So council just met and voted unanimously to proceed with legal action as well as to explore different density scenarios for our four Transport Oriented Development precincts.
I understand that there are some residents concerned about the cost of legal action but let me assure you, the benefits far outweigh the cost. In the last six months alone, Ku-ring-gai has already lost tens of millions in lost infrastructure opportunities as a result of a State Government that has shown no interest in talking to us prior to making detrimental decisions.
The value destruction is extensive.
They expect us to deliver the housing – and I am certainly up for the challenge – but to cripple both infrastructure expenses and funding before imposing a SEPP is just poor form.
13 councils have been willing to engage with the State to get the best possible outcomes, but the State was only genuinely interested in working with 12.
Wishing my good friend a speedy recovery. He has been a great representative for our people, and before his time in parliament I have enjoyed my chats with him at the blood donation clinic.
In the interim, any State queries are covered by other MPs who are familiar with our local area.
Meet Zac from the team at West Pymble Pharmacy and Pymble Pharmacy . They provide walk-in flu vaccinations on most weekdays, just call up in advance to confirm his availability.
It cost me $25 but for residents over 65 it is free.
Meet Zac from the team at @[100094667931538:2048:West Pymble Pharmacy] and @[100057157492830:2048:Pymble Pharmacy] . They provide walk-in flu vaccinations on most weekdays, just call up in advance to confirm his availability.
It cost me $25 but for residents over 65 it is free.
For those familiar with ‘The Trolley Problem’ then this is my summary of the dilemma that faces all councillors tomorrow night. We do it one way and get criticised. We do it another way and also get criticised. Critics from both sides don’t understand the complexity of the situation. As for how the trolley got to where it is right now, that is a frustrating thing as well… I wish the State Government was more genuine in its intent to collaborate with Local Government. And my perspective on the matter is covered in yesterday morning’s post (photo taken in the city).
𝗡𝗼 𝗜’𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗘𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿.
I’ve been researching electric cargo bikes with the intention of taking my kids on school runs and doing other fun stuff. Bikes give you some exercise, take up a lot less space than a car, and are cheaper to run.
But they’re not THAT cheap.
This one here is a Tern GSD S10. If purchased upfront with a whole bunch of accessories it’s about $9,000. Who has that kind of money for a hobby?
I’ve actually been considering something similar at half the price. The Aventon Abound with accessories is about $4,000. I’ve seen the reviews and I reckon it’s just as good if not even better. But there’s one slight problem… it’s not street legal! It has a 750W motor but NSW legislation only allows for 500W / 25kmh motors. And even if you put a speed limiting device on the bike, the power means that it is still breaking the law. [Though I doubt a police officer would ever know your e-bike’s motor output.]
Anyway I’ve been agonizing over it. So many options to buy, all of them so overpriced or illegal, that the decision is too hard to make and I end up doing nothing. I’d rather save the money for a family holiday, or leave it in the mortgage offset account.
If I did get one, perhaps I’d earn the money back through some deliveries.
On a more serious note, I do believe that eBikes will become more common in our TOD precincts when families only have one parking spot and no ability to street park. When I walk around places like Crows Nest I already see bikes everywhere, and it’s going to be similar if we end up with 20,000 new dwellings around four train stations.
As Mayor, I’d therefore want to try one out for an extended period and understand the infrastructure implications (similar to how I was the first councillor to get an EV).
If you search for ‘electric bike hire’ there’s a few options to get a bike for the short term. One such provider is Lug+Carrie which is currently doing a half price eBike ‘trial’ in Ku-ring-gai so I’ll probably end up with them. But I’d encourage anyone interested to do the research and figure out which provider gives the best value for your personal circumstances.
𝗡𝗼 𝗜’𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗘𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿.
I’ve been researching electric cargo bikes with the intention of taking my kids on school runs and doing other fun stuff. Bikes give you some exercise, take up a lot less space than a car, and are cheaper to run.
But they’re not THAT cheap.
This one here is a Tern GSD S10. If purchased upfront with a whole bunch of accessories it’s about $9,000. Who has that kind of money for a hobby?
I’ve actually been considering something similar at half the price. The Aventon Abound with accessories is about $4,000. I’ve seen the reviews and I reckon it’s just as good if not even better. But there’s one slight problem… it’s not street legal! It has a 750W motor but NSW legislation only allows for 500W / 25kmh motors. And even if you put a speed limiting device on the bike, the power means that it is still breaking the law. [Though I doubt a police officer would ever know your e-bike’s motor output.]
Anyway I’ve been agonizing over it. So many options to buy, all of them so overpriced or illegal, that the decision is too hard to make and I end up doing nothing. I’d rather save the money for a family holiday, or leave it in the mortgage offset account.
If I did get one, perhaps I’d earn the money back through some deliveries.
On a more serious note, I do believe that eBikes will become more common in our TOD precincts when families only have one parking spot and no ability to street park. When I walk around places like Crows Nest I already see bikes everywhere, and it’s going to be similar if we end up with 20,000 new dwellings around four train stations.
As Mayor, I’d therefore want to try one out for an extended period and understand the infrastructure implications (similar to how I was the first councillor to get an EV).
If you search for ‘electric bike hire’ there’s a few options to get a bike for the short term. One such provider is @[100063454519480:2048:Lug+Carrie] which is currently doing a half price eBike ‘trial’ in Ku-ring-gai so I’ll probably end up with them. But I’d encourage anyone interested to do the research and figure out which provider gives the best value for your personal circumstances.View in Window
Of the Killara residents I met yesterday, NSW Housing Policy was the main topic but Marian Street Theatre was mentioned as well.
Council currently has an approved Development Application to renew and expand the theatre. The 2018 community-led price estimate was $10m, but an experienced quantity sureyor has priced it at $24m. This is for a 249 seat theatre, as site constraints cannot support more than that without triggering other issues.
Council currently does not have $24m of 𝘶𝘯𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 funds sitting around so residents have been keen to explore alternate funding solutions.
One idea has been to borrow money. This was a popular idea in 2021 but Australia’s cash rate has since gone up from 0.10% to a 10-year high of 4.35%. Most bank loans are 5-7%. So if council had borrowed money to build the theatre, it would have been over a million of interest alone, plus principal repayments and operating costs taking it to $2m per year.
