up!
For a list of Christmas events this month, visit
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Events-and-festivals/Christmas-in-Ku-ring-gai
🎄Christmas tree is up!
For a list of Christmas events this month, visit
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Events-and-festivals/Christmas-in-Ku-ring-gai
Earlier this month I attended a range of events connected to Diwali, which is a South Asian festivity that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil.
To be honest, I had limited knowledge about this tradition until quite recently and as far as I know many of the Ku-ring-gai celebrations connected to this event were first started in 2022.
I’m glad to have taken part and look forward to seeing each of these events (organised in chronological order by Ku-ring-gai Council, AASHA and SHARE SMR) scaling up in the future.
Earlier this month I attended a range of events connected to Diwali, which is a South Asian festivity that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil.
To be honest, I had limited knowledge about this tradition until quite recently and as far as I know many of the Ku-ring-gai celebrations connected to this event were first started in 2022.
I’m glad to have taken part and look forward to seeing each of these events (organised in chronological order by Ku-ring-gai Council, AASHA and SHARE SMR) scaling up in the future.
I attended a Planning Institute of Australia event earlier this month and was pleasantly surprised when Ku-ring-gai Council was awarded the ‘𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲’ Award for the Lindfield Village Green. Congrats to the entire Ku-ring-gai Council team involved.
Quoting the Planning Institute’s reasons for giving us the award, they said that…
It’s the time of the year where we attend (and handout at) annual awards presentations. Yesterday I was at Brigidine College St Ives and it struck me how (compared to my own school in the 90’s) there was a very strong culture of nurturing each individual student as well as the promotion of social justice initiatives. It’s a great option for our local students here at Ku-ring-gai.
It’s the time of the year where we attend (and handout at) annual awards presentations. Yesterday I was at @[100064030569835:2048:Brigidine College St Ives] and it struck me how (compared to my own school in the 90’s) there was a very strong culture of nurturing each individual student as well as the promotion of social justice initiatives. It’s a great option for our local students here at Ku-ring-gai.
I was glad to join the team at Better Business Partnership, an initiative shared by Ku-ring-gai, North Sydney and Willoughby Council along with local businesses that is tasked with exploring sustainable options for our businesses and residents.
At this month’s event I spoke about our journey to sustainability from the perspective of a Roseville resident since the 1980’s. We have improved quite significantly from a council that throws everything into one bin and now to a council that has multiple recycling options, but there’s still a long way to go.
This morning the State Government proposed that in order to boost housing supply, it will:
1️⃣ allow dual occupancies (two homes) on all R2 low density across NSW
2️⃣ allow terraces and townhouses on R2 low density ‘near transport hubs and town centres’
3️⃣ allow 4-6 storey apartments on R3 medium density ‘near transport hubs and town centres’ (meaning within 800m of hubs / centres)
With 2️⃣ and 3️⃣ it’s important to note that there has been a softening of language because last month’s message was that they will allow it across 𝘢𝘭𝘭 of NSW rather than limit it to places close to transport.
Having said that, both 1️⃣ and 2️⃣ will significantly increase the number of households here in Ku-ring-gai while decreasing the open space (and tree canopy) that we have in our yards. We currently have capacity for approximately 45,000 households but the change if implemented will result in a capacity that well exceeds 80,000. (And by way of comparison, the controversial housing strategy plans from three years ago targeted 54,000 by 2036.)
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘄𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀, 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀. But whether we’re talking about existing bottlenecks on Archbold Road, Boundary Street, and Pacific Highway or last week’s removal of $9.8m funding for commuter parking, the signs that I’m getting is that 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳.
I’m meeting with the Planning Minister next month so that we can finetune our understanding of proposed changes and explore how the housing needs of Greater Sydney can be met with appropriate infrastructure.
For more information see
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/news/new-planning-rules-fast-track-low-and-mid-rise-housing
Update: Public consultation on the matter to occur over Christmas.
I’m excited about our new library app as it allows you to:
🖥️Access our digital e-book, audio, and magazine catalogue. This includes accessing paywalled material such as The Australian Financial Review
🔍Check what books we have available by scanning the barcode
📘Reserve a book for pickup, and renew your existing bookings
💳Act as your digital library card, meaning one less card for you to carry
📆 Check out upcoming events and book meeting rooms
You can search for it in your App Store. In the coming year, we will explore the possibility of other apps to make your interactions with council smoother (e.g. information on waste collection, report a problem, discover upcoming events and recreational facilities, have your say, etc.)
I’m excited about our new library app as it allows you to:
🖥️Access our digital e-book, audio, and magazine catalogue. This includes accessing paywalled material such as The Australian Financial Review
🔍Check what books we have available by scanning the barcode
📘Reserve a book for pickup, and renew your existing bookings
💳Act as your digital library card, meaning one less card for you to carry
📆 Check out upcoming events and book meeting rooms
You can search for it in your App Store. In the coming year, we will explore the possibility of other apps to make your interactions with council smoother (e.g. information on waste collection, report a problem, discover upcoming events and recreational facilities, have your say, etc.)
☔️It’s a bit wet right now but we have Australia’s largest obstacle course this weekend at St Ives Showgrounds.
☀️Sunny tomorrow!
https://www.tuffnutterz.com/tuffnutterznsw-act
☔️It’s a bit wet right now but we have Australia’s largest obstacle course this weekend at St Ives Showgrounds.
☀️Sunny tomorrow!
https://www.tuffnutterz.com/tuffnutterznsw-act
𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
😢It was a sad night. Last night was meant to be the time when we voted to proceed with the Lindfield Village Hub. We were ready to announce the development partner and proceed with lodging a Development Application next year. Instead, 8 hours prior to the council meeting the State Government told Council that it will withdraw its funding and support for the Lindfield Village Hub 135 space commuter carpark (even though the $9.8m was already in our bank). This surprising turn of events changes the financial certainty of the project and as a result, the councillors voted to defer the decision while discussions take place on next steps.
Earlier this month the State Government also requested that all councils urgently look at increasing the housing capacity supported by their Local Environment Plan and Planning Controls. The frustrating thing with this is that I am a firm believer that increased density needs to be supported by appropriate infrastructure. We already have infrastructure bottlenecks in each suburb; now the State Government is killing infrastructure projects while still requiring additional housing (and it is not helped that rates increases are limited at below the rate of inflation). The local government sector has not been setup for success, and more information is available on Council’s website.
🛝Last night we also voted to select appropriate firms to upgrade stage 1 of Hassall Park in St Ives and Eldinhope Green in Wahroonga. We also voted to make a space next to Council chambers (9 Dumaresq Street) in Gordon available for passive recreation after the building that was on the site was demolished earlier in the year.
🎭We voted to establish an Arts and Culture Committee as well as a Status of Women’s Advisory Committee.
🌲We voted to increase the headcount of staff dedicated to tree issues and also to re-establish a former practice of displaying a 🕎 Chanukah-related Menorah in Gordon, next to our 🎄Christmas tree.
✉️ Councillors also voted for the Mayor to write a letter of thanks to the former General Manager and publish the letter on Council’s website.
𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
😢It was a sad night. Last night was meant to be the time when we voted to proceed with the Lindfield Village Hub. We were ready to announce the development partner and proceed with lodging a Development Application next year. Instead, 8 hours prior to the council meeting the State Government told Council that it will withdraw its funding and support for the Lindfield Village Hub 135 space commuter carpark (even though the $9.8m was already in our bank). This surprising turn of events changes the financial certainty of the project and as a result, the councillors voted to defer the decision while discussions take place on next steps.
Earlier this month the State Government also requested that all councils urgently look at increasing the housing capacity supported by their Local Environment Plan and Planning Controls. The frustrating thing with this is that I am a firm believer that increased density needs to be supported by appropriate infrastructure. We already have infrastructure bottlenecks in each suburb; now the State Government is killing infrastructure projects while still requiring additional housing (and it is not helped that rates increases are limited at below the rate of inflation). The local government sector has not been setup for success, and more information is available on Council’s website.
🛝Last night we also voted to select appropriate firms to upgrade stage 1 of Hassall Park in St Ives and Eldinhope Green in Wahroonga. We also voted to make a space next to Council chambers (9 Dumaresq Street) in Gordon available for passive recreation after the building that was on the site was demolished earlier in the year.
🎭We voted to establish an Arts and Culture Committee as well as a Status of Women’s Advisory Committee.
🌲We voted to increase the headcount of staff dedicated to tree issues and also to re-establish a former practice of displaying a 🕎 Chanukah-related Menorah in Gordon, next to our 🎄Christmas tree.
✉️ Councillors also voted for the Mayor to write a letter of thanks to the former General Manager and publish the letter on Council’s website.
It’s National Recycling Week and I’ve seen some pretty weird social media posts from politicians. I think it’s better to provide balance so here it is.
According to Office of Local Government data, the NSW Local Government Sector collected 4.0 Megatonnes of waste in the twelve months to 30 June 2022. Of this waste, 20% was dry recycling (paper, hard plastics, glass, tin), 21% was organics, and the remaining 58% went to landfill. Our “Diversion from Landfill” percentage was 41.8% while the NSW target is 80% by 2030.
So is the 80% achievable? At this stage my guess is no, but it is theoretically possible if everything perfectly fell into place.
The NSW Government has mandated that all councils implement FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) collections by 2030, and in the unlikely event that the NSW organics industry is able to solve supply chain issues then we can see another 26% uplift to 68% diverted from landfill.
There is still a lot of paper, hard plastics, glass and metals that goes to landfill and if we are disciplined enough to recycle all of those then we can get up 91%. In reality though, some of that material may be contaminated so the realistic theoretical figure is somewhere in the 80’s.
On the Soft Plastics front we do have the supermarkets working together (with ACCC authorisation) to come up with a new solution by 2024 while the Australian Food and Grocery Council is undertaking trials in Victoria. At Ku-ring-gai we are trialling a service (RecycleSmart/APR) that has links to a local recycled with limited capacity, and other Councils up the coast are undertaking trials with Curby it. The entire industry is having a go and eventually we will reach commercial scale. However soft plastics is only a few % at most and I find that well meaning residents focus their efforts on this few percent rather than the 20%+ opportunities that exist for organics and other dry recyclables. Council only has limited funds so the effort needs to go to education and the initiatives with highest return rather than those that make residents feel happiest.
Earlier today, we also had representatives from Northern Sydney as well as Veolia meet with the State Government to discuss the future of the Woodlawn Bioreactor, which is where we currently dispose of our landfill. At the bioreactor, our landfill (including food organics) is stored and methane emissions captured to generate electricity. It was over a $100m investment and quite beneficial from an emissions perspective, but the FOGO by 2030 mandate means that the industry’s investment has an uncertain future as well as substantially higher future costs for ratepayers. Discussions are underway and I hope that there will be a sensible outcome.
Many of us know the phrase Reduce, Reuse and Recycle but when I look at the 2019 Federal and 2021 State Waste Action Plans, there is a lot of Reduction and Recycling but not so much on Reuse. I believe there are further opportunities for local government to promote the reuse of materials before they enter landfill, and I’ll be exploring some of these in the coming year.
It’s National Recycling Week and I’ve seen some pretty weird social media posts from politicians. I think it’s better to provide balance so here it is.
According to Office of Local Government data, the NSW Local Government Sector collected 4.0 Megatonnes of waste in the twelve months to 30 June 2022. Of this waste, 20% was dry recycling (paper, hard plastics, glass, tin), 21% was organics, and the remaining 58% went to landfill. Our “Diversion from Landfill” percentage was 41.8% while the NSW target is 80% by 2030.
So is the 80% achievable? At this stage my guess is no, but it is theoretically possible if everything perfectly fell into place.
The NSW Government has mandated that all councils implement FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) collections by 2030, and in the unlikely event that the NSW organics industry is able to solve supply chain issues then we can see another 26% uplift to 68% diverted from landfill.
There is still a lot of paper, hard plastics, glass and metals that goes to landfill and if we are disciplined enough to recycle all of those then we can get up 91%. In reality though, some of that material may be contaminated so the realistic theoretical figure is somewhere in the 80’s.
On the Soft Plastics front we do have the supermarkets working together (with ACCC authorisation) to come up with a new solution by 2024 while the Australian Food and Grocery Council is undertaking trials in Victoria. At Ku-ring-gai we are trialling a service (RecycleSmart/APR) that has links to a local recycled with limited capacity, and other Councils up the coast are undertaking trials with Curby it. The entire industry is having a go and eventually we will reach commercial scale. However soft plastics is only a few % at most and I find that well meaning residents focus their efforts on this few percent rather than the 20%+ opportunities that exist for organics and other dry recyclables. Council only has limited funds so the effort needs to go to education and the initiatives with highest return rather than those that make residents feel happiest.
Earlier today, we also had representatives from Northern Sydney as well as Veolia meet with the State Government to discuss the future of the Woodlawn Bioreactor, which is where we currently dispose of our landfill. At the bioreactor, our landfill (including food organics) is stored and methane emissions captured to generate electricity. It was over a $100m investment and quite beneficial from an emissions perspective, but the FOGO by 2030 mandate means that the industry’s investment has an uncertain future as well as substantially higher future costs for ratepayers. Discussions are underway and I hope that there will be a sensible outcome.
Many of us know the phrase Reduce, Reuse and Recycle but when I look at the 2019 Federal and 2021 State Waste Action Plans, there is a lot of Reduction and Recycling but not so much on Reuse. I believe there are further opportunities for local government to promote the reuse of materials before they enter landfill, and I’ll be exploring some of these in the coming year.
Congratulations to our Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay for getting elected to the Board of Local Government NSW for a period of two years.
Christine has shown an eagerness to engage with Mayors, Councillors, and General Managers across the state to understand the challenges that the sector faces and bring lessons back to Ku-ring-gai. She has already performed a similar role at ALGWA NSW to promote diverse participation in Local Government and I am sure she will do a great job of advocating for our interests at our state industry body.
Congratulations to our @[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay] for getting elected to the Board of @[100064656852887:2048:Local Government NSW] for a period of two years.
Christine has shown an eagerness to engage with Mayors, Councillors, and General Managers across the state to understand the challenges that the sector faces and bring lessons back to Ku-ring-gai. She has already performed a similar role at @[100063696336134:2048:ALGWA NSW] to promote diverse participation in Local Government and I am sure she will do a great job of advocating for our interests at our state industry body.
As a former Killara resident, I was excited to be invited by Matt Cross – Member for Davidson to the official opening of the Killara Station lifts last week, along with our two Gordon Ward councillors Barbara Ward and Cr Simon Lennon.
With a brief 7 minute walk, Killara Station used to be our family’s go to for trips to the city or airport but if we needed to move prams or luggage then we would aim for Lindfield. Lifts at Roseville and Killara were a popular requests from residents young and old, and I made representations to our then-State MP Jonathan O’Dea. It was encouraging to see the initiative commence during the same term of government, and it was great to see our residents using these new facilities last week.
The ribbon was cut by Joy, a Killara resident and student of the local school.
As a former Killara resident, I was excited to be invited by @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross – Member for Davidson] to the official opening of the Killara Station lifts last week, along with our two Gordon Ward councillors Barbara Ward and Cr Simon Lennon.
With a brief 7 minute walk, Killara Station used to be our family’s go to for trips to the city or airport but if we needed to move prams or luggage then we would aim for Lindfield. Lifts at Roseville and Killara were a popular requests from residents young and old, and I made representations to our then-State MP Jonathan O’Dea. It was encouraging to see the initiative commence during the same term of government, and it was great to see our residents using these new facilities last week.
The ribbon was cut by Joy, a Killara resident and student of the local school.
I’m at the annual Local Government NSW conference where councils get together to share knowledge and also agree on matters to collectively work on, including the lobbying of the state and federal government on key issues.
Ku-ring-gai in particular has motions in relation to Private Certifier activity, trees, and the costs associated with assessing development. Other key themes include housing, waste, finances, community, the energy transition, and water management.
I’m at the annual Local Government NSW conference where councils get together to share knowledge and also agree on matters to collectively work on, including the lobbying of the state and federal government on key issues.
Ku-ring-gai in particular has motions in relation to Private Certifier activity, trees, and the costs associated with assessing development. Other key themes include housing, waste, finances, community, the energy transition, and water management.
🌺 Lest We Forget
Today our kids had their first experience of laying poppies. My wife and I explained the significance of these poppies, including the sacrifice that their great grandfathers and other Ku-ring-gai residents made to protect our peace.
🌺 Lest We Forget
Today our kids had their first experience of laying poppies. My wife and I explained the significance of these poppies, including the sacrifice that their great grandfathers and other Ku-ring-gai residents made to protect our peace.
Tomorrow we remember the actions of the many who served both at home and abroad to protect the freedoms that we enjoy here in Australia. I know that many of our children do not have a concept of war as we have been fortunate to enjoy a period of peace. However, I do want my children to know the sacrifices made by their two great grandparents, one of whom is featured here. Ken served in World War II as an anti-submariner and towards the end of the war he took command of the corvette HMAS Lismore before settling down in East Lindfield. I’ll be sharing more about Ken and others like him at our Remembrance Day ceremony tomorrow at Roseville Memorial Park, 10:40am. See you there, and Lest We Forget.
Tomorrow we remember the actions of the many who served both at home and abroad to protect the freedoms that we enjoy here in Australia.
I know that many of our children do not have a concept of war as we have been fortunate to enjoy a period of peace. However, I do want my children to know the sacrifices made by their two great grandparents, one of whom is featured here. Ken served in World War II as an anti-submariner and towards the end of the war he took command of the corvette HMAS Lismore before settling down in East Lindfield.
I’ll be sharing more about Ken and others like him at our Remembrance Day ceremony tomorrow at Roseville Memorial Park, 10:40am. See you there, and Lest We Forget.
Our council has 22 of these life-saving units scattered across the LGA but due to high incidence of theft and vandalism in other parts of Sydney, council usually installs them behind locked doors. Following multiple requests, council is trialing the relocation of one unit outdoors for a 12 month period. Whether this will lead to the relocation of units may depend on whether there is any sabotage of this particular unit. Unfortunately it is the bad behaviour of the few that sometimes disadvantages the many.
Good to see so many people attend the Wahroonga Food + Wine Festival on Sunday, which is an event that council sponsors each year.
I was joined by Councillor Martin Smith, Councillor Kim Wheatley and Councillor Cedric Spencer (pictured in the top left image from left to right) at the Ku-ring-gai Council stall to meet the residents and answer their queries. Nearby at the rotunda we had local bands playing all day.
It was also good to meet the volunteers Antonia, Vanessa and Darius (pictured in the bottom left image from left to right) from St John’s Ambulance. At the midpoint of the day, they said that things had fortunately been non-eventful despite the heat.
Good to see so many people attend the @[100064070464060:2048:Wahroonga Food + Wine Festival] on Sunday, which is an event that council sponsors each year.
I was joined by @[100063481211240:2048:Councillor Martin Smith], @[100081079106909:2048:Councillor Kim Wheatley] and Councillor Cedric Spencer (pictured in the top left image from left to right) at the @[100064283515691:2048:Ku-ring-gai Council] stall to meet the residents and answer their queries. Nearby at the rotunda we had local bands playing all day.
It was also good to meet the volunteers Antonia, Vanessa and Darius (pictured in the bottom left image from left to right) from St John’s Ambulance. At the midpoint of the day, they said that things had fortunately been non-eventful despite the heat.
It was a a privilege to have Captain Ben de Leon from the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Support Rural Fire Brigade speak with our new citizens earlier this week. Ben migrated to Australia over fifty years ago. In his heartfelt speech he encouraged everyone to embrace our home and give back to the community.
This week I attended the launch of Greener for Business, a free and simple initiative aimed at helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.
The event was a joint initiative between the Better Business Partnership (Ku-ring-gai Council, North Sydney Council and Willoughby City Council ) and the startup Greener (and its partners Origin Energy , National Australia Bank and the appliances retailer Winning Group).
It was encouraging to hear from a diverse range of likeminded people, each sharing ideas on how we can help businesses and the wider community meet our climate-related international obligations. Also speaking at the event was Kylea Tink for North Sydney .
For more information type “Green for Business” in any search engine.
This week I attended the launch of Greener for Business, a free and simple initiative aimed at helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.
The event was a joint initiative between the @[100064623765131:2048:Better Business Partnership] (@[100064283515691:2048:Ku-ring-gai Council], @[100063183940874:2048:North Sydney Council] and @[100064423134687:2048:Willoughby City Council] ) and the startup @[100063699906171:2048:Greener] (and its partners @[100064413562964:2048:Origin Energy] , National Australia Bank and the appliances retailer Winning Group).
It was encouraging to hear from a diverse range of likeminded people, each sharing ideas on how we can help businesses and the wider community meet our climate-related international obligations. Also speaking at the event was @[100076450924421:2048:Kylea Tink for North Sydney] .
For more information type “Green for Business” in any search engine.
Earlier this week I visited the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra along with Cr Simon Lennon at the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall. It was good to hear about their plans for the coming year while also forming an understanding of the benefits and space requirements of a community-run professional level orchestra. Their next performance will be at St Ives on Sunday 19th November. For more information, check out their website or social media.
Earlier this week I visited the @[100063681105802:2048:Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra] along with Cr Simon Lennon at the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall. It was good to hear about their plans for the coming year while also forming an understanding of the benefits and space requirements of a community-run professional level orchestra. Their next performance will be at St Ives on Sunday 19th November. For more information, check out their website or social media.
Final day in the office (as I switch to becoming full time mayor). I’m going to miss everyone, though I know they have an exciting future ahead with leading the transition to renewables.
They were kind enough to give me an Octopus (named Constantine), and he will now live in Ku-ring-gai.
Final day in the office (as I switch to becoming full time mayor). I’m going to miss everyone, though I know they have an exciting future ahead with leading the transition to renewables.
They were kind enough to give me an Octopus (named Constantine), and he will now live in Ku-ring-gai.
Yesterday I was glad to attend the 12th Annual Youth Mental Health Forum. Organised by Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Ryde and Hunters Hill Council, the mental health forum is an opportunity for school students and teachers from our four LGAs to brainstorm ideas on how to support our youth through a turbulent time in life, reduce the stigma, provide accessible preventative support.
I was joined by Sarkis Yedelian – Mayor (pictured here), Matt Kean MP and Nathan Tilbury – Councillor at Hornsby Shire Council. We also had a range of providers including headspace , KYDS Youth Development Service , Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney , batyr , Taldumande Youth Services, Mission Australia , NDIS Uniting, Safe Haven NSW and Gamble Aware.
More photos to come.
Yesterday I was glad to attend the 12th Annual Youth Mental Health Forum. Organised by Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Ryde and Hunters Hill Council, the mental health forum is an opportunity for school students and teachers from our four LGAs to brainstorm ideas on how to support our youth through a turbulent time in life, reduce the stigma, provide accessible preventative support.
I was joined by Sarkis Yedelian – Mayor (pictured here), @[100058083487619:2048:Matt Kean MP] and @[100063626564368:2048:Nathan Tilbury – Councillor at Hornsby Shire Council]. We also had a range of providers including @[100064255852325:2048:headspace] , @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service] , @[100064520299383:2048:Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney] , @[100064617432674:2048:batyr] , @[100064600996002:2048:Taldumande Youth Services], @[100069311280553:2048:Mission Australia] , NDIS Uniting, Safe Haven NSW and Gamble Aware.
More photos to come.
It’s hard to find soft foods in public (as part of wisdom tooth recovery). On this occasion, I’m having a bowl of congee at The Cockatoo Bar & Restaurant in Gordon.
It’s hard to find soft foods in public (as part of wisdom tooth recovery). On this occasion, I’m having a bowl of congee at @[102738275086477:274:The Cockatoo Bar & Restaurant] in Gordon.
🇦🇺 Today Ku-ring-gai will have 160 new Australian Citizens. I had the privilege yesterday of signing their certificates. I look forward to meeting them all on this day of joy, and am keen to see what contribution each of them will make to our diverse society.
🇦🇺 Today Ku-ring-gai will have 160 new Australian Citizens. I had the privilege yesterday of signing their certificates. I look forward to meeting them all on this day of joy, and am keen to see what contribution each of them will make to our diverse society.
Our Ku-ring-gai Library is starting a fantastic initiative where you can borrow board games to take home and play with family and friends. It’s a great way to try out some games before deciding to buy a copy for yourself.
To launch the initiative there is a board games afternoon next Sunday 29 October. More information in the link below.
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Board-games-arvo-at-Gordon-Library
What’s your favourite board game? I’ve always liked Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride.
Our @[100064678122520:2048:Ku-ring-gai Library] is starting a fantastic initiative where you can borrow board games to take home and play with family and friends. It’s a great way to try out some games before deciding to buy a copy for yourself.
To launch the initiative there is a board games afternoon next Sunday 29 October. More information in the link below.
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Board-games-arvo-at-Gordon-Library
What’s your favourite board game? I’ve always liked Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride.
I took a nap at a hospital and woke up with two wisdom teeth removed. So far so good although I’ll be Mr Puffy face for the next few days, with the next speaking engagement on Tuesday. Ice cream, mashed potatoes and other soft foods are my friend.
I’m really thankful for the care shown by hospital staff; we are very blessed here in some parts of Australia. In the bigger picture, there is still work to be done in bringing comparable services to other parts of our nation, especially with remote and indigenous communities.
I also take confidence that Ku-ring-gai is in good hands. If I am ever out of action, we have a very capable Deputy Mayor who is here to serve our people, and the others councillors are capable of stepping up as well. They’re all great.
Anyway I’ll see you all out and about in the community as soon as I’m fully recovered. See you soon.
I took a nap at a hospital and woke up with two wisdom teeth removed. So far so good although I’ll be Mr Puffy face for the next few days, with the next speaking engagement on Tuesday. Ice cream, mashed potatoes and other soft foods are my friend.
I’m really thankful for the care shown by hospital staff; we are very blessed here in some parts of Australia. In the bigger picture, there is still work to be done in bringing comparable services to other parts of our nation, especially with remote and indigenous communities.
I also take confidence that Ku-ring-gai is in good hands. If I am ever out of action, we have a very capable Deputy Mayor who is here to serve our people, and the others councillors are capable of stepping up as well. They’re all great.
Anyway I’ll see you all out and about in the community as soon as I’m fully recovered. See you soon.
Congratulations to The Uniform Exchange for winning one of the Hornsby / Ku-ring-gai Local Business Awards. As a local business, they help parents buy and sell second hand uniforms and other school supplies as part of our re-use economy.
I was encouraged to attend and see 14 of our local businesses win awards last week. The other winners included.
Most Inclusive Employer Gusto’s Home Hub
Early Childhood Centre Guardian Childcare and Education
Florist Kelvin Hall Floral Design
Music Tuition Business Studios FiftyOne
Fitness Services Run with the Slow Coach
Hairdresser Studio Frankee & co
Hotel/Bottle Shop/Bar Porters Liquor – St Ives Shopping Centre
On this rare weekend with no official duties, we went to check out the Riverside Green Playground in Brisbane.
The mouse wheel in particular was pretty cool. We’d love to see one of those in Ku-ring-gai.
On this rare weekend with no official duties, we went to check out the Riverside Green Playground in Brisbane.
The mouse wheel in particular was pretty cool. We’d love to see one of those in Ku-ring-gai.
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹
Every three years we seek community members for our Local Planning Panels, which determine Development Applications worth between $5m and $30m, and other significant heritage or high-compliant applications.