Another idea has been to use developer contributions. This currently isn’t possible as Marian Street Theatre is not listed in Ku-ring-gai’s 2010 Contributions Plan, though the contributions plan will eventually have to be updated to reflect the dramatic changes anticipated from NSW Housing Policy. As for why Council hasn’t updated it for 14 years, it’s because the Contributions Plan was developed under a legacy system where contributions were not capped. However the modern system imposes caps to the size of each contribution, which has made it extremely difficult for other councils to raise funds to deliver much-needed infrastructure. NSW councils have been complaining about this issue for years! But Ku-ring-gai is fortunate to have established a development contributions plan just before the change in the system, and so has held onto the old plan to maximise the infrastructure we deliver for you.
The increased population will not only increase the volume of development contributions (for upfront construction costs), but also an increase in rates and fees (for covering ongoing operational costs). This may improve the viability of the theatre in the coming years.
Before the announcement of all these housing policy changes, another funding option floated has been a once off increase in rates (special rates variation) similar to what Hornsby and Willoughby have done in the last two years. In Ku-ring-gai’s case, we have had a 40% increase in operating costs in the last decade while the rates that we collect (which are pegged by the State Government) have only increased by 28%. Council can continue to identify cost efficiencies but at some point, there will be no more to squeeze out.
Yet another idea has been to sell community land to fund the theatre. But in an LGA where we are expecting the population to double, selling off community recreation space is a bit short-sighted.
There was also the option of using proceeds from the sale of the old Lindfield library site to fund the build of the new theatre – and this is an idea that I still support to this day. But with the new library delayed in its current form, it means the sale of the old library is delayed and there is a chain reaction to the timing of Marian Street Theatre.
In all of the sceanrios mentioned above, I wouldn’t expect Council to be able to fund the construction of the theatre until 2026/7. And for someone with a long-term view like myself, that’s fine. But I also understand that for Killara residents, they would prefer a shorter (but unachievable) time horizon.
I also understand that with a local government election coming up, there is already electioneering on this topic. The reality though is that all Gordon ward candidates will likely want to build the theatre, and regardless of who the community elects, each councillor will be faced by the same constraints listed above. Don’t think that by electing so-and-so, it will improve outcomes on this particualr issue. You’ll need to decide who to vote for based on other criteria.
In February, our Gordon Ward councillors moved a motion to explore a lower cost ‘open the doors’ option for the Marian Street Theatre. That report will come out in June, and will inform us of whether there is a viable lower cost way of reviving the theatre.
Thanks Bunnings Pymble for inviting KYDS Youth Development Service to run the inaugural sausage sizzle. All proceeds went to supporting young people with mental health services. You can find out more at www.kyds.org.au
Thanks @[114392424590704:274:Bunnings Pymble] for inviting @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service] to run the inaugural sausage sizzle. All proceeds went to supporting young people with mental health services. You can find out more at www.kyds.org.au
I first wrote to the Planning Minister in November requesting a meeting to discuss housing. This he arranged for mid-February and later postponed to end-February. It took over three months to get the meeting, but at least he’s more responsive than the Transport Minister (crickets).
At the February meeting I asked for 12 months to plan for our Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precincts and he said NO. He later gave other (Labor) councils extensions ranging from 9-15 months.
He also said that we’d meet again in March, but then cancelled on me.
We finally met a second time in May and once again on grounds of fairness, I asked for 12 months similar to what he had offered other councils. He said NO. I told him that some residents wanted Council to commence a legal challenge if there wasn’t time to do proper planning.
On grounds of fairness, I also asked for funding to support some of our most pressing amenity needs (public open space, which we need to secure now as it cannot be retrofit). I said if he can make it work, we’ll promote it as a win-win. But surprise surprise, he said NO.
I pointed to the TOD Part 1 (Accelerated Precincts) program which aims to provide 47,800 homes in 15 years within a 1,200m radius of eight centres such as Crows Nest, Hornsby and Macquarie Park. I said it was unfair that they were getting $520m of infrastructure funding (~$10,800 per dwelling, 6,000 dwellings per centre) when we were getting no funding for 5,000 dwellings within an area 1/9th the size. And four of these.
He stuck with the no infrastructure funding line, and told me that I was wrong… That it was 47,800 dwelling in five years, and that there would be many more homes to come. He did say, however, that if Ku-ring-gai wanted to establish an Accelerated Precinct with 1,200m of a train station, he’d be open to talking about funding.
Of course I didn’t commit to anything as that would require a decision of council. But I did tell him that he needs to update his website if the intent genuinely is 47,800 dwellings in five years, because since December it has been saying 15 years.
If Labor had been genuine in working with Ku-ring-gai, we would have had a different outcome.
𝗡𝗦𝗪 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘁
You may have read in the papers that 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁. This is not a decision that should be taken lightly, however, I believe that it is necessary in the interest of future and current residents.
The first reason is 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀. In my first meeting with the Planning Minister (over 3 months after I requested it), I asked for a 12 month extension to consult with the community and establish proper planning for the four Transport Oriented Development precincts and he said NO. Later on I find out that he has offered similar extensions to the majority of other councils, and is using Ku-ring-gai as the scapegoat. So what’s with that? It seems like the only way to get an extension is to go to court.
The second reason is 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. These TOD precincts will generate over $200 million in Housing and Productivity Contributions for the State Government, but when I asked the Planning Minister to assist us with some of our most time-sensitive / critical infrastructure needs (i.e. open space, which cannot be retrofitted) he did not commit to giving us a single cent. 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶, 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱 $𝟮𝟬𝟬𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀? Meanwhile, TOD Part 1 gets $520m of funding.
The third reason is out of respect for 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲. Now for those who have tracked my 6.5 years on council, I am not a heritage yes-man. On each occasion, whether it be a heritage conservation area or an individual heritage listing, I personally assess what’s proposed on its merits and I vote accordingly. Sometimes I vote in support of heritage listing. At other times I’ve been boo’d and scolded by residents during council meetings for voting against heritage protections on specific items that I didn’t believe met threshold. But what NSW Labor has legislated means the complete destruction of all heritage conservation areas. I do not believe it is possible to do floor space ratio 2.5:1 and height 22m while maintaining the integrity of a garden-style heritage conservation area. And many of Ku-ring-gai’s HCA’s are definitely worth fighting for.
Like the open letter before this, it is not a matter that should be taken lightly. Having said that, when there is so much at stake then I do believe it is worth taking a risk-based approach to decision making.
I do want Ku-ring-gai to provide more housing for the residents of tomorrow, but I also want it done on fair and just terms.
Yesterday we were joined by a group of Korean residents who came to learn about Australia’s three levels of government, Ku-ring-gai’s specific responsbilities and services, as well as the ways they can contribute to Ku-ring-gai’s policies and decision making. Glad to meet so many engaged residents.
I’m pleased to announce that Council has appointed our Acting General Manager David Marshall as Ku-ring-gai’s next General Manager.
During his seven months in the acting role, he has led a range of process improvements.
We conducted a customer service audit which led to improvements to our training, procedures and systems that will lead to more timely response in the coming months.
For residents concerned about the ongoing loss of tree canopy and habitat destruction, Council’s response is limited by State law but we have introduced order provisions under the EP&A Act to require replacement planting of illegally removed trees, with regular follow-ups and fines if the order is breached.
With our asset infrastructure backlog, we have identified new methods which may significantly bring down the cost of maintaining our ageing stormwater infrastrucutre…. expected savings of ~$100m over the lifetime of the assets.
We have introduced a library app and are investigating the provision of an app to cover borader council services.
We are now reviewing the Development Application process, seeing what we can do to streamline the process and improve the customer experience as a whole. Other service reviews will be announced in the coming months.
Internally, councillors are also getting better follow-up to their queries, regular activity updates, and a proactive response to regulatory change.
In particular, David has been responsive to each councillor’s concerns regarding the upcoming Transport Oriented Development and Low- and Mid-Rise Housing policy changes. His role is to proactively provide the councillors with information and options to consider, then to carry out whatever it is that Council resolves. It was also his proactivity that resulted in early resident notification in January when other councils had not yet grasped the implications.
There were other promising candidates in the selection process as well. I would have been happy to work with any of them, though was of the view that David would be the most appropriate for Ku-ring-gai at this point in time. Local Government plays a sepcial role in the community and I am encouraged at the talent that is contributing to the sector.
To celebrate the end of uni, the kids wanted Deep Fried Ice Cream so we went to SILK Dining at St Ives Shopping Village. The food is pretty amazing and generously portioned – much better than what you could get in Chatswood – and it was quite a peaceful experience on an early Monday night.
Bubs was fine with me carrying her again, so that was a bonus.
To celebrate the end of uni, the kids wanted Deep Fried Ice Cream so we went to @[100063619295866:2048:SILK Dining] at @[100063684966751:2048:St Ives Shopping Village]. The food is pretty amazing and generously portioned – much better than what you could get in Chatswood – and it was quite a peaceful experience on an early Monday night.
Bubs was fine with me carrying her again, so that was a bonus.
We have had some queries about the General Manager recruitment process so I can say the following.
A. We had the help of an independent, experienced and well-priced external recruitment firm.
B. We had a large number of job applications, including several strong candidates.
C. We had a first round of interviews last month and the final round interview will be later this week. [The candidates are all fantastic and I’d be happy to work with any of them.]
D. After the final interviews, the ten councillors will likely resolve to make an offer to one of the candidates (subject to final negotiations on duration, package, etc.).
E. We probably won’t be able to announce the new General Manager until next week. Please be patient.
The recruitment process has taken up some of my time in recent weeks, but I’ve spent a larger chunk of it on housing policy.
Initial thoughts on yesterday’s Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Part 2 provisions.
Please note that I’m talking about what’s in the legislation itself, not what’s in a media release (which is not legally binding).
https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/epi-2024-135
The 400m radius remains the same. Some would question whether it is realistic when TOD Part 1 uses a 1,200m distance.
The changes to height and floor space ratio sound gentler but in reality do not fix anything. What’s proposed is equivalent to the Lindfield IGA development with one less floor. There will still be no setback and it won’t achieve Greater Sydney’s 40% urban canopy target by 2036. The reduction in FSR will also mean that the any proposed development is less feasible, resulting in a slower rate of housing delivery.
The minimum lot width is a welcome change and will result in better outcomes for future residents.
2% minimum affordable housing target is very low. The Inner West for example has 15% in perpetuity and the Northern Beaches has targeted 10% in selected areas.
The SEPP itself is silent on heritage, and there are some provisions which might suggest the heritage conservation areas are still under threat. Further clarification is required.
It is also unclear whether a subsequent council-led change to the Local Environment Plan could result in the removal of the SEPP. What was proposed in December suggested that this was an option, but the SEPP that was gazetted yesterday does not provide for this. I will ask the Minister on Thursday.
I expect the state to raise $1.5Bn of Housing and Productivity Contributions from these developments in 37 precincts, but nothing has been committed to improving local infrastructure. This is different to Part 1 where $520m was committed for critical road upgrades, active transport links and public open spaces (approx. $10,800 per dwelling). I will be asking the Minister on Thursday re: infrastructure support.
I’m aware that the Department of Planning’s website has been updated with slightly watered down TOD parameters. But the SEPP has not yet been gazetted and I don’t have access to the final words.
I won’t be making any comment until I see the legislation.
Come get your lemonade and herbs. 1 Edmund Street West Lindfield.
All proceeds go to our entrepreneurial kids.
Person who spends the most gets a Pokémon card.
Final assignment handed in for my final course at uni (Development and Planning Law).
In the last few days, our baby has started to cry whenever anyone other than mum picks her up. I know I’ve been away a while, but I need to somehow get her used to me again.
This month I’ve had six uni students approach me with interview requests regarding the Transport Oriented Development Program. They are aspiring journalists or legal practitioners, and I wish them all the best with their assignments and future careers. I’ve got an assignment due this Sunday as well, and fortunately it’s on the same topic. There’s a few citizenship and ANZAC ceremonies to attend also, so it will be a busy week.
Another day of work while the kids are having school holiday fun. Enjoying the fresh air though!
The ACT is a really beautiful place and since 2020 their electricity has come from 100% renewable sources. Having said that their ecological footprint was estimated at 9x their land size, in other words, there’s much further to go before they are considered self sustainable.
Early morning bike ride. Great to see others up and early as well.. I notice so much more about a suburb when travelling by foot or bike (rather than car).