Our talent pool for these positions have typically been shallow, so if you know any town planners, architects, environmental lawyers and the like who live in Ku-ring-gai and want to get involved, please ask them to apply at
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Council/Your-say/Ku-ring-gai-Local-Planning-Panel-KLPP-Community-representatives
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹
Every three years we seek community members for our Local Planning Panels, which determine Development Applications worth between $5m and $30m, and other significant heritage or high-compliant applications.
Our talent pool for these positions have typically been shallow, so if you know any town planners, architects, environmental lawyers and the like who live in Ku-ring-gai and want to get involved, please ask them to apply at
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Council/Your-say/Ku-ring-gai-Local-Planning-Panel-KLPP-Community-representatives
Fence. It was setup by council a year ago to block public access to a site which contained asbestos. Since then, council has arranged for some asbestos to be removed and there is a proposal at this Tuesday’s council meeting to make some of the open space available for recreation again.
𝗚𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. It was setup by council a year ago to block public access to a site which contained asbestos. Since then, council has arranged for some asbestos to be removed and there is a proposal at this Tuesday’s council meeting to make some of the open space available for recreation again.
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
Our council is generally quite good with potholes. If you report a pothole, it will be patched up within two weeks (usually a few days).
Last month I started seeing these strange road markings pop up all over the place. At first I just assumed it was some new council protocol but a month later they haven’t been fixed.
Our theory right now is that there is a ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑛 going around graffitiing our roads in the hope that council will fix it. But the irony is that by marking the roads, they are making the general public think that the problem has already been reported to council when in fact council has no knowledge at all. So these potholes remain unfixed.
Everyone, if you see a pothole please report it via the council website or the following link.
https://t.ly/WssGM
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
Our council is generally quite good with potholes. If you report a pothole, it will be patched up within two weeks (usually a few days).
Last month I started seeing these strange road markings pop up all over the place. At first I just assumed it was some new council protocol but a month later they haven’t been fixed.
Our theory right now is that there is a ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑛 going around graffitiing our roads in the hope that council will fix it. But the irony is that by marking the roads, they are making the general public think that the problem has already been reported to council when in fact council has no knowledge at all. So these potholes remain unfixed.
Everyone, if you see a pothole please report it via the council website or the following link.
https://t.ly/WssGM
Come check out some of the Spring Exhibition artwork by our local artists from the Ku ring gai Art Society, now on at St Ives Shopping Village.
Come check out some of the Spring Exhibition artwork by our local artists from the @[100063597101931:2048:Ku ring gai Art Society], now on at @[100063684966751:2048:St Ives Shopping Village].
A few weeks ago I tripped over my daughter’s scooter and fractured my toe. The restricted movement hasn’t been fun but it has helped me develop greater empathy for design and accessibility issues in the public domain, as well as greater appreciation for online interactions. I’m hoping to be back to normal in a few more weeks / months.
A few weeks ago I tripped over my daughter’s scooter and fractured my toe. The restricted movement hasn’t been fun but it has helped me develop greater empathy for design and accessibility issues in the public domain, as well as greater appreciation for online interactions. I’m hoping to be back to normal in a few more weeks / months.
I was looking for a bite to eat when I came across the new 24 hour meat vending machine at CHOP Butchery St Ives, opposite Woolworths.
Interesting concept for anyone wanting some late night ingredients.
I was looking for a bite to eat when I came across the new 24 hour meat vending machine at @[100061811122250:2048:CHOP Butchery] St Ives, opposite Woolworths.
Interesting concept for anyone wanting some late night ingredients.
𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆
Earlier today, we joined the Korean Community in celebrating Hangul Day. Hangul is the ‘Alphabet’ of the Korean Language invented almost 600 years ago by King Sejong the Great. We had singing, dancing, drums, and talks celebrating the Korean culture and the opportunities we have together here for a multicultural life here in Australia.
As a person of Chinese decent, I genuinely appreciate Hangul because the alphabet is so easy to pickup (whereas Chinese is difficult to learn with over 50,000 words). It is this simple means of communication, along with its community-driven self-sufficiency and education program (called the 𝘚𝘢𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘶𝘭 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘨) which helped the Koreans develop from a struggling agricultural country back in the 1960’s to the extremely advanced industrialised nation that it is today.
In Ku-ring-gai, 2.5% of our population is made up of residents of Korean decent. We welcome people of all nationalities to contribute to our multicultural society today, and look forward to further opportunities where we can share and learn from each other.
We thank the Korean Deputy Consul General Ms Deuk Shin along with the support of Ms Kim who came to support the event. We also give thanks to Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay , Councillor Barbara Ward, and Cr Simon Lennon for their support.
Earlier today we met many volunteers who have given up their personal time to serve the community in various ways; whether it be responding to extreme weather events or helping individuals through financial, physical or mental health, social connection or other environmental issues. We appreciate the work of volunteers here in the North Shore, and without which our people in society would not be equipped to ride through the times ahead.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿?
If you notice anything like this, let our council know and we’ll get to work on it. In this particular case the stormwater blockage at Sydney Road was cleared within a day.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿?
If you notice anything like this, let our council know and we’ll get to work on it. In this particular case the stormwater blockage at Sydney Road was cleared within a day.
We stopped by at St John the Evangelist Gordon for their annual Spring Fair. We enjoyed the kids activities and games, talking to members of the community, and also won a few books as part of spin the wheel.
It was also good to bump into Cr Simon Lennon, a regular member of the church.
The people at St John’s are a friendly lot so if you live nearby it’s worth dropping in. There’s more information about their activities on the website.
https://stjohnsgordon.org.au/
We stopped by at @[100064354975578:2048:St John the Evangelist Gordon] for their annual Spring Fair. We enjoyed the kids activities and games, talking to members of the community, and also won a few books as part of spin the wheel.
It was also good to bump into Cr Simon Lennon, a regular member of the church.
The people at St John’s are a friendly lot so if you live nearby it’s worth dropping in. There’s more information about their activities on the website.
https://stjohnsgordon.org.au/
If you are not in the area on Saturday 14 October or you have another valid reason for voting early, some of our local options include: 🗳️ 2nd Gordon Scout Hall (pictured here); 🗳️ Shop 5, 165-177 Mona Vale Road St Ives; 🗳️ Northside Church North Turramurra; 🗳️ 52 Gibbes Street Chatswood; and 🗳️ Morling College Macquarie Park
For more information visit
https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/voting.htm?division=Bradfield&state=NSW&suburb=Gordon&selection=early&votenow=no&interstate=no&where=Gordon+NSW+2072&postcode=2072#pollList
𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
If you are not in the area on Saturday 14 October or you have another valid reason for voting early, some of our local options include:
🗳️ 2nd Gordon Scout Hall (pictured here);
🗳️ Shop 5, 165-177 Mona Vale Road St Ives;
🗳️ Northside Church North Turramurra;
🗳️ 52 Gibbes Street Chatswood; and
🗳️ Morling College Macquarie Park
For more information visit
https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/voting.htm?division=Bradfield&state=NSW&suburb=Gordon&selection=early&votenow=no&interstate=no&where=Gordon+NSW+2072&postcode=2072#pollList
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗩 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴💚
Our family has had an EV for two years now so I’m always on the lookout for charging spots.
But to date, Ku-ring-gai is the only place where I’ve seen an EV charger dedicated to the disabled. I was really encouraged to see this when the Lindfield Village Green opened up last year.
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗩 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴💚
Our family has had an EV for two years now so I’m always on the lookout for charging spots.
But to date, Ku-ring-gai is the only place where I’ve seen an EV charger dedicated to the disabled. I was really encouraged to see this when the Lindfield Village Green opened up last year.
𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲
Special thanks to our 50+ volunteers, community groups and staff for making our first Sustainable Futures Day a big success. 💪🥳🎉
When I think about Sustainability, there are the big headlines that the media likes to focus attention on such as rising temperatures and sea levels and our 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 via Solar and Batteries, Electric Vehicles, and Net Zero targets. These were definitely featured at our event.
But another important aspect to sustainability is our 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀. Did you know that humans are currently using the Earth’s natural resources (biocapacity) at 1.7 times faster than our planet can regenerate? Focussing on our own lifestyle as Australians, if everyone on the planet lived like an Australian then we would require 3.8 Earths to meet their needs 🌏🌎🌍🌏. Drawing closer to home, 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴, making it all the more important for us to reduce the waste that we generate.
Unfortunately, I find that 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 gets far less media coverage than Climate Change despite its critical role in leading us to a Sustainable Future. Reducing our waste means changes in the way that we purchase🛍️, changes in the way that we generate and dispose of rubbish♻️, changes to our travel habits✈️ and and even changes to our choice of food🍎. Our stalls on Saturday did cover this theme, though there’s so much more education to be provided in the coming years.
Anyway we did have a fantastic first year and I look forward to even brighter events in the future! Well done to all involved.
#netzerokuringgai
𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲
Special thanks to our 50+ volunteers, community groups and staff for making our first Sustainable Futures Day a big success. 💪🥳🎉
When I think about Sustainability, there are the big headlines that the media likes to focus attention on such as rising temperatures and sea levels and our 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 via Solar and Batteries, Electric Vehicles, and Net Zero targets. These were definitely featured at our event.
But another important aspect to sustainability is our 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀. Did you know that humans are currently using the Earth’s natural resources (biocapacity) at 1.7 times faster than our planet can regenerate? Focussing on our own lifestyle as Australians, if everyone on the planet lived like an Australian then we would require 3.8 Earths to meet their needs 🌏🌎🌍🌏. Drawing closer to home, 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴, making it all the more important for us to reduce the waste that we generate.
Unfortunately, I find that 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 gets far less media coverage than Climate Change despite its critical role in leading us to a Sustainable Future. Reducing our waste means changes in the way that we purchase🛍️, changes in the way that we generate and dispose of rubbish♻️, changes to our travel habits✈️ and and even changes to our choice of food🍎. Our stalls on Saturday did cover this theme, though there’s so much more education to be provided in the coming years.
Anyway we did have a fantastic first year and I look forward to even brighter events in the future! Well done to all involved.
#netzerokuringgai
𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 🏴☠️
I was glad to support our youth from the Marian Street Theatre for Young People as they performed this adaptation of a Robert Louis Stevenson classic at the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall. Additional sessions extend through the rest of the school holidays. For more information visit
https://events.humanitix.com/treasure-island
𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 🏴☠️
I was glad to support our youth from the @[100063523241872:2048:Marian Street Theatre for Young People] as they performed this adaptation of a Robert Louis Stevenson classic at the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall. Additional sessions extend through the rest of the school holidays. For more information visit
https://events.humanitix.com/treasure-island
We were checking out some of the issues across Ku-ring-gai on Monday and stopped by at Twenty74 at the North Turramurra shops for lunch. They have friendly service and a good range of food.
We were checking out some of the issues across Ku-ring-gai on Monday and stopped by at @[100054301399395:2048:Twenty74] at the North Turramurra shops for lunch. They have friendly service and a good range of food.
𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗻.
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 if you’re outdoors. Recently council was provided a grant to install ten new water fountains including this one at Roseville Park.
Last week I noticed that this one’s water pressure was low (making it unusable) so council staff did a great job of fixing it. If you have issues with any other water bubblers, please let me know.
𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗻.
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 if you’re outdoors. Recently council was provided a grant to install ten new water fountains including this one at Roseville Park.
Last week I noticed that this one’s water pressure was low (making it unusable) so council staff did a great job of fixing it. If you have issues with any other water bubblers, please let me know.
Awesome pizza and pasta at Rosso Cavallino St Ives. The lasagne especially is the best I’ve had on the North Shore and the kids loved the gelato.
Awesome pizza and pasta at @[100063481904587:2048:Rosso Cavallino] St Ives. The lasagne especially is the best I’ve had on the North Shore and the kids loved the gelato.
This morning I was joined by Councillor Barbara Ward and Councillor Martin Smith at the Turramurra Lookout Community Garden for the grand opening of a community shelter.
It was an encouragement to meet all the volunteers and hear that the garden not only provides apartment dwellers with recreation space, but also provides them with a community network for social support.
We also witnessed the ribbon cutting of the Community Shelter funded by a State Government grant, and supported by Alister Henskens MP.
For more information on the garden and opportunities to volunteer, visit
https://www.tlcgarden.org.au
This morning I was joined by Councillor Barbara Ward and @[100063481211240:2048:Councillor Martin Smith] at the @[100075642116990:2048:Turramurra Lookout Community Garden] for the grand opening of a community shelter.
It was an encouragement to meet all the volunteers and hear that the garden not only provides apartment dwellers with recreation space, but also provides them with a community network for social support.
We also witnessed the ribbon cutting of the Community Shelter funded by a State Government grant, and supported by @[1538132593142893:274:Alister Henskens MP].
For more information on the garden and opportunities to volunteer, visit
https://www.tlcgarden.org.au
In 2018, 𝗜 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 but was discouraged by the EPA as organic waste was required in red bins to support electricity generation at the Woodlawn Bioreactor.
More recently, the 𝗡𝗦𝗪 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟬. Once industry has built the capacity to process food waste, it will be collected in maroon-lidded bins and reduce waste going to landfill by a third.
Last year the Northern Sydney Councils jointly trialled separated food-waste collection with 2,400 households. The trials found that certain household types had 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱-𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀, making it expensive or impossible to recycle. There were also issues with 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗸𝘆 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 and 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻-𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀. Further education will be required in supporting the future rollout of food-only bins.
For more information refer to the NSROC report:
https://nsroc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/16142_NSROC-Foof-Organics-Exec-Summary-12pp-web-reduced-1.pdf
𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘁
In 2018, 𝗜 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 but was discouraged by the EPA as organic waste was required in red bins to support electricity generation at the Woodlawn Bioreactor.
More recently, the 𝗡𝗦𝗪 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟬. Once industry has built the capacity to process food waste, it will be collected in maroon-lidded bins and reduce waste going to landfill by a third.
Last year the Northern Sydney Councils jointly trialled separated food-waste collection with 2,400 households. The trials found that certain household types had 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱-𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀, making it expensive or impossible to recycle. There were also issues with 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗸𝘆 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 and 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻-𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀. Further education will be required in supporting the future rollout of food-only bins.