For years I thought the light rail project was a waste of money because buses had more flexibility in taking people from Point A to Point B, and I’m sure the project was hugely disruptive to local businesses. But now that it’s all done, I think the outcome isn’t too bad either. The footpaths have been widened and it encourages more pedestrian traffic in the local area.
In the future, perhaps such projects can be implemented without such a significant cost. I’m thinking trackless trams and autonomous buses.
I was also reminiscing the days when I used to work on George Street. At that time, you could take eight trips in a week on your Opal card to unlock free travel. Every few hours on a Monday or Tuesday, I’d go out for a walk and catch the bus one stop as it’s cheaper to ride one stop than to pay for Killara Wynyard. I’d have free travel unlocked before my Tuesday trip home. Those days sadly did not last when they changed the rules, and the annual cost of going to work jumped up hundreds of dollars.
For years I thought the light rail project was a waste of money because buses had more flexibility in taking people from Point A to Point B, and I’m sure the project was hugely disruptive to local businesses. But now that it’s all done, I think the outcome isn’t too bad either. The footpaths have been widened and it encourages more pedestrian traffic in the local area.
In the future, perhaps such projects can be implemented without such a significant cost. I’m thinking trackless trams and autonomous buses.
I was also reminiscing the days when I used to work on George Street. At that time, you could take eight trips in a week on your Opal card to unlock free travel. Every few hours on a Monday or Tuesday, I’d go out for a walk and catch the bus one stop as it’s cheaper to ride one stop than to pay for Killara Wynyard. I’d have free travel unlocked before my Tuesday trip home. Those days sadly did not last when they changed the rules, and the annual cost of going to work jumped up hundreds of dollars.
Meet Jack. He is a street vendor for The Big Issue Australia and I was particularly drawn to the Bluey edition, which narrates the rise of Australia’s favourite kids show.
This week’s edition also covers the challenges of Youth Homelessness, with over 28,000 young people aged 12 to 24 who do not have a home to live and face structural and financial challenges with accessing community housing.
There’s also an article on residents who commit their lives to saving local wildlife such as grey-headed flying foxes, lapwings, bare-nosed wombats, ducks and eastern grey kangaroos.
You can get your copy from vendors like Jack across the Sydney CBD. This photo was taken right outside Wynyard on George Street.
Earlier this week the North Shore Times reported a Planning Proposal for a 15 storey development at 345 Pacific Highway Lindfield which caused a stir. If approved, it will have implications for increasing housing supply, setting a new precedent of heights in the suburb, and also traffic implications. The developer has rejected Council’s suggestion of widening the Pacific Highway southbound bottleneck from 2 lanes (effective) to 3 lanes, matching the 3 lanes present at the rest of the highway. Details below.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲?
Council’s Local Environment Plan (LEP) zones this land as E1 Local Centre. 2,665 sqm of land with allowed heights of 11.5m (3 storeys) and floor space ratio of 1:1 (i.e. 2,665 sqm of floor space).
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 (𝗧𝗢𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗣𝗣)?
As the site is within 400m of Lindfield Station, which is a future TODD site, the owners will be allowed to build at a height of 21m (6-7 storeys) with floor space ratio of 3:1 (i.e. 7,995 sqm).
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹?
It is a proposal, typically initiated by a land owner, to change the properties of an existing LEP. In this case, the owner wants to build taller than the 3 storeys and 2,665 sqm of floor space that is currently allowed.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸?
An increase of the height from 11.5m to 55m (15 storeys).
An increase of the floor space ratio from 1:1 to 4.5:1 (11,992.5 sqm).
𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹?
No, it has been initiated by the land owner.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱?
A range of reasons were provided including
Proximity to the railway station, multiple bus services, and the highway. The absence of environmental constraints such as bushfire or flooding hazards.
Minimal impact on neighbouring properties due to being an ‘island’ site.
Consistency with various State, Regional and Local planning objectives.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱?
From what I understand, the Planning Proposal is going through two separate and parallel pathways.
The conventional path has council officers assessing the proposal. Once assessed, it will go to an independent planning panel (in this case the Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel) in May before going to a Council vote in June. If Council supports the proposal, then it will go to the Department of Planning for a ‘Gateway Determination’. If Council does not support, then it will follow an alternate path (which has already been triggered).
The alternate path which is happening in parallel is that the owner has requested a ‘Rezoning Review’ which means that an independent planning panel (in this case, probably the Sydney North Planning Panel) will review the matter before it goes to the Department of Planning for a ‘Gateway Determination’. It’s too early to tell how long it will take the independent panel to assess the matter, but Q2 or Q3 2024 may be a reasonable estimate.
In either case, if it reaches Gateway Determination then there will be some further assessments and public exhibition of what’s proposed before a final decision is made. Depending on what exactly happens, the decision maker may be the council, or a planning panel, or even the Minister of Planning. It is too early to tell which path will be taken.
𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱?
I don’t know. But there has been a history of planning proposals rejected by Council but subsequently approved by an alternate pathway.
𝗜𝗳 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?
It may provide for more housing near the town centre. Each person has their own interpretation over whether this is good or bad.
It may set a precedent for building heights and floor space ratios elsewhere in the suburb.
I caught the train to work from Turramurra yesterday and had a quick walk through Cameron Park.
Cameron Park was formed by acquiring four adjacent residential blocks to expand an existing council park. Its size is now over 5,400 sqm and it provides a range of recreation options for current and future residents who live in homes without a backyard.
With adequate planning and time to buildup funds, Council hopes to provide open space options to all Ku-ring-gai residents, however this has become more difficult in recent months with significantly increased land values under State Housing Policy. I’ve asked for funding to support the provision of amenities to support the policy, but to date we have not received a single cent.
📰 Publishing an open letter in national, metropolitan and local news publications to address Council’s concerns about the impacts of State Housing Policies
Each year Council runs a community grants program for equipment, outreach services and cultural activities.
One of last year’s recipients was St Swithun’s Anglican Church Pymble who used the funds to purchase gym / exercise equipment. It was good to see it put to good use and freely available to the public.
On Saturday I was invited to join the Turramurra Trotters as they celebrated their 50th Anniversary.
This group was initially setup by residents to train for the City2Surf and it remains a key objective, but it has also been a great channel for community connection. On their records have been 1,970 participants and over 71,000 times recorded. They now offer different running / walking / cycling groups to cater for everyone.
The group meets at 6:30am on Saturdays near Kiplings, and they tend to have coffee afterwards. I joined the walking group and had a great chat with local residents while also enjoying the scenes of Turramurra.
What’s your favourite TV show? I like to watch ‘Nailed It!’ on Netflix with the kids. In this show, amateur bakers are asked to replicate masterpieces in a compressed period of time, and with the promise of winning $10,000. It’s a great example of what happens when something is rushed, poorly planned, and without the right person for the job. Other examples in the link below. https://people.com/food/best-baking-fails-netflix-nailed-it/
I understand that there has been a lot of media activity today regarding the TOD SEPP. My view is that the message portrayed to date is not entirely accurate and will clarify this by way of media release later today.
In short, the minister says that 6 months is a reasonable timeframe to conduct studies, bypass community consultation, establish a plan without a target for the LMRH SEPP, and get an LEP approved.
The mayor said that 12-18 months is a more realistic timeframe to consult the community with targets, plan for good outcomes, and that funding is required to make it happen.
For the last five weeks I have personally been waiting for Minister Scully to further engage but he has not. Now it is clear why; he wants to portray the message that we have not collaborated on the process when in reality he has not been engaging on reasonable terms.
This week a European Court ruled that the Swiss Government had failed to take enough climate action, thus putting senior citizens at risk of dying during heatwaves.
This sounds hectic but Climate Litigation doesn’t happen in Europe alone.
Last decade a court blocked a coal mine near Newcastle due to climate change impacts not being in the public interest.
More recently, eight children fought against the government and blocked a coal mine extension on the basis of duty of care and climate change impacts.
I know some residents are concerned about the future, but it’s not practical to take everyone to court. So I’ll suggest three easy ways for residents to play their part.
First, most energy retailers provide the option to purchase 100% renewable energy so this is something for you to consider.
Second, many super funds offer an ethical investment option to give you confidence that your money is going towards a good cause. You should speak with a financial advisor if you want to investigate that option.
Finally, meat production is a carbon intensive activity so you should think about how much meat you consume. While I haven’t gone totally vegetarian, I do choose to eat less meat to reduce my personal footprint.
Hope those tips help, and feel free to leave your comments below.
Today’s theme has been the Scouts movement and its influence on leaders in formative years. Here’s pictures of when I first became a Cub Scout. For many migrant families, academic achievement is perceived as a means of success in a new country and that was the focus of my life, however, the Scout movement was also a great way to hang out with local kids, develop practical skills and character, and form a greater appreciation of our natural environment.
Last week I learnt that Dick Smith was a former Roseville Chase resident and member of 1st East Roseville Scouts.
During his formative years a Rover Adviser Tony Balthasar created opportunities for Dick and left a real impression, contributing to the person he is today. After Tony’s passing, Dick setup a fund for the Balthasar Award which has given similar opportunities for 27 other Rovers.
We listened to its final recipient, William Wade, as he shared about his cave diving course and expedition to Mexico.
Matt Cross – Member for Davidson also gave a speech of support, and it was a good night all round.
Last week I learnt that @[100064908991835:2048:Dick Smith] was a former Roseville Chase resident and member of 1st East Roseville Scouts.
During his formative years a Rover Adviser Tony Balthasar created opportunities for Dick and left a real impression, contributing to the person he is today. After Tony’s passing, Dick setup a fund for the Balthasar Award which has given similar opportunities for 27 other Rovers.
We listened to its final recipient, William Wade, as he shared about his cave diving course and expedition to Mexico.
@[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross – Member for Davidson] also gave a speech of support, and it was a good night all round.
It’s amazing what Mayors are asked to do. Yesterday, I was given “nine bags of weed as evidence” of invasive growth on Tryon Road, Lindfield. The concerned resident even labelled each type of weed. Asparagus Fern, Clover, Dandelion, Ivy, Madeira Vine, Okra, Onion Weed, Turkey Rhubarb, and ‘Various’. p.s. I didn’t open the bags, and handed all nine over to a council officer.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest we forget
If anyone would like to add to this Ku-ring-gai list, let me know and I’ll update the image.
When I want a pothole fixed, I usually email council staff and it’s done within days. But this time I tried reporting via the council website to see if ordinary requests get the same treatment, and I was pleasantly surprised by the result! I reported two holes (Killara and Roseville) on the weekend and both were fixed by Monday afternoon! 😊😊😊
The process of reporting via the website wasn’t completely smooth. It was a bit clunky and embarrassing to be honest and I think there’s scope to improve the user experience. I’ll pass the feedback onto the website team, and I’ll also share a video this afternoon to show you how easy (or hard) it was for me to do it from start to finish.
I’m keen to improve the user experience of Council’s systems, phonelines, and processes so if you ever have any constructive feedback feel free to reach out to me.
When I want a pothole fixed, I usually email council staff and it’s done within days. But this time I tried reporting via the council website to see if ordinary requests get the same treatment, and I was pleasantly surprised by the result! I reported two holes (Killara and Roseville) on the weekend and both were fixed by Monday afternoon! 😊😊😊
The process of reporting via the website wasn’t completely smooth. It was a bit clunky and embarrassing to be honest and I think there’s scope to improve the user experience. I’ll pass the feedback onto the website team, and I’ll also share a video this afternoon to show you how easy (or hard) it was for me to do it from start to finish.
I’m keen to improve the user experience of Council’s systems, phonelines, and processes so if you ever have any constructive feedback feel free to reach out to me.
When I want a pothole fixed, I usually email council staff and it’s done within days. But this time I tried reporting via the council website to see if ordinary requests get the same treatment, and I was pleasantly surprised by the result! I reported two holes (Killara and Roseville) on the weekend and both were fixed by Monday afternoon! 😊😊😊
The process of reporting via the website wasn’t completely smooth. It was a bit clunky and embarrassing to be honest and I think there’s scope to improve the user experience. I’ll pass the feedback onto the website team, and I’ll also share a video this afternoon to show you how easy (or hard) it was for me to do it from start to finish.
I’m keen to improve the user experience of Council’s systems, phonelines, and processes so if you ever have any constructive feedback feel free to reach out to me.