For more information refer to the NSROC report:
https://nsroc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/16142_NSROC-Foof-Organics-Exec-Summary-12pp-web-reduced-1.pdf
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆?
We are hosting a Sustainable Futures Day at the St Ives Village Green from 10am to 4pm, with educational stalls covering solar and batteries, multiple electric vehicles on display, waste reduction, native plants, and the role that youth can play. There will also be live entertainment and the opportunity to meet our Net Zero Champion volunteers who can share more about getting involved.
I hope to see you there!
For more information refer to
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Eco-Festival-Sustainable-Futures-Day
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆?
We are hosting a Sustainable Futures Day at the St Ives Village Green from 10am to 4pm, with educational stalls covering solar and batteries, multiple electric vehicles on display, waste reduction, native plants, and the role that youth can play. There will also be live entertainment and the opportunity to meet our Net Zero Champion volunteers who can share more about getting involved.
I hope to see you there!
For more information refer to
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Eco-Festival-Sustainable-Futures-Day
We had the privilege of meeting the awesome Volunteers from the Ku-ring-gai SES Unit last night. As volunteers, each of them have dedicated years of their life to train and serve, ensuring that regular Australians like you and I can recover from extreme weather situations.
In my speech I shared about our personal experience four years ago when a mini cyclone felled multiple trees across East Lindfield, including a large one on top of our house. In my heartfelt message I thanked the volunteers for responding to our situation close to midnight, forgoing a warm dinner and time with family in order to serve the community. It is these volunteers who should be recognised for their contributions to the community, and I was proud to present to them their Long Service awards for serving 5, 10 and 20 years with the SES.
After the ceremony we had the opportunity to mingle with volunteers, hear about their challenges and how Council can potentially help, as well as tour the facilities. Did you know that almost a quarter or third of their callouts are in relation to non-native Liquidambar obstructions? It’s a beautiful tree but it causes so many problems that it takes away our volunteers from serving the community in other ways.
𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
We had the privilege of meeting the awesome Volunteers from the Ku-ring-gai SES Unit last night. As volunteers, each of them have dedicated years of their life to train and serve, ensuring that regular Australians like you and I can recover from extreme weather situations.
In my speech I shared about our personal experience four years ago when a mini cyclone felled multiple trees across East Lindfield, including a large one on top of our house. In my heartfelt message I thanked the volunteers for responding to our situation close to midnight, forgoing a warm dinner and time with family in order to serve the community. It is these volunteers who should be recognised for their contributions to the community, and I was proud to present to them their Long Service awards for serving 5, 10 and 20 years with the SES.
After the ceremony we had the opportunity to mingle with volunteers, hear about their challenges and how Council can potentially help, as well as tour the facilities. Did you know that almost a quarter or third of their callouts are in relation to non-native Liquidambar obstructions? It’s a beautiful tree but it causes so many problems that it takes away our volunteers from serving the community in other ways.
We had a great time meeting residents at the annual Ku-ring-gai Shield (Lawn Bowls) competition. Congratulations to the St Ives club for both hosting and winning.
𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱
Earlier this year our council upgraded this playground in Pymble, with theming based on a fruit farm that used to be in the area. The playground includes a cycle track, soft fall, nature play, picnic area, fenced in area and other farm elements.
Our kids enjoyed it and we recommend that you check it out.
𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱
Earlier this year our council upgraded this playground in Pymble, with theming based on a fruit farm that used to be in the area. The playground includes a cycle track, soft fall, nature play, picnic area, fenced in area and other farm elements.
Our kids enjoyed it and we recommend that you check it out.
This week I was honoured to be elected by Councillors to the position of Mayor with Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay supporting as Deputy Mayor through to September 2024. We take time to thank Cr Jeff Pettett and Cr Barbara Ward for their service as Mayor and Deputy in the last two years.
As Mayor, my aim is to collaboratively lead the Council and build on relationships with residents and with staff. I also know that each councillor genuinely cares for the community, and I believe that our diverse views will produce the best outcomes if we engage in respectful conversation.
In these 12 months we hope to deliver meaningful changes that improve your quality of life. We have commenced a customer service review which should lead to more efficient and effective responses to your queries. We are also reviewing our internal spend to identify savings which can fund infrastructure and process improvements.
The decisions that we make must benefit current and future generations, and where appropriate it is important to engage residents in the process.
I look forward to seeing you at some of the great events that Council has organised this month. With warmer weather and school holidays, there is no better time to be in Ku-ring-gai.
Mayor Sam Ngai
This week I was honoured to be elected by Councillors to the position of Mayor with @[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay] supporting as Deputy Mayor through to September 2024. We take time to thank Cr Jeff Pettett and Cr Barbara Ward for their service as Mayor and Deputy in the last two years.
As Mayor, my aim is to collaboratively lead the Council and build on relationships with residents and with staff. I also know that each councillor genuinely cares for the community, and I believe that our diverse views will produce the best outcomes if we engage in respectful conversation.
In these 12 months we hope to deliver meaningful changes that improve your quality of life. We have commenced a customer service review which should lead to more efficient and effective responses to your queries. We are also reviewing our internal spend to identify savings which can fund infrastructure and process improvements.
The decisions that we make must benefit current and future generations, and where appropriate it is important to engage residents in the process.
I look forward to seeing you at some of the great events that Council has organised this month. With warmer weather and school holidays, there is no better time to be in Ku-ring-gai.
Mayor Sam Ngai
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻, 𝗪𝗮𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮
I visited The Glade twice in recent weeks to understand proposed incremental upgrades, the most controversial of which was the post-consultation inclusion of LED field lighting.
Although I’m open to the possibility of lights at this site, I think such decisions should only be made after thorough consultation with residents on matters such as lighting technologies and design, light spill, time of use, and natural screening. Some would argue that such details could be agreed 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 adopting a Masterplan, but others would argue that it should be part of the process.
I was keen to debate the matter last night but some councillors requested a staff-guided site inspection, and I was happy to support this request. We’ll be debating the matter later in the year and I’m open to hearing your thoughts in the interim.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻, 𝗪𝗮𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮
I visited The Glade twice in recent weeks to understand proposed incremental upgrades, the most controversial of which was the post-consultation inclusion of LED field lighting.
Although I’m open to the possibility of lights at this site, I think such decisions should only be made after thorough consultation with residents on matters such as lighting technologies and design, light spill, time of use, and natural screening. Some would argue that such details could be agreed 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 adopting a Masterplan, but others would argue that it should be part of the process.
I was keen to debate the matter last night but some councillors requested a staff-guided site inspection, and I was happy to support this request. We’ll be debating the matter later in the year and I’m open to hearing your thoughts in the interim.
On Tuesday 12th September, Ku-ring-gai Council met for the monthly Public Forum as well as an Extraordinary Meeting of Council that had been called regarding the General Manager’s employment. Members of the public shared their views on the matter and responded to councillor questions. Then some councillors, including those who had called for the meeting, counted the numbers and staged a walkout. This resulted in a situation where there were not enough councillors left in the room to proceed with the debate or the vote. The matter has been adjourned to Tuesday 19th September.
I’d like to thank members of the public for coming to share their views on the matter. During the public forum there were calls for transparency, probity, and for councillors to act in the public interest 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘔’𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘴. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 These are all values that I share and they support my decision back in August to vote the GM out. The biggest difference, however, is that the general public has not had the same level of access to information that I have had as a councillor these last six years. I am firmly of the view that most people who would have seen what I have seen (𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵) and who are placed in similar circumstances would do the same as I have or at least be very sympathetic to the circumstances.
I also appreciated it when a former councillor got up to speak and waved a copy of the 2011 edition of the Guidelines for the Appointment and Oversight of General Manager. I wish she was actually on council with me last council term when I fought for (and lost to the mayor’s casting vote) the right for councillors to participate in the setting of the General Manager’s performance metrics. In fact if you look at the minutes from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 you can see that the oversight of the GM’s performance has always been a divided topic, with the mayor often using the casting vote to quash those who do not agree. A new 2022 edition of the Guidelines was released last year and council is partway through implementing these governance changes. I also expect legislative changes to the Local Government Act and Regulation later this year which will bring long-awaited improvements to governance across all NSW councils.
If Ku-ring-gai does get to the point where a new GM is appointed, I want the process to be supported by an independent and apolitical recruiter and I want it to follow the 2022 guidelines. In the last 12 months we have seen examples of senior public official recruitment done poorly at all three levels of government, and Ku-ring-gai must not go down that path.
I am sorry that this is all that can be said for now. Current councillors are bound by a code (including conduct and confidentiality) whereas former councillors do not have such restrictions.
Some of the exciting things that have been confirmed from the August Council Meeting.
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 – Council is undergoing a 2 year trial of recycling hard to recycle materials such as soft plastics, electronics, batteries, and textiles. For more information search for “RecycleSmart”.
𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – In principle support provided for Lindfield Rugby and Lindfield District Cricket to apply for grants and upgrade the existing Clubhouse with better change facilities.
𝗦𝘁 𝗜𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 – Approved tender for construction. Facility will be upgraded to 4-court and available to public hire outside of school hours.
𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 – Council support to upgrade the Hockey pitch and carpark facilties at Ku-ring-gai High, available to public hire outside of school hours. The key difference that I see between this and NTRA is that this development builds additional parking capacity on-site to keep parked cars off the road and maintain its social licence.
𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 – Approved a motion to go up to the November Local Government NSW annual conference, lobbying the state government to fix our broken private certification system. Right now property developers are able to get away with building illegal structures that are improperly certified, and council is powerless to stop them.
There was another item that was discussed but not yet resolved due to a rescission motion. At this stage I know there are some comments elsewhere on social media (stringing together selective facts to infer an inaccurate picture) but if any comments about it pop up here, I’m just going to delete them because I don’t think it’s appropriate or constructive to publish comments on an unresolved matter of this nature.
𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Some of the exciting things that have been confirmed from the August Council Meeting.
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 – Council is undergoing a 2 year trial of recycling hard to recycle materials such as soft plastics, electronics, batteries, and textiles. For more information search for “RecycleSmart”.
𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – In principle support provided for Lindfield Rugby and Lindfield District Cricket to apply for grants and upgrade the existing Clubhouse with better change facilities.
𝗦𝘁 𝗜𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 – Approved tender for construction. Facility will be upgraded to 4-court and available to public hire outside of school hours.
𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 – Council support to upgrade the Hockey pitch and carpark facilties at Ku-ring-gai High, available to public hire outside of school hours. The key difference that I see between this and NTRA is that this development builds additional parking capacity on-site to keep parked cars off the road and maintain its social licence.
𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 – Approved a motion to go up to the November Local Government NSW annual conference, lobbying the state government to fix our broken private certification system. Right now property developers are able to get away with building illegal structures that are improperly certified, and council is powerless to stop them.
There was another item that was discussed but not yet resolved due to a rescission motion. At this stage I know there are some comments elsewhere on social media (stringing together selective facts to infer an inaccurate picture) but if any comments about it pop up here, I’m just going to delete them because I don’t think it’s appropriate or constructive to publish comments on an unresolved matter of this nature.
⚡️This might be old news to some, but I just found out from council’s website that we’ve taken delivery of our first electric tip truck. I’m curious to hear whether the truck is quieter than the conventional version because in East Lindfield I can hear the garbage truck from over a block away (sometimes in the middle of the night).
Roseville Park Oval will be undergoing extensive irrigation / fencing upgrades over the next 8 months. The rest of Roseville Park will remain open for recreational needs, and there are a few ovals in East Lindfield and Killara if you are looking for the wide open space.
Roseville Park Oval will be undergoing extensive irrigation / fencing upgrades over the next 8 months. The rest of Roseville Park will remain open for recreational needs, and there are a few ovals in East Lindfield and Killara if you are looking for the wide open space.
A little sad as it’s my last night here at the UNSW CBD campus. This term we covered Renewable Energy Law, and it was a fantastic opportunity to hear from industry leaders about the policies that different countries have adopted to take on Net Zero. In particular for Australia, what is clear is that the biggest challenge isn’t simply about deploying solar and wind generation (as the politicians like to have us believe) but rather it is about ensuring that Australia has appropriately sufficient and stable transmission, distribution, and energy storage to support the future. I hope that what I learn will be of use at my workplace where we will, hopefully, deploy $30Bn of renewables and storage in the coming years.
I have one term left of daytime classes at uni and will be covering urban sustainability and (international) law of the sea.
A little sad as it’s my last night here at the UNSW CBD campus. This term we covered Renewable Energy Law, and it was a fantastic opportunity to hear from industry leaders about the policies that different countries have adopted to take on Net Zero. In particular for Australia, what is clear is that the biggest challenge isn’t simply about deploying solar and wind generation (as the politicians like to have us believe) but rather it is about ensuring that Australia has appropriately sufficient and stable transmission, distribution, and energy storage to support the future. I hope that what I learn will be of use at my workplace where we will, hopefully, deploy $30Bn of renewables and storage in the coming years.
I have one term left of daytime classes at uni and will be covering urban sustainability and (international) law of the sea.
𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 on the Recreation Needs Study which will inform how council develops facilities and services for community recreation. For more information visit
𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 on the Recreation Needs Study which will inform how council develops facilities and services for community recreation. For more information visit
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Council/Your-say/Draft-Ku-ring-gai-Recreation-Needs-Study
Good Morning Everyone. It’s great to see film crew here at East Lindfield today because it is, afterall, one of the best places to live in Sydney 🙂
Last night we were anticipating a long council meeting going up til 11pm but fortunately it did not come to that. I’ll outline the key decisions below, and the official (draft) minutes will become available on Thursday.
𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘆 – We made further steps on the conversation of planting native trees such as Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest and Sydney Blue Gum at council-owned sites. Thanks to Cr Greg Taylor for driving the agenda.