When I want a pothole fixed, I usually email council staff and it’s done within days. But this time I tried reporting via the council website to see if ordinary requests get the same treatment, and I was pleasantly surprised by the result! I reported two holes (Killara and Roseville) on the weekend and both were fixed by Monday afternoon! 😊😊😊
The process of reporting via the website wasn’t completely smooth. It was a bit clunky and embarrassing to be honest and I think there’s scope to improve the user experience. I’ll pass the feedback onto the website team, and I’ll also share a video this afternoon to show you how easy (or hard) it was for me to do it from start to finish.
I’m keen to improve the user experience of Council’s systems, phonelines, and processes so if you ever have any constructive feedback feel free to reach out to me.
Gordon Creek is usually just a trickle but on Saturday midday, a few hours after the rain stopped, I joined my reptilian friend in watching a robust stream pass through. The stream was fed by runoff from stormwater systems, overland flow, and underground seepage as it made its way downhill. With the State Government’s future Transport Oriented Development, we will see more hard surfaces directly connected to stormwater and less soft landscaping (trees, bush, grass) to absorb and hold back the rain. This in turn will mean that water will get released into our creeks and rivers at a much faster rate, causing greater flooding and erosion.
Yesterday I was keen to check out Vertical Espresso in South Turramurra.
Table order was via QR code and online payment. The food was fantastic and the place was packed.
I suspect part of the busyness was due to the power outage which affected most of South Turramurra. People gotta eat.
Yesterday I was keen to check out @[100063542174747:2048:Vertical Espresso] in South Turramurra.
Table order was via QR code and online payment. The food was fantastic and the place was packed.
I suspect part of the busyness was due to the power outage which affected most of South Turramurra. People gotta eat.
🏐 Visited Canoon Road on the opening day of Netball. Usually I turn up and have tea, but this time was more hands on.
⚡️ Because of the local power outage, the electronic locks to the toilets and change rooms were not functioning and I had to ask council staff to come with a key, which they did within an hour.
📦 We also talked about the storage situation (currently a container) and ideas for how to improve it going forward.
There are over 3,000 households in Ku-ring-gai without power right now. If you want to know the estimated time for power restoration, visit the Ausgrid website. https://www.ausgrid.com.au/Outages/Current-Outages
Yesterday I visited the Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney Lindfield Book Depot where residents drop off their books and a team of volunteers sorts through them for resale.
The work of these volunteers goes towards funding crisis support, suicide prevention, support groups, counselling and emergency relief. By giving these books a second (or fifth) life, they are also promoting re-use and reducing the waste that otherwise would go to pulp or landfill.
If you want to support the cause, you can buy a selection of second hand books at their store at 328 Pacific Highway Lindfield or you can wait til they have their big book fair held 18-21 July at Knox Grammar School.
For more information, visit their website.
https://lifelineh2hsydney.org.au
Yesterday I visited the @[100064520299383:2048:Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney] Lindfield Book Depot where residents drop off their books and a team of volunteers sorts through them for resale.
The work of these volunteers goes towards funding crisis support, suicide prevention, support groups, counselling and emergency relief. By giving these books a second (or fifth) life, they are also promoting re-use and reducing the waste that otherwise would go to pulp or landfill.
If you want to support the cause, you can buy a selection of second hand books at their store at 328 Pacific Highway Lindfield or you can wait til they have their big book fair held 18-21 July at Knox Grammar School.
For more information, visit their website.
https://lifelineh2hsydney.org.au
Quiet week, had the chance to make my 25th blood donation.
I’d encourage everyone to give it a go.
@Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
Quiet week, had the chance to make my 25th blood donation.
I’d encourage everyone to give it a go.
@@[100064597483307:2048:Australian Red Cross Lifeblood]
The developers encircled, and this person said NO!
This isn’t an April Fools’ joke, it’s happening in Sydney as we speak.
The real joke is the 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 of the Transport Oriented Development SEPP.
To deliver 1.2 million homes in 5 years, Australia is initially bottlenecked not by supply but by construction capacity. We need a 30-50% increase in construction workers to make it happen. But they have not planned for this increase.
I’m fully supportive of providing more homes near transport hubs, but it needs to be a carefully planned approach which involves community consultation.
The State Government’s proposal of rushing a SEPP in 4 months does not meet community expectations. Given our construction bottlenecks, a responsible approach would be to allow councils 18-24 months to properly plan for where the density should go, as well as the infrastructure and amenities to support.
I want to provide the future residents of NSW with a great place to live. But jamming in homes then retrofitting amenities and infrastructure does not give future residents what they deserve.
Happy April Fools’ Day.
The developers encircled, and this person said NO!
This isn’t an April Fools’ joke, it’s happening in Sydney as we speak.
The real joke is the 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 of the Transport Oriented Development SEPP.
To deliver 1.2 million homes in 5 years, Australia is initially bottlenecked not by supply but by construction capacity. We need a 30-50% increase in construction workers to make it happen. But they have not planned for this increase.
I’m fully supportive of providing more homes near transport hubs, but it needs to be a carefully planned approach which involves community consultation.
The State Government’s proposal of rushing a SEPP in 4 months does not meet community expectations. Given our construction bottlenecks, a responsible approach would be to allow councils 18-24 months to properly plan for where the density should go, as well as the infrastructure and amenities to support.
I want to provide the future residents of NSW with a great place to live. But jamming in homes then retrofitting amenities and infrastructure does not give future residents what they deserve.
Happy April Fools’ Day.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
– 1 Peter 3:18
This Easter I was invited to an 8am service at Corpus Christi Catholic Church followed by 11am at my own church St Barnabas Anglican Church East Roseville.
Both churches celebrated Jesus’ death and resurrection, and what it means for us today.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
– 1 Peter 3:18
This Easter I was invited to an 8am service at @[100068667876782:2048:Corpus Christi Catholic Church] followed by 11am at my own church @[100064383624077:2048:St Barnabas Anglican Church East Roseville].
Both churches celebrated Jesus’ death and resurrection, and what it means for us today.
🇦🇺This month we welcomed 162 new citizens from 29 countries to our LGA. It’s always good to see the smile on their faces!
Special thanks go to:
– the Ku-ring-gai Ranger Guides for their involvement
– guest speaker Kevin Hao (Youth Citizen of the Year) for encouraging our residents to participate in volunteering
– Matt Cross – Member for Davidson for his welcome speech, and
– Cr Barbara Ward for leading the affirmation.
On 7 August 2023 I shared that Roseville Park Oval will be undergoing extensive irrigation and fencing upgrades over an eight month period.