𝗦𝘁 𝗜𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔 – Highly anticipated discussions about the future of the Secret Garden, Ku-ring-gai Town Hall, childcare site, and NTRA ended up not proceeding this month.
𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗲 – It was decided that the councillors and staff should continue discussing options for the theatre in a separate (internal) councillor briefing to be held in the next 4 weeks.
𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 – It was decided that Ku-ring-gai will not pursue a special rates variation (out of cycle rates increase) in the upcoming year, which while popular and arguably appropriate for our particular phase of the economic cycle, may have other implications on the timing and delivery of major council projects. It was also decided that nearly $0.5m will be prioritised to restore the external elements of the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall.
𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 – Changes to the Ku-ring-gai Local Environment Plan will be put out to public exhibition for a 40 day period. This is longer than the required 28 days, meaning that residents have extra time to consider the changes.
𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 – We made minor adjustments to the Masterplan Report then adopted it. The next steps are Detailed Design, Phased Delivery, and Tendering for Delivery and this typically takes a few years.
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 – There was some debate but Council ended up settling on a version of the draft policy that is largely consistent with the Office of Local Government’s Model Policy (i.e. nothing wacky or weird). It will now go to public exhibition for 28 days.
𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Good Morning Everyone. It’s great to see film crew here at East Lindfield today because it is, afterall, one of the best places to live in Sydney 🙂
Last night we were anticipating a long council meeting going up til 11pm but fortunately it did not come to that. I’ll outline the key decisions below, and the official (draft) minutes will become available on Thursday.
𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘆 – We made further steps on the conversation of planting native trees such as Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest and Sydney Blue Gum at council-owned sites. Thanks to Cr Greg Taylor for driving the agenda.
𝗦𝘁 𝗜𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔 – Highly anticipated discussions about the future of the Secret Garden, Ku-ring-gai Town Hall, childcare site, and NTRA ended up not proceeding this month.
𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗲 – It was decided that the councillors and staff should continue discussing options for the theatre in a separate (internal) councillor briefing to be held in the next 4 weeks.
𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 – It was decided that Ku-ring-gai will not pursue a special rates variation (out of cycle rates increase) in the upcoming year, which while popular and arguably appropriate for our particular phase of the economic cycle, may have other implications on the timing and delivery of major council projects. It was also decided that nearly $0.5m will be prioritised to restore the external elements of the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall.
𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 – Changes to the Ku-ring-gai Local Environment Plan will be put out to public exhibition for a 40 day period. This is longer than the required 28 days, meaning that residents have extra time to consider the changes.
𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 – We made minor adjustments to the Masterplan Report then adopted it. The next steps are Detailed Design, Phased Delivery, and Tendering for Delivery and this typically takes a few years.
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 – There was some debate but Council ended up settling on a version of the draft policy that is largely consistent with the Office of Local Government’s Model Policy (i.e. nothing wacky or weird). It will now go to public exhibition for 28 days.
Happy to hear that Jess’ family is growing, but sad to hear that she feels she has to quit in order to look after it. The sad reality with the councillor role is that it does not pay very much (compared to the hours that may be required to do it properly) and so the role does not always attract or retain the calibre of candidates who you would normally expect to govern a large organisation.
Jess was getting paid ~$18 per hour for governing the City of Sydney. That’s below the National Minimum Wage.
Set to dominate the media these next six months is the topic of whether Indigenous people should be mentioned in the Australian Constitution, and if so, how.
The Australian Constitution currently covers decisions made by the Parliament (Senate, House of Representatives, Scope of Powers) in Chapter One and the Executive Government (Governor General, Cabinet) in Chapter Two. Indigenous people such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have no formal input into the decision-making process, partly because of the history of colonists not recognising Australia as being owned by anybody (terra nullius) in the eighteenth century.
What is being proposed and put out to referendum later this year is the introduction of an extra chapter to Australia’s Constitution that recognises the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as the ‘First Peoples of Australia’. It establishes a body of indigenous people called the ‘Voice’ that has the opportunity to provide input to the Parliament and the Executive Government on matters that relate to them, and it gives the Parliament further powers to make laws about how the Voice operates including who it is made up of, how it works, etc.
At a high level, I can see why lots of people will jump on board in support of it. Politically, it is “the thing to do” and I can see a groundswell within Australia of people who will strongly ‘encourage’ anyone else who does not yet understand or feel comfortable to support the wording in its current form (and encourage in such a way that it comes across as bullying or coercion). But in my five short years on council, I’ve also seen well-meaning ideas voted through and then implemented in ways that are contrary to what was originally expected due to a poor choice of wording or loopholes. I suspect that it may well be the case with the Voice here that despite the best of intentions, there may be unintended outcomes that emerge in the coming decades as a result of some judge interpreting the words in our constitution in ways that were not originally intended. In particular, the scope of the Voice in making representations on “matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples” is quite vague and open to interpretation either way.
In addition to the constitution, there are some ‘design principles’ for the Voice. Principles that will guide how the Parliament will implement the Voice if it ends up being supported by a referendum. Some of these principles include broad composition, not having veto power, etc. But the design principles are still somewhat somewhat vague, and they do not form part of the constitution or part of what Australians will be asked to vote on at the referendum.
In the media, there are people who say that the proposed wording is too strong, and there are others who say that the wording is not strong enough. I can see where they’re all coming from.
I do believe that recognition of indigenous Australians, respecting their ways, restoring their bonds and lifting their quality of life is an important thing. Something needs to be done, and it’s probably a case of better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing at all. We also have a stable government and what I believe is the mandate to explore the idea. But I personally have no intention to get involved in the pro or anti-voice camps in the next six months. And I do hope that in the next six months, the Australian people and our political leaders are mature enough to explore the implications in a mature manner and remain open to change, rather than politicising the matter and shooting down anybody who does not see things in exactly the same way that they do. Somehow though, I get a feeling that this is not how it will play out, and I’m actually somewhat disappointed in how our federal leaders (both sides) have led the conversation so far on such a serious matter. I want to be proud of our political leaders, and I expect more from both Albo and Dutton in the contest of ideas than just tearing each other down.
🎤𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲
Set to dominate the media these next six months is the topic of whether Indigenous people should be mentioned in the Australian Constitution, and if so, how.
The Australian Constitution currently covers decisions made by the Parliament (Senate, House of Representatives, Scope of Powers) in Chapter One and the Executive Government (Governor General, Cabinet) in Chapter Two. Indigenous people such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have no formal input into the decision-making process, partly because of the history of colonists not recognising Australia as being owned by anybody (terra nullius) in the eighteenth century.
What is being proposed and put out to referendum later this year is the introduction of an extra chapter to Australia’s Constitution that recognises the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as the ‘First Peoples of Australia’. It establishes a body of indigenous people called the ‘Voice’ that has the opportunity to provide input to the Parliament and the Executive Government on matters that relate to them, and it gives the Parliament further powers to make laws about how the Voice operates including who it is made up of, how it works, etc.
At a high level, I can see why lots of people will jump on board in support of it. Politically, it is “the thing to do” and I can see a groundswell within Australia of people who will strongly ‘encourage’ anyone else who does not yet understand or feel comfortable to support the wording in its current form (and encourage in such a way that it comes across as bullying or coercion). But in my five short years on council, I’ve also seen well-meaning ideas voted through and then implemented in ways that are contrary to what was originally expected due to a poor choice of wording or loopholes. I suspect that it may well be the case with the Voice here that despite the best of intentions, there may be unintended outcomes that emerge in the coming decades as a result of some judge interpreting the words in our constitution in ways that were not originally intended. In particular, the scope of the Voice in making representations on “matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples” is quite vague and open to interpretation either way.
In addition to the constitution, there are some ‘design principles’ for the Voice. Principles that will guide how the Parliament will implement the Voice if it ends up being supported by a referendum. Some of these principles include broad composition, not having veto power, etc. But the design principles are still somewhat somewhat vague, and they do not form part of the constitution or part of what Australians will be asked to vote on at the referendum.
In the media, there are people who say that the proposed wording is too strong, and there are others who say that the wording is not strong enough. I can see where they’re all coming from.
I do believe that recognition of indigenous Australians, respecting their ways, restoring their bonds and lifting their quality of life is an important thing. Something needs to be done, and it’s probably a case of better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing at all. We also have a stable government and what I believe is the mandate to explore the idea. But I personally have no intention to get involved in the pro or anti-voice camps in the next six months. And I do hope that in the next six months, the Australian people and our political leaders are mature enough to explore the implications in a mature manner and remain open to change, rather than politicising the matter and shooting down anybody who does not see things in exactly the same way that they do. Somehow though, I get a feeling that this is not how it will play out, and I’m actually somewhat disappointed in how our federal leaders (both sides) have led the conversation so far on such a serious matter. I want to be proud of our political leaders, and I expect more from both Albo and Dutton in the contest of ideas than just tearing each other down.
🎉 We had a fantastic day at Lindfield East Public School. I spent most of the time getting to know the booth volunteers, and we all got along pretty well, no unpleasantries.
It was also good to see so many people at the booth, helping to raise funds for our local school, preschool and girl guides. Thank you for your support.
Congratulations also to my friend Matt Cross – Liberal Candidate for Davidson. I first met him five years ago when I got onto council, and I enjoy our regular catchups at the Blood Donation centre every few months. Matt is a genuinely open relationship builder, very responsive to queries, and I hope the people of Davidson give him a chance.
Take care everyone. And as usual, if you have any questions feel free to reach out.
🎉 We had a fantastic day at Lindfield East Public School. I spent most of the time getting to know the booth volunteers, and we all got along pretty well, no unpleasantries.
It was also good to see so many people at the booth, helping to raise funds for our local school, preschool and girl guides. Thank you for your support.
Congratulations also to my friend @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross – Liberal Candidate for Davidson]. I first met him five years ago when I got onto council, and I enjoy our regular catchups at the Blood Donation centre every few months. Matt is a genuinely open relationship builder, very responsive to queries, and I hope the people of Davidson give him a chance.
Take care everyone. And as usual, if you have any questions feel free to reach out.
If you’re wondering where to vote tomorrow, Lindfield East Public School is a great option. Sausage sizzle to fundraise for Lindfield East Public School, a cake store to fundraise for East Lindfield Community Preschool and a store plus activities with East Lindfield Girl Guides.
This week a group of scientists (IPCC) will release an update on their projections for climate change while saying that with greater rises in global temperatures comes more frequent and extreme weather events.
I personally don’t support children skipping school to protest this issue, but they do have the right to ask governments what they are doing to mitigate the impacts on future generations.
Last year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said that based on their modelling, the world needs to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels) to have any chance that temperature rises are curbed at 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. This target has been matched or exceeded by the federal, state and local government, and I commend the politicians and staff at each level of government for doing their part.
For more information on what Ku-ring-gai Council is doing, visit
🌏 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲
This week a group of scientists (IPCC) will release an update on their projections for climate change while saying that with greater rises in global temperatures comes more frequent and extreme weather events.
I personally don’t support children skipping school to protest this issue, but they do have the right to ask governments what they are doing to mitigate the impacts on future generations.
Last year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said that based on their modelling, the world needs to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels) to have any chance that temperature rises are curbed at 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. This target has been matched or exceeded by the federal, state and local government, and I commend the politicians and staff at each level of government for doing their part.
For more information on what Ku-ring-gai Council is doing, visit
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Net-Zero-Ku-ring-gai
The NSW Government recently commissioned an independent review of the councillor misconduct framework and has committed to delivering reform in the coming months.
What I look forward to the most is the introduction of an independent Councillor Conduct Review Panel. This replaces the current system where the General Manager is tasked with deciding whether a Code of Conduct complaint is worthy of investigation, and then gets to handpick the investigator. I’ve spoken to other councillors (outside of Ku-ring-gai) who say that investigations have sometimes felt frivolous and selective, funded by the ratepayer while the accused has to pay legal expenses out of pocket. It has the effect of silencing alternate views.
The new framework including the independent panel is expected to commence 1 January 2024.
🔍 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸
The NSW Government recently commissioned an independent review of the councillor misconduct framework and has committed to delivering reform in the coming months.
What I look forward to the most is the introduction of an independent Councillor Conduct Review Panel. This replaces the current system where the General Manager is tasked with deciding whether a Code of Conduct complaint is worthy of investigation, and then gets to handpick the investigator. I’ve spoken to other councillors (outside of Ku-ring-gai) who say that investigations have sometimes felt frivolous and selective, funded by the ratepayer while the accused has to pay legal expenses out of pocket. It has the effect of silencing alternate views.
The new framework including the independent panel is expected to commence 1 January 2024.
⚽️ 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 – 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗮𝗹 – 𝟭𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
One of the peculiarities (and frustrations) of politics is that divisive issues often result in two ‘sides’, each of which take an approach of emphasising some facts and being silent on others in order to put forward their case. I sometimes sit in the middle and feel frustrated because I perceive that neither side has balance and by taking a middle of the road approach, as I did last month on the NTRA issue, I end up pleasing nobody and I get misrepresented and skewered by people from both sides.
Well it’s probably going to happen again this month, and the topic this time is the installation of a synthetic surface on Norman Griffiths Oval. An extraordinary meeting of council has been called for 16 March 2023 to discuss this matter and at this stage I have no idea what position the majority of council will end up voting to resolve. I don’t entirely agree with any of the narratives out there in the public domain, but I’m happy to present what I believe to be a balance of facts below.
𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀
⚽️ In recent years there has been a significant increase in demand for sport, including soccer, in metro Sydney. Team sports significantly benefit our residents’ physical and mental health.
🚜 In ages past, the most effective way to provide for the sporting needs of our residents is to get the bulldozer and chain and clear bushland to deliver the required space. But in present day Ku-ring-gai this is considered inconceivable because of the significant loss of habitat and biodiversity as well as the loss of Oxygen-creating trees.
📈 Six years ago NSROC (Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils) commissioned a study on projected sporting field needs, and it said that we needed a 40% increase over a period of 20 years. To meet this 40% capacity increase, it suggested a range of measures.
💡 One of the suggested measures from the NSROC study is to add lights to existing sporting fields, extending the use of sporting ovals into the night. While this does achieve the desired outcome, it often faces opposition from local residents and environmental groups 🦉.
❇️ Another suggested measure is to upgrade traditional grass ovals (which wear and tear easily and support limited hours of use) to other surfaces such as synthetics or hybrid (which support higher intensity of use). While this also achieves the desired outcome, it faces opposition from some environmental groups.
↔ Yet another measure suggested is that sporting codes will need to change format over time. Instead of playing one large 11-a-side game of soccer, the same field could support 3x the number of players if reconfigured to support futsal matches. While this achieves the desired outcome of increasing sporting opportunities for all, it faces opposition from incumbent sporting codes.
❌ In November and December 2019, I was involved with shooting down a proposal to deliver a synthetic upgrade at Mimosa. My argument wasn’t on environmental grounds as I was comfortable with the latest developments in synthetic technology, rather, I did not believe that Mimosa would have adequate natural grass leftover for other activities after a synthetics upgrade, and I believed that the traffic impacts would be undesirable at that point in time. As an alternative, I was involved in a proposal to move the synthetics surface to Norman Griffiths which doesn’t have either the limited space or traffic impact issues that Mimosa had. The proposal to move the project to Norman Griffiths was defeated in 2019.
✅ There was a strange change in sentiment in 2020 and 2021 where all councillors unanimously got on board with delivering an upgrade to Norman Griffiths. I don’t know why the other councillors had a change of heart, perhaps it was a combination of practical reality and changes in perspective for staff, but it did mean that we were looking to deliver an increase in the availability of use at a location which had easy access, plenty of parking, and ample alternate space for other activities such as walking the dog.
✍️ Council unanimously approved and then signed the contract for the Norman Griffiths synthetic upgrade in late 2021.
👷♀️ The approvals process for the Norman Griffiths upgrade falls under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021. Under this SEPP, community consultation is not a mandatory requirement however in some cases consultation with other authorities such as National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) may be required (as per clause 2.15 and under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974).
🖥️ In February 2022 the newly elected council resolved to put the project’s Review of Environmental Factors (REF), final design, and revised schedule of construction on the council website prior to the construction phase beginning.
📄 LGNSW best practice guidelines on the REF recommend stakeholder consultation after the environmental impact assessment is conducted. These are, however, non-binding guidelines only.
🔍 The community (including NPWS) was consulted on the matter in March 2022 but at the time it was with regard to the early design rather than the final environmental impact assessment.
🖥️ On 27 February 2023 the final REF, final design, and revised schedule of construction became available to councillors and the public via the council website. The construction project was scheduled to start 13 March 2023, leaving some members of the public (and councillors) in a position where they felt that they only had two weeks to review the REF before construction began. For some, this felt like it was highly improper due to the short time available, however others argue that consultation had already happened in March 2022 and that under the SEPP community consultation was not required at this stage of the process. The REF claimed that it has NPWS support.
🌲 In prior years, NPWS had already provided in principal support for the Norman Griffiths synthetics upgrade pending further clarification on the detailed design and environmental impacts. However on 3 March 2023 the NPWS wrote a letter to council stating that its in-principle support support for the upgrade was contingent on ongoing detailed consultation around the proposed design and management strategies to mitigate impacts, and that Ku-ring-gai Council had yet to undertake the agreed consultation. Therefore it would not be accurate for the REF to claim that the current design has NPWS support. NPWS therefore requested that the project be delayed until details around the final REF are properly reviewed and discussed.
💰 On 13 March 2023 the Norman Griffiths Oval was fenced off for construction. A delay in the construction date will lead to supply chain impacts and cost Ku-ring-gai Council hundreds of thousands of dollars.
𝗢𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
🦉 Some environmental groups have been determined to shut down the project in its entirety. There have been a number of negative articles circulated re: the negative impacts of synthetic surfaces, however these articles do not accurately reflect what is being proposed at Norman Griffiths which uses a more advanced cork infill rather than the problematic rubber infills of previous generations. There has also been talk of legal action should council proceed with construction in its current form.
⚽️ Other groups are arguing that the REF is fine, that the project already has NPWS support, and that consultation had already taken place last year.
🟩 Other councils have been exploring alternate solutions for increasing the durability of sporting fields. There has been talk of exploring hybrid solutions (natural grass reinforced by artificial frame). There has also been talk of using natural turf options such as sand slit drainage, rootzone sand profile, quality soil profile and perched water table. But some claim that many of these options do not provide the cost vs. durability balance that full synthetic surfaces currently provide.
😠😠😠 All of this places me in an awkward position. While I’m personally fine with the proposed development and impacts, I do wish that the REF had been conducted with greater NPWS involvement as well as greater (optional but best practice) community consultation post-environmental impact assessment. The ‘right thing to do’ may be to put the project on hold until NPWS catches up on its comfort on environmental impacts, however others may argue that NPWS approval (as per 2.15) is not required and that the ‘right thing to do’ may be to proceed and avoid the costs associated with a delay, especially if council is forecast to operate at a deficit this year. I haven’t figured out what to do yet.
😡😡😡 I’m also a bit grumpy because this recently scheduled Extraordinary Meeting of Council clashes with a birthday celebration.
Let’s see what the council decides on 16 March. I don’t know yet as to how I will be voting and it depends on what proposals are put forward, but my own middle of the road thoughts may draw the ire of both sporting groups and environmental groups.
⚽️ 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 – 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗮𝗹 – 𝟭𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
One of the peculiarities (and frustrations) of politics is that divisive issues often result in two ‘sides’, each of which take an approach of emphasising some facts and being silent on others in order to put forward their case. I sometimes sit in the middle and feel frustrated because I perceive that neither side has balance and by taking a middle of the road approach, as I did last month on the NTRA issue, I end up pleasing nobody and I get misrepresented and skewered by people from both sides.
Well it’s probably going to happen again this month, and the topic this time is the installation of a synthetic surface on Norman Griffiths Oval. An extraordinary meeting of council has been called for 16 March 2023 to discuss this matter and at this stage I have no idea what position the majority of council will end up voting to resolve. I don’t entirely agree with any of the narratives out there in the public domain, but I’m happy to present what I believe to be a balance of facts below.
𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀
⚽️ In recent years there has been a significant increase in demand for sport, including soccer, in metro Sydney. Team sports significantly benefit our residents’ physical and mental health.
🚜 In ages past, the most effective way to provide for the sporting needs of our residents is to get the bulldozer and chain and clear bushland to deliver the required space. But in present day Ku-ring-gai this is considered inconceivable because of the significant loss of habitat and biodiversity as well as the loss of Oxygen-creating trees.
📈 Six years ago NSROC (Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils) commissioned a study on projected sporting field needs, and it said that we needed a 40% increase over a period of 20 years. To meet this 40% capacity increase, it suggested a range of measures.
💡 One of the suggested measures from the NSROC study is to add lights to existing sporting fields, extending the use of sporting ovals into the night. While this does achieve the desired outcome, it often faces opposition from local residents and environmental groups 🦉.
❇️ Another suggested measure is to upgrade traditional grass ovals (which wear and tear easily and support limited hours of use) to other surfaces such as synthetics or hybrid (which support higher intensity of use). While this also achieves the desired outcome, it faces opposition from some environmental groups.
↔ Yet another measure suggested is that sporting codes will need to change format over time. Instead of playing one large 11-a-side game of soccer, the same field could support 3x the number of players if reconfigured to support futsal matches. While this achieves the desired outcome of increasing sporting opportunities for all, it faces opposition from incumbent sporting codes.
❌ In November and December 2019, I was involved with shooting down a proposal to deliver a synthetic upgrade at Mimosa. My argument wasn’t on environmental grounds as I was comfortable with the latest developments in synthetic technology, rather, I did not believe that Mimosa would have adequate natural grass leftover for other activities after a synthetics upgrade, and I believed that the traffic impacts would be undesirable at that point in time. As an alternative, I was involved in a proposal to move the synthetics surface to Norman Griffiths which doesn’t have either the limited space or traffic impact issues that Mimosa had. The proposal to move the project to Norman Griffiths was defeated in 2019.
✅ There was a strange change in sentiment in 2020 and 2021 where all councillors unanimously got on board with delivering an upgrade to Norman Griffiths. I don’t know why the other councillors had a change of heart, perhaps it was a combination of practical reality and changes in perspective for staff, but it did mean that we were looking to deliver an increase in the availability of use at a location which had easy access, plenty of parking, and ample alternate space for other activities such as walking the dog.
✍️ Council unanimously approved and then signed the contract for the Norman Griffiths synthetic upgrade in late 2021.
👷♀️ The approvals process for the Norman Griffiths upgrade falls under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021. Under this SEPP, community consultation is not a mandatory requirement however in some cases consultation with other authorities such as National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) may be required (as per clause 2.15 and under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974).
🖥️ In February 2022 the newly elected council resolved to put the project’s Review of Environmental Factors (REF), final design, and revised schedule of construction on the council website prior to the construction phase beginning.
📄 LGNSW best practice guidelines on the REF recommend stakeholder consultation after the environmental impact assessment is conducted. These are, however, non-binding guidelines only.
🔍 The community (including NPWS) was consulted on the matter in March 2022 but at the time it was with regard to the early design rather than the final environmental impact assessment.
🖥️ On 27 February 2023 the final REF, final design, and revised schedule of construction became available to councillors and the public via the council website. The construction project was scheduled to start 13 March 2023, leaving some members of the public (and councillors) in a position where they felt that they only had two weeks to review the REF before construction began. For some, this felt like it was highly improper due to the short time available, however others argue that consultation had already happened in March 2022 and that under the SEPP community consultation was not required at this stage of the process. The REF claimed that it has NPWS support.
🌲 In prior years, NPWS had already provided in principal support for the Norman Griffiths synthetics upgrade pending further clarification on the detailed design and environmental impacts. However on 3 March 2023 the NPWS wrote a letter to council stating that its in-principle support support for the upgrade was contingent on ongoing detailed consultation around the proposed design and management strategies to mitigate impacts, and that Ku-ring-gai Council had yet to undertake the agreed consultation. Therefore it would not be accurate for the REF to claim that the current design has NPWS support. NPWS therefore requested that the project be delayed until details around the final REF are properly reviewed and discussed.
💰 On 13 March 2023 the Norman Griffiths Oval was fenced off for construction. A delay in the construction date will lead to supply chain impacts and cost Ku-ring-gai Council hundreds of thousands of dollars.
𝗢𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
🦉 Some environmental groups have been determined to shut down the project in its entirety. There have been a number of negative articles circulated re: the negative impacts of synthetic surfaces, however these articles do not accurately reflect what is being proposed at Norman Griffiths which uses a more advanced cork infill rather than the problematic rubber infills of previous generations. There has also been talk of legal action should council proceed with construction in its current form.
⚽️ Other groups are arguing that the REF is fine, that the project already has NPWS support, and that consultation had already taken place last year.
🟩 Other councils have been exploring alternate solutions for increasing the durability of sporting fields. There has been talk of exploring hybrid solutions (natural grass reinforced by artificial frame). There has also been talk of using natural turf options such as sand slit drainage, rootzone sand profile, quality soil profile and perched water table. But some claim that many of these options do not provide the cost vs. durability balance that full synthetic surfaces currently provide.
😠😠😠 All of this places me in an awkward position. While I’m personally fine with the proposed development and impacts, I do wish that the REF had been conducted with greater NPWS involvement as well as greater (optional but best practice) community consultation post-environmental impact assessment. The ‘right thing to do’ may be to put the project on hold until NPWS catches up on its comfort on environmental impacts, however others may argue that NPWS approval (as per 2.15) is not required and that the ‘right thing to do’ may be to proceed and avoid the costs associated with a delay, especially if council is forecast to operate at a deficit this year. I haven’t figured out what to do yet.
😡😡😡 I’m also a bit grumpy because this recently scheduled Extraordinary Meeting of Council clashes with a birthday celebration.
Let’s see what the council decides on 16 March. I don’t know yet as to how I will be voting and it depends on what proposals are put forward, but my own middle of the road thoughts may draw the ire of both sporting groups and environmental groups.
⚽️ 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 – 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗮𝗹 – 𝟭𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
In short, Norman Griffiths Oval to proceed but with minimal further consultation.
In the corporate world, decisions are usually made in a careful and considered manner. If there are four options on the table, then all four options are considered simultaneously with their relative strengths and weaknesses compared against each other. The governing body discusses then decides which of the four options to choose.
In Local Government, the Code of Meeting practices requires decisions to be made in a very different manner. Motions are considered and voted on one at a time, and depending on luck of the draw, sequencing of motions / amendments, and the chairperson it results in not all options being considered or debated by the council. This does, at times, lead to suboptimal decision making and results.
At last night’s council meeting we had four proposals (or options). The third proposal was the one that became ‘the motion’ and was voted on, and I’m disappointed that the first and the fourth proposal never had the opportunity to be voted on.
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟭): 𝗖𝗿 𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
✅ Further consultation with community groups and NPWS to explicitly occur, and inform potential design change
😢 No opportunity to vote, due to local government meeting procedures
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟮): 𝗖𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝘆
🛑 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to be put on hold
✅ Further consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to explicitly occur
🗳️ Voted on but defeated 2 vs 7
𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟯): 𝗖𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝘁𝘁
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
⁉️ Consultation with NPWS not mentioned, but I will be driving it behind the scenes
🗳️ Voted on 5 vs 4 and became ‘the motion’
🗳️ As ‘the motion’ it succeeded 6 vs 3
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟰): 𝗖𝗿 𝗡𝗴𝗮𝗶
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
✅ Further consultation with NPWS to explicitly occur
⏰ Further update on NPWS endorsement scheduled for April council meeting
😢 No opportunity to vote, due to local government meeting procedures
I’m not comfortable with local government process that permits only one option to be considered at a time. It leads to suboptimal outcomes. But it is what it is and I don’t see these rules changing anytime soon.