Yesterday on 28 March 2024 I watched as our team removed the construction fencing to unveil the improved surface.
So it took just under 8 months and was within expectations. A real win for local recreation.
I might see you there for the Lindfield Fun Run on 19 May!
But it’s not always good news. The Norman Griffith Oval is facing delays due to ground conditions and inclement weather, and we are now expecting completion around July 2024 subject to favourable weather.
This week over 100 residents registered for our first ever Tree Forum to hear what Ku-ring-gai is doing to protect its trees, ask questions, and contribute their own ideas.
👮Council spoke about its plans to increase tree compliance officer activity supported by a 24/7 hotline. The jobs are currently being advertised for anyone interested.
🌲Council also spoke about the recent introduction of Tree Replacement Orders which require landowners to plant replacement trees for illegal activity, with regular followups and fines for non-compliance. The Tree Replacement Order is tied to the land rather than the owner, so future land owners are also required to follow the order until the tree reaches maturity.
🎄Council covered other initiatives such as our urban forest strategy, tree inventory and planting analysis, community nursery, street tree planting pilot, tree tag project, smart schools and comms.
⚖️Council explained that much of what we can do (nature of investigation, size of fines, effectiveness of court orders) is constrained by State law.
Thanks everyone for your role in this process.
For further information, refer to the video and slide pack.
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-and-media/Latest-news/Tree-Forum-success
This week over 100 residents registered for our first ever Tree Forum to hear what Ku-ring-gai is doing to protect its trees, ask questions, and contribute their own ideas.
👮Council spoke about its plans to increase tree compliance officer activity supported by a 24/7 hotline. The jobs are currently being advertised for anyone interested.
🌲Council also spoke about the recent introduction of Tree Replacement Orders which require landowners to plant replacement trees for illegal activity, with regular followups and fines for non-compliance. The Tree Replacement Order is tied to the land rather than the owner, so future land owners are also required to follow the order until the tree reaches maturity.
🎄Council covered other initiatives such as our urban forest strategy, tree inventory and planting analysis, community nursery, street tree planting pilot, tree tag project, smart schools and comms.
⚖️Council explained that much of what we can do (nature of investigation, size of fines, effectiveness of court orders) is constrained by State law.
Thanks everyone for your role in this process.
For further information, refer to the video and slide pack.
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-and-media/Latest-news/Tree-Forum-success
Last week I visited St Ives Park Public School for National Ride2School Day. Families were encouraged to ride to school instead of drive, and the kids were keen to show off their bikes and scooters.
The event aims to demonstrate that active transport is fun, healthy, and good for the environment.
Last week I visited @[100063606878717:2048:St Ives Park Public School] for National Ride2School Day. Families were encouraged to ride to school instead of drive, and the kids were keen to show off their bikes and scooters.
The event aims to demonstrate that active transport is fun, healthy, and good for the environment.
Earlier this month we received an email from a resident who was concerned about a really ugly electronic advertising sign that council had supposedly approved next to a heritage conservation area.
I went to look and yes, there was an advertising sign but it wasn’t a council approved one. It’s an EV charger installed on Transport for NSW land for the purpose of providing residents with “access to a free fast charging session every 24 hours”. And because it’s transport infrastructure on transport land, it bypasses all council approvals.
I decided to try it out today and learnt the following.
🤣They spent so much time trying to optimise the location of the advertising sign (charging unit) that they didn’t think about the user experience. The parking spot is difficult to get into, plus the cable is so short that it doesn’t reach the rear charging port for vehicles like my MG4 or Tesla Model 3. I hear that the charging provider has realised this issue and will be replacing the cable with a longer one in the coming weeks.
⚡️It’s meant to be free, and when I signed up to the app it says that the first 7kw is free. But when it came to actually trying to charge there was no free option selectable. It’s $0.49/kw and $1/min for idle fee.
I don’t think they will reverse the installation. But once they fix the teething issues, it might be worth considering if you want a mini top-up.
We’d love you to join us and explore the meaning of Easter at St Barnabas Anglican Church East Roseville.
Church services are Friday 29 March 10am and Sunday 31 March 9am and 11am. A kids program (which I’m involved with) is also available at the 10am and 11am services.
Hope to see you there and if you plan to come, drop me a message so that we can catch up before or after.
We’d love you to join us and explore the meaning of Easter at @[100064383624077:2048:St Barnabas Anglican Church East Roseville].
Church services are Friday 29 March 10am and Sunday 31 March 9am and 11am. A kids program (which I’m involved with) is also available at the 10am and 11am services.
Hope to see you there and if you plan to come, drop me a message so that we can catch up before or after.
To celebrate Easter I’m giving away these Easter Eggs.
To enter, email me with your guess of how many eggs there are, along with comments on what you love and would like to see improved in Ku-ring-gai.
This morning at Acron Oval we welcome 850 participants in the Bare Creek Trail Run. We have 43% of participants from outside the LGA and it’s a fantastic opportunity to check out the beautiful trails in Ku-ring-gai.
I had the joy of ringing the cowbell for the 20km and 12km runs.
This morning at Acron Oval we welcome 850 participants in the @[100063775322592:2048:Bare Creek Trail Run]. We have 43% of participants from outside the LGA and it’s a fantastic opportunity to check out the beautiful trails in Ku-ring-gai.
I had the joy of ringing the cowbell for the 20km and 12km runs.
This morning we had the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic with 2,500 riders, organised by local Rotary clubs and raising funds for Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney , KYDS Youth Development Service , Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter , Mentoring Men, Hornsby Connect and other local charities.
Events like this could not be organised without the help of volunteers and I thank the 450 who helped out today.
I normally volunteer as a marshall at these events, directing cyclists on which direction to ride next But this time as Mayor I decided to visit the oval where cyclists hang out before and after. I popped by at the Loving Living Ku-ring-gai stand with Cr Barbara Ward and made a smoothie with cycle power. I visited the Triple H 100.1 FM and Radio Northern Beaches booth to have a chat on the radio. And I tried out an electric cargo bike… more on that in a subsequent post.
Kuring-gai Rotary Ku-ring-gai Rotary Community Network Rotary Club of St Ives, NSW – District 9685 Rotary Club of Turramurra Rotary Club of Wahroonga Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches
Nice to have a quiet space in the St Ives Library while waiting for family to do a few things. Nice array of Easter books on offer (though it’s more about eggs, bunnies and chickens rather than Jesus bringing new life).