I do wish that there would have been the chance to vote on Proposal 1 and Proposal 4. Both of these options strived to deliver the project without further delay but while also lifting community engagement beyond minimal statutory obligations and towards best practice (or community standards). In fact, a lot of the drama and grief that arose in the last two weeks could easily have been avoided had relevant stakeholders been more thoroughly engaged last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are further conversations about perceived gaps in community engagement in the coming months.
But given that Proposal 3 is what we ended up with, it means that the Norman Griffiths Oval will proceed as currently scheduled and we expect completion in mid November.
⚽️ 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 – 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗮𝗹 – 𝟭𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
In short, Norman Griffiths Oval to proceed but with minimal further consultation.
In the corporate world, decisions are usually made in a careful and considered manner. If there are four options on the table, then all four options are considered simultaneously with their relative strengths and weaknesses compared against each other. The governing body discusses then decides which of the four options to choose.
In Local Government, the Code of Meeting practices requires decisions to be made in a very different manner. Motions are considered and voted on one at a time, and depending on luck of the draw, sequencing of motions / amendments, and the chairperson it results in not all options being considered or debated by the council. This does, at times, lead to suboptimal decision making and results.
At last night’s council meeting we had four proposals (or options). The third proposal was the one that became ‘the motion’ and was voted on, and I’m disappointed that the first and the fourth proposal never had the opportunity to be voted on.
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟭): 𝗖𝗿 𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
✅ Further consultation with community groups and NPWS to explicitly occur, and inform potential design change
😢 No opportunity to vote, due to local government meeting procedures
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟮): 𝗖𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝘆
🛑 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to be put on hold
✅ Further consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to explicitly occur
🗳️ Voted on but defeated 2 vs 7
𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟯): 𝗖𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝘁𝘁
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
⁉️ Consultation with NPWS not mentioned, but I will be driving it behind the scenes
🗳️ Voted on 5 vs 4 and became ‘the motion’
🗳️ As ‘the motion’ it succeeded 6 vs 3
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟰): 𝗖𝗿 𝗡𝗴𝗮𝗶
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
✅ Further consultation with NPWS to explicitly occur
⏰ Further update on NPWS endorsement scheduled for April council meeting
😢 No opportunity to vote, due to local government meeting procedures
I’m not comfortable with local government process that permits only one option to be considered at a time. It leads to suboptimal outcomes. But it is what it is and I don’t see these rules changing anytime soon.
I do wish that there would have been the chance to vote on Proposal 1 and Proposal 4. Both of these options strived to deliver the project without further delay but while also lifting community engagement beyond minimal statutory obligations and towards best practice (or community standards). In fact, a lot of the drama and grief that arose in the last two weeks could easily have been avoided had relevant stakeholders been more thoroughly engaged last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are further conversations about perceived gaps in community engagement in the coming months.
But given that Proposal 3 is what we ended up with, it means that the Norman Griffiths Oval will proceed as currently scheduled and we expect completion in mid November.
An opportunity on Saturday to ask about potential changes at Queen Elizabeth Reserve.
Queen Elizabeth Reserve Landscape Masterplan Exhibition
CONSULTATION NOW CLOSED Ku-ring-gai Council has developed a landscape masterplan for Queen Elizabeth Reserve in West Lindfield. The masterplan will guide future upgrades and use of the reserve. Between 27 February and 27 March we soughtfeedback on the draft masterplan to ensure it fits the needs of local people and users.
Come check out the playground upgrade and support our local shops Dukes Green Cafe Biga Artisan Bakery Topline Fruit East Lindfield East Lindfield Pharmacy.
We’re glad that council staff incorporated our feedback to make the playground 3x larger than its predecessor, giving it more space and a wider variety of structured and nature-based play for our children. Towards the evening, we had ~40 kids and adults enjoying the new playground.
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀
Come check out the playground upgrade and support our local shops @[100089857475628:2048:Dukes Green Cafe] @[100089544795899:2048:Biga Artisan Bakery] @[100053164736197:2048:Topline Fruit East Lindfield] @[100054443083124:2048:East Lindfield Pharmacy].
We’re glad that council staff incorporated our feedback to make the playground 3x larger than its predecessor, giving it more space and a wider variety of structured and nature-based play for our children. Towards the evening, we had ~40 kids and adults enjoying the new playground.
❤️𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
The councillors and council staff thought it was a good idea to hold a meeting on Valentine’s Day. Here are the key outcomes.
🌃𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮 𝟭𝟱 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘆𝘀 – Following the Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel’s recommendation to not support the planning proposal, our council unanimously rejected it. Next step, I expect the developer will take the matter to the Sydney North Planning Panel for a Rezoning Review.
📚𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗯 – Staff authorised to continue negotiations with one of the proponents.
⚽️𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 – Council resolved to further progress with the project. Although I was ok with the grandstand itself, I had some reservations with Traffic and Parking issues which in my view were not adequately addressed and which represent a substantial hidden cost to council further down the line.
💦𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝘀 – A recent review found that council’s stormwater pipes, most of which were laid down decades ago, have been wearing out faster than anticipated. Meanwhile council has for a long time not set aside enough money to repair these pipes. So council (and ratepayers) may potentially enter a world of pain over the next decade as we figure out how to get $81m to keep our stormwater network up to an acceptable standard.
📈𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗞𝗣𝗜’𝘀 – For the first time in at least four years, we’ve agreed to have the KPI’s proposed by a panel of 3-4 councillors (previously just the mayor alone). This will give councillors greater control and accountability of the council’s performance, and the practice is in line with Office of Local Government Recommendations.
❤️𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
The councillors and council staff thought it was a good idea to hold a meeting on Valentine’s Day. Here are the key outcomes.
🌃𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮 𝟭𝟱 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘆𝘀 – Following the Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel’s recommendation to not support the planning proposal, our council unanimously rejected it. Next step, I expect the developer will take the matter to the Sydney North Planning Panel for a Rezoning Review.
📚𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗯 – Staff authorised to continue negotiations with one of the proponents.
⚽️𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 – Council resolved to further progress with the project. Although I was ok with the grandstand itself, I had some reservations with Traffic and Parking issues which in my view were not adequately addressed and which represent a substantial hidden cost to council further down the line.
💦𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝘀 – A recent review found that council’s stormwater pipes, most of which were laid down decades ago, have been wearing out faster than anticipated. Meanwhile council has for a long time not set aside enough money to repair these pipes. So council (and ratepayers) may potentially enter a world of pain over the next decade as we figure out how to get $81m to keep our stormwater network up to an acceptable standard.
📈𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗞𝗣𝗜’𝘀 – For the first time in at least four years, we’ve agreed to have the KPI’s proposed by a panel of 3-4 councillors (previously just the mayor alone). This will give councillors greater control and accountability of the council’s performance, and the practice is in line with Office of Local Government Recommendations.
💧𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀! In October 2018 I moved a motion asking council to consider using bubblers with signage to encourage residents to reuse bottles and protect the environment. It took a long time for the changes to flow through policies and procurement, but I was so happy to see one of the bubblers here today at NTRA. There will also be enhanced versions of this design popping up in suburbs near you.
💧𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀! In October 2018 I moved a motion asking council to consider using bubblers with signage to encourage residents to reuse bottles and protect the environment. It took a long time for the changes to flow through policies and procurement, but I was so happy to see one of the bubblers here today at NTRA. There will also be enhanced versions of this design popping up in suburbs near you.
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻
The Village Green short stay parking spaces are first two hours free, then paid thereafter. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆.
𝗧𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼
1️⃣ Input your vehicle rego
2️⃣ Select your duration of stay (2 hour park, or pay for longer)
3️⃣ Collect your ticket and display it on your dashboard
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲?
In the last five years there’s been an increase in short stay and commuter parking spaces to support patronage of local businesses and residences.
✅ 136 short stay spaces at the Lindfield Village Green, which is the same number as prior to construction.
✅ 105 new commuter parking spaces at the Village Green, intended for commuters.
✅ 112 street parking spaces on Tryon, Milray, and Havilah have been converted from time unrestricted to 2 hour park (or less) to encourage people to visit the shops. Prior to the change, these spaces were typically parked out by commuters.
✅ 64 visitor parking spaces under IGA.
✅ 43 visitor parking spaces under Harris Farm. (But yeah, I know those parking spaces are tight!!!)
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸?
Entry is via Millay Street.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸?
The 105 commuter carpark section will be controlled by a different system that hasn’t been installed by the state gov yet. For more information on the system, visit this link
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀?
We’ve asked this a number of times. Apparently the costs involved to operate a licence recognition and boom gate system could not be justified by council staff. There were also complexities with operating one carpark that has two separate parking systems (with the State Government-run commuter carpark yet to have its system installed).
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀?
There’s been multiple reasons, with the main one (I’m told) being linkages to the delays from State Gov end. We also asked staff to consider installing 2P signage as a temporary measure before the meters became functional, but it was ultimately not implemented.
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻
The Village Green short stay parking spaces are first two hours free, then paid thereafter. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆.
𝗧𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼
1️⃣ Input your vehicle rego
2️⃣ Select your duration of stay (2 hour park, or pay for longer)
3️⃣ Collect your ticket and display it on your dashboard
𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 (𝗶.𝗲. 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲).
𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲?
In the last five years there’s been an increase in short stay and commuter parking spaces to support patronage of local businesses and residences.
✅ 136 short stay spaces at the Lindfield Village Green, which is the same number as prior to construction.
✅ 105 new commuter parking spaces at the Village Green, intended for commuters.
✅ 112 street parking spaces on Tryon, Milray, and Havilah have been converted from time unrestricted to 2 hour park (or less) to encourage people to visit the shops. Prior to the change, these spaces were typically parked out by commuters.
✅ 64 visitor parking spaces under IGA.
✅ 43 visitor parking spaces under Harris Farm. (But yeah, I know those parking spaces are tight!!!)
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸?
Entry is via Millay Street.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸?
The 105 commuter carpark section will be controlled by a different system that hasn’t been installed by the state gov yet. For more information on the system, visit this link
https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/drive/parking/transport-parkride-car-parks
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀?
We’ve asked this a number of times. Apparently the costs involved to operate a licence recognition and boom gate system could not be justified by council staff. There were also complexities with operating one carpark that has two separate parking systems (with the State Government-run commuter carpark yet to have its system installed).
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀?
There’s been multiple reasons, with the main one (I’m told) being linkages to the delays from State Gov end. We also asked staff to consider installing 2P signage as a temporary measure before the meters became functional, but it was ultimately not implemented.
To be considered at the February Council meeting, with the Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel having recommended against the planning proposal.
𝟭𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮? To be considered at the February Council meeting, with the Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel having recommended against the planning proposal.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻? I’ve been away a few weeks with family and am now back, refreshed. It sounds like the La Niña cycle will end soon so we’ll be switching to drought mode.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻? I’ve been away a few weeks with family and am now back, refreshed. It sounds like the La Niña cycle will end soon so we’ll be switching to drought mode.
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹
I had planned for today’s post to be a positive one. Earlier on an elderly resident contacted me to ask if the fence at Stockland Ave can be extended to assist her in walking down the steep hill. Our council staff delivered on this request quite promptly but apparently a truck didn’t take kindly to their kind. We’ll have another go next year.
Credit for yesterday’s photo goes to Bec FitzGerald.
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹
I had planned for today’s post to be a positive one. Earlier on an elderly resident contacted me to ask if the fence at Stockland Ave can be extended to assist her in walking down the steep hill. Our council staff delivered on this request quite promptly but apparently a truck didn’t take kindly to their kind. We’ll have another go next year.
Credit for yesterday’s photo goes to Bec FitzGerald.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗸𝗮𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻
Yesterday we gathered at the St Ives Village Green to celebrate the first day of Chanukah, an eight day festival linked to Jewish independence in the second century BC. It’s great to see the people celebrating the event to this day. See you all again next year on 7 December 2023.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗸𝗮𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻
Yesterday we gathered at the St Ives Village Green to celebrate the first day of Chanukah, an eight day festival linked to Jewish independence in the second century BC. It’s great to see the people celebrating the event to this day. See you all again next year on 7 December 2023.
Our church, St Barnabas Roseville East, held its first Carols in the Courtyard yesterday. It was a great time for the local community to gather, though it got rained out twice and we had to relocate indoors. On Sunday 25th December we are having a Christmas Service at 10am and you’re all welcome to join.
𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 (𝟭𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟮𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿)
Our church, St Barnabas Roseville East, held its first Carols in the Courtyard yesterday. It was a great time for the local community to gather, though it got rained out twice and we had to relocate indoors.
On Sunday 25th December we are having a Christmas Service at 10am and you’re all welcome to join.
![Glad to see Chanukah this year supported by all three levels of government. We had a fantastic night at the St Ives Village Green, well attended by an inclusive, welcoming and diverse community. My kids also enjoyed meeting the team at @[100080313635174:2048:Community Health Support] and taking part in the games, rides, face painting and fireworks.
@[100057708205393:2048:Julian Leeser MP]
@[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross - Member for Davidson]
@[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay]
Councillor Martin Smith
@[100081079106909:2048:Councillor Kim Wheatley]
Cr Simon Lennon
Cr Barbara Ward
@[100077659695386:2048:Councillor Robert Samuel - Willoughby]
@[100064833485045:2048:Chabad North Shore]](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/409171348_1109622240439696_7936695326021779995_n_1109749980426922.jpg)
![Visited the @[100044370982108:2048:Roseville College] Prize Giving Ceremonies yesterday. It was particularly cool to see those that I had previously taught at Sunday School and other local church programs get recognised for their achievements.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/408733685_1109761223759131_7587819441267228322_n_1109950530406867.jpg)
![Thanks to everyone who contributed food and gift items to the Mayor's Christmas Appeal. Yesterday I joined Gordon Ward Councillors Simon Lennon and Barbara Ward in packing and distributing hampers for @[100064520299383:2048:Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney] at Gordon Baptist Church. The hampers went to a range of causes such as the @[100067239740050:2048:Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter] .](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/406396800_1108908657177721_1795262746628869948_n_1109346947133892.jpg)
![Congratulations Sophia for being the 17th recipient of @[100063700954501:2048:Abbotsleigh]’s Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Award, recognising her excellence in leadership.
I attended Speech Day yesterday and it was great to see so many young people equipped to create a better future.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/405472584_1108893477179239_3252970754643877994_n_1109132400488680.jpg)
![It was encouraging to visit the @[100064001411105:2048:Barker College] Junior School celebration today to hear of the children’s accomplishments as well as their contribution to providing education to indigenous groups through their Darkinjung, Ngarralingayil and Dhupuma Schools.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/407946664_1108015980600322_6130177256774102881_n_1108015987266988.jpg)
![Popped into the @[100083460155832:2048:Wahroonga Village Fair], organised by volunteers from the @[100064675150272:2048:Rotary Club of Wahroonga] . The event was opened by Bagpipe and Drums from @[100063701513330:2048:Knox Grammar School] and a welcome to country from Peter Kirkwood OAM. I visited the balloon stall organised by girls from Abbotsleigh as well as Melissa from the @[100063298356139:2048:Tiamo Baby] stall.
Thanks to all the volunteers from Rotary for organising this. Funds raised go towards Rotary Club projects. There's a lot more going on and I'd encourage residents to check it out today. (I had to dash off to the next event.)](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/407871924_1106795920722328_1863102060661630730_n_1106795927388994.jpg)
![I was excited to attend the @[100053519367057:2048:Kuringai Youth Orchestra] Christmas concert, held at my old school @[100057498966588:2048:St Ives Preparatory School]. We heard Christmas classics such as The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky and Anderson’s Christmas Festival. It was encouraging to see our young people make use of the facilities nearly thirty years after my time in the same hall playing in the school orchestra.
I was also invited to do the raffle draw with all funds going towards @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service].](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/405293573_1106977394037514_6236492432694183030_n_1106977397370847.jpg)
![Come visit the @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service] fundraiser at Pymble Bunnings. The Barbeque and Christmas stall is open til 4pm.
If you can’t make it but want to support the cause, visit
https://kyds.kindful.com/](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/405414788_1106259064109347_3211239179181959208_n_1106259067442680.jpg)
![It’s the time of the year where we attend (and handout at) annual awards presentations. Yesterday I was at @[100064030569835:2048:Brigidine College St Ives] and it struck me how (compared to my own school in the 90’s) there was a very strong culture of nurturing each individual student as well as the promotion of social justice initiatives. It’s a great option for our local students here at Ku-ring-gai.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/405369255_1104412474294006_7806074174194911341_n_1104811030920817.jpg)
![Congratulations to our @[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay] for getting elected to the Board of @[100064656852887:2048:Local Government NSW] for a period of two years.
Christine has shown an eagerness to engage with Mayors, Councillors, and General Managers across the state to understand the challenges that the sector faces and bring lessons back to Ku-ring-gai. She has already performed a similar role at @[100063696336134:2048:ALGWA NSW] to promote diverse participation in Local Government and I am sure she will do a great job of advocating for our interests at our state industry body.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/401509793_1095821191819801_1066392152600590013_n_1095821198486467.jpg)
![As a former Killara resident, I was excited to be invited by @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross - Member for Davidson] to the official opening of the Killara Station lifts last week, along with our two Gordon Ward councillors Barbara Ward and Cr Simon Lennon.
With a brief 7 minute walk, Killara Station used to be our family’s go to for trips to the city or airport but if we needed to move prams or luggage then we would aim for Lindfield. Lifts at Roseville and Killara were a popular requests from residents young and old, and I made representations to our then-State MP Jonathan O’Dea. It was encouraging to see the initiative commence during the same term of government, and it was great to see our residents using these new facilities last week.
The ribbon was cut by Joy, a Killara resident and student of the local school.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/400725755_1095325865202667_2804146580500014273_n_1095413558527231.jpg)
![Good to see so many people attend the @[100064070464060:2048:Wahroonga Food + Wine Festival] on Sunday, which is an event that council sponsors each year.
I was joined by @[100063481211240:2048:Councillor Martin Smith], @[100081079106909:2048:Councillor Kim Wheatley] and Councillor Cedric Spencer (pictured in the top left image from left to right) at the @[100064283515691:2048:Ku-ring-gai Council] stall to meet the residents and answer their queries. Nearby at the rotunda we had local bands playing all day.
It was also good to meet the volunteers Antonia, Vanessa and Darius (pictured in the bottom left image from left to right) from St John’s Ambulance. At the midpoint of the day, they said that things had fortunately been non-eventful despite the heat.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/397377104_1086970502704870_6187625293195268296_n_1086970506038203.jpg)
![This week I attended the launch of Greener for Business, a free and simple initiative aimed at helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.
The event was a joint initiative between the @[100064623765131:2048:Better Business Partnership] (@[100064283515691:2048:Ku-ring-gai Council], @[100063183940874:2048:North Sydney Council] and @[100064423134687:2048:Willoughby City Council] ) and the startup @[100063699906171:2048:Greener] (and its partners @[100064413562964:2048:Origin Energy] , National Australia Bank and the appliances retailer Winning Group).
It was encouraging to hear from a diverse range of likeminded people, each sharing ideas on how we can help businesses and the wider community meet our climate-related international obligations. Also speaking at the event was @[100076450924421:2048:Kylea Tink for North Sydney] .
For more information type “Green for Business” in any search engine.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/395514167_1083896076345646_1216291380962344986_n_1084437282958192.jpg)
![Earlier this week I visited the @[100063681105802:2048:Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra] along with Cr Simon Lennon at the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall. It was good to hear about their plans for the coming year while also forming an understanding of the benefits and space requirements of a community-run professional level orchestra. Their next performance will be at St Ives on Sunday 19th November. For more information, check out their website or social media.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/394616802_1082729556462298_459923870419440644_n_1083739929694594.jpg)
![Yesterday I was glad to attend the 12th Annual Youth Mental Health Forum. Organised by Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Ryde and Hunters Hill Council, the mental health forum is an opportunity for school students and teachers from our four LGAs to brainstorm ideas on how to support our youth through a turbulent time in life, reduce the stigma, provide accessible preventative support.
I was joined by Sarkis Yedelian - Mayor (pictured here), @[100058083487619:2048:Matt Kean MP] and @[100063626564368:2048:Nathan Tilbury - Councillor at Hornsby Shire Council]. We also had a range of providers including @[100064255852325:2048:headspace] , @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service] , @[100064520299383:2048:Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney] , @[100064617432674:2048:batyr] , @[100064600996002:2048:Taldumande Youth Services], @[100069311280553:2048:Mission Australia] , NDIS Uniting, Safe Haven NSW and Gamble Aware.
More photos to come.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/395584084_1082715266463727_5271625604615802098_n_1083097179758869.jpg)
![It's hard to find soft foods in public (as part of wisdom tooth recovery). On this occasion, I'm having a bowl of congee at @[102738275086477:274:The Cockatoo Bar & Restaurant] in Gordon.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/394613205_1082723016462952_4466748836264079048_n_1083152663086654.jpg)
![Our @[100064678122520:2048:Ku-ring-gai Library] is starting a fantastic initiative where you can borrow board games to take home and play with family and friends. It’s a great way to try out some games before deciding to buy a copy for yourself.
To launch the initiative there is a board games afternoon next Sunday 29 October. More information in the link below.
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Board-games-arvo-at-Gordon-Library
What’s your favourite board game? I’ve always liked Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/391700588_1081115343290386_6039774567719788057_n_1081115346623719.jpg)
![Come check out some of the Spring Exhibition artwork by our local artists from the @[100063597101931:2048:Ku ring gai Art Society], now on at @[100063684966751:2048:St Ives Shopping Village].](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/387844659_1074997947235459_761760721446668863_n_1074997950568792.jpg)
![I was looking for a bite to eat when I came across the new 24 hour meat vending machine at @[100061811122250:2048:CHOP Butchery] St Ives, opposite Woolworths.
Interesting concept for anyone wanting some late night ingredients.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/387146033_1072903824111538_5412817637454114015_n_1072903830778204.jpg)
![𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆
Earlier today, we joined the Korean Community in celebrating Hangul Day. Hangul is the 'Alphabet' of the Korean Language invented almost 600 years ago by King Sejong the Great. We had singing, dancing, drums, and talks celebrating the Korean culture and the opportunities we have together here for a multicultural life here in Australia.
As a person of Chinese decent, I genuinely appreciate Hangul because the alphabet is so easy to pickup (whereas Chinese is difficult to learn with over 50,000 words). It is this simple means of communication, along with its community-driven self-sufficiency and education program (called the 𝘚𝘢𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘶𝘭 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘨) which helped the Koreans develop from a struggling agricultural country back in the 1960's to the extremely advanced industrialised nation that it is today.
In Ku-ring-gai, 2.5% of our population is made up of residents of Korean decent. We welcome people of all nationalities to contribute to our multicultural society today, and look forward to further opportunities where we can share and learn from each other.
We thank the Korean Deputy Consul General Ms Deuk Shin along with the support of Ms Kim who came to support the event. We also give thanks to @[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay] , Councillor Barbara Ward, and Cr Simon Lennon for their support.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/387067339_1072976910770896_559465784804203206_n_1072976914104229.jpg)
![We stopped by at @[100064354975578:2048:St John the Evangelist Gordon] for their annual Spring Fair. We enjoyed the kids activities and games, talking to members of the community, and also won a few books as part of spin the wheel.
It was also good to bump into Cr Simon Lennon, a regular member of the church.
The people at St John’s are a friendly lot so if you live nearby it’s worth dropping in. There’s more information about their activities on the website.
https://stjohnsgordon.org.au/](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/385775365_1070897694312151_8490566555690052304_n_1070897697645484.jpg)
![𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 🏴☠️
I was glad to support our youth from the @[100063523241872:2048:Marian Street Theatre for Young People] as they performed this adaptation of a Robert Louis Stevenson classic at the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall. Additional sessions extend through the rest of the school holidays. For more information visit
https://events.humanitix.com/treasure-island](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/384812390_1068979084504012_7209329437148707412_n_1068979091170678.jpg)
![We were checking out some of the issues across Ku-ring-gai on Monday and stopped by at @[100054301399395:2048:Twenty74] at the North Turramurra shops for lunch. They have friendly service and a good range of food.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/385069333_1067941524607768_2687465591298070393_n_1068491501219437.jpg)
![Congratulations to @[100064014278769:2048:Roseville Golf Club] for 100 years. It’s a great place for the community to come together.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/385774782_1067268048008449_4244729184098978962_n_1067268058008448.jpg)
![Awesome pizza and pasta at @[100063481904587:2048:Rosso Cavallino] St Ives. The lasagne especially is the best I’ve had on the North Shore and the kids loved the gelato.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/383219988_1067298548005399_1662202597460326187_n_1067298554672065.jpg)
![This morning I was joined by Councillor Barbara Ward and @[100063481211240:2048:Councillor Martin Smith] at the @[100075642116990:2048:Turramurra Lookout Community Garden] for the grand opening of a community shelter.
It was an encouragement to meet all the volunteers and hear that the garden not only provides apartment dwellers with recreation space, but also provides them with a community network for social support.
We also witnessed the ribbon cutting of the Community Shelter funded by a State Government grant, and supported by @[1538132593142893:274:Alister Henskens MP].
For more information on the garden and opportunities to volunteer, visit
https://www.tlcgarden.org.au](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/383239987_1066631388072115_3903866641924251530_n_1066631391405448.jpg)
![This week I was honoured to be elected by Councillors to the position of Mayor with @[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay] supporting as Deputy Mayor through to September 2024. We take time to thank Cr Jeff Pettett and Cr Barbara Ward for their service as Mayor and Deputy in the last two years.
As Mayor, my aim is to collaboratively lead the Council and build on relationships with residents and with staff. I also know that each councillor genuinely cares for the community, and I believe that our diverse views will produce the best outcomes if we engage in respectful conversation.
In these 12 months we hope to deliver meaningful changes that improve your quality of life. We have commenced a customer service review which should lead to more efficient and effective responses to your queries. We are also reviewing our internal spend to identify savings which can fund infrastructure and process improvements.
The decisions that we make must benefit current and future generations, and where appropriate it is important to engage residents in the process.
I look forward to seeing you at some of the great events that Council has organised this month. With warmer weather and school holidays, there is no better time to be in Ku-ring-gai.
Mayor Sam Ngai](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/380833491_1061524265249494_2506531112333879298_n_1061524268582827.jpg)
![🎉 We had a fantastic day at Lindfield East Public School. I spent most of the time getting to know the booth volunteers, and we all got along pretty well, no unpleasantries.
It was also good to see so many people at the booth, helping to raise funds for our local school, preschool and girl guides. Thank you for your support.
Congratulations also to my friend @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross - Liberal Candidate for Davidson]. I first met him five years ago when I got onto council, and I enjoy our regular catchups at the Blood Donation centre every few months. Matt is a genuinely open relationship builder, very responsive to queries, and I hope the people of Davidson give him a chance.
Take care everyone. And as usual, if you have any questions feel free to reach out.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/338012220_239465711889767_2294364293962282095_n_943158663752722.jpg)
![𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀
Come check out the playground upgrade and support our local shops @[100089857475628:2048:Dukes Green Cafe] @[100089544795899:2048:Biga Artisan Bakery] @[100053164736197:2048:Topline Fruit East Lindfield] @[100054443083124:2048:East Lindfield Pharmacy].
We’re glad that council staff incorporated our feedback to make the playground 3x larger than its predecessor, giving it more space and a wider variety of structured and nature-based play for our children. Towards the evening, we had ~40 kids and adults enjoying the new playground.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/323632529_727952925702148_1073584078460761627_n_930778154990773.jpg)