I was recently invited to guest speak at Barra Brui Probus Club where I spoke 45 mins on:
🏡 the National Housing Accord and its target of delivering 1.2 million well located homes in 5 years
🎯 the achievability of NSW’s share of 377,000 homes by 2029
📄 key provisions of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act including strategic planning, LEPs, DCPs, SEPPs, and infrastructure contributions
🏃♀️ the implications of uplifting Ku-ring-gai’s dwellings from 46,000 to 100,000+ without any commitment for planning or infrastructure funding
We then opened up for Q&A where residents shared their concerns about the impacts on congestion, parking, amenities, and general quality of life.
I said that I hoped council will proceed with establishing an alternate LEP / DCP that better addresses liveability and diverse dwellings without taking the one-size-fits-all approach.
I was complimented for speaking without notes and not having any grey hair. But by the time these housing policies are implemented, I will probably have a few!
This evening I’m attending Ku-ring-gai’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee as an observer.
Of particular interest this quarter are two audits on 🤵♀️ Customer Service and 🌲Tree Management, where opportunities were identified to improve our service delivery. I look forward to seeing the benefits flow to you as ratepayers.
This evening I’m attending Ku-ring-gai’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee as an observer.
Of particular interest this quarter are two audits on 🤵♀️ Customer Service and 🌲Tree Management, where opportunities were identified to improve our service delivery. I look forward to seeing the benefits flow to you as ratepayers.
At Ku-ring-gai Library you can borrow up to 50 items at a time, and with renewals you can hold most items for almost three months.
We returned 18 books last week. They were getting heavy!
At @[100064678122520:2048:Ku-ring-gai Library] you can borrow up to 50 items at a time, and with renewals you can hold most items for almost three months.
We returned 18 books last week. They were getting heavy!
☘️☘️☘️Good luck to the kids from Cox Academy of Irish Dance as they head off to Glasgow for the Irish Dancing world championships.
I was joined by Cr Simon Lennon and Councillor Alec Taylor to watch their performance at Anglicare Gordon Quarter earlier this week.
☘️☘️☘️Good luck to the kids from @[100063753515008:2048:Cox Academy of Irish Dance] as they head off to Glasgow for the Irish Dancing world championships.
I was joined by Cr Simon Lennon and @[100075918232069:2048:Councillor Alec Taylor] to watch their performance at Anglicare Gordon Quarter earlier this week.
Happy to attend the grand opening of Little Gumnuts Early Learning Group in West Pymble. This family business has substantially improved the interior of the building and the centre has the best outdoor playspace that I’ve seen in Ku-ring-gai.
Local residents looking for a 7:30am-6pm option for their 2+ year olds should give this place a visit, particularly if their children don’t have regular access to a backyard. I was very jelly as I wished my kids had this when growing up.
Because of COVID ripping through our household, I had to attend the quarterly NSROC meeting of Northern Sydney councils online. The focus of this quarter’s meeting was on waste recycling and transfer as well as support for urban canopies. Also discussed was the impact of the Rozelle Interchange on traffic in Ryde / Hunters Hill / Lane Cove, as well as a brief update on the State Government’s Housing Policies.
I’ll be holed up for a while, although appreciate that there’s more flexibility these days with outdoor exercise, etc.
Glad to join local residents and Rotary Club of Wahroonga at today’s Clean Up Australia event.
I had a good time talking to a local resident Phil, and it’s amazing how much rubbish there is when you look for it… especially at the village carpark!
Glad to join local residents and @[100064675150272:2048:Rotary Club of Wahroonga] at today’s @[100064705539354:2048:Clean Up Australia] event.
I had a good time talking to a local resident Phil, and it’s amazing how much rubbish there is when you look for it… especially at the village carpark!
For the next 3 weeks the Grace Cossington Smith Gallery is exhibiting the HSC artworks of students from the Upper North Shore.
The schools include: Abbotsleigh Asquith Boys’ High School, Asquith Girls’ High School, Barker College Brigidine College St Ives Cheltenham Girls’ High, Cherrybrook Technology High School, Hornsby Girls’ High School, Killara High School Knox Grammar School Loreto Normanhurst, Masada College Normanhurst Boys’ High School, Northolm Grammar School, Pymble Ladies’ College Ravenswood School for Girls – Official Site St. Ives High School St Leo’s Catholic College and Turramurra High School.
I enjoyed meeting the students and parents at this weekend’s opening day.
The gallery is open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm until 23 March 2024.
For the next 3 weeks the @[100063453438185:2048:Grace Cossington Smith Gallery] is exhibiting the HSC artworks of students from the Upper North Shore.
The schools include: @[100063700954501:2048:Abbotsleigh] Asquith Boys’ High School, Asquith Girls’ High School, @[100064001411105:2048:Barker College] @[100064030569835:2048:Brigidine College St Ives] Cheltenham Girls’ High, Cherrybrook Technology High School, Hornsby Girls’ High School, @[100042421646674:2048:Killara High School] @[100063701513330:2048:Knox Grammar School] Loreto Normanhurst, @[100064109882425:2048:Masada College] Normanhurst Boys’ High School, Northolm Grammar School, @[100064290420673:2048:Pymble Ladies’ College] @[100063456553855:2048:Ravenswood School for Girls – Official Site] @[107905552563501:274:St. Ives High School] St Leo’s Catholic College and @[100054222200512:2048:Turramurra High School].
I enjoyed meeting the students and parents at this weekend’s opening day.
The gallery is open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm until 23 March 2024.
🔥We agonised for two years on whether to replace our gas cooktop and oven. We didn’t like the idea of throwing it out because of all the embedded energy, however the oven no longer worked properly and gas apparently has health impacts in an indoor environment.
⚡The transition to induction cooktop was amazing!!! The cooktop heats things so quickly, it’s faster to boil water on the cooktop than to use an electric kettle. It’s easy to specify the exact amount of power that we want, the cooktop is easy to clean, and no accidental burns. We’ve really benefitted form the induction cooktop and wish we had made the transition earlier.
🗓️If you’re interested to find out more, our council has a webinar on Switching to Induction Cooking on 13th March at 12pm. For more info visit
https://www.facebook.com/events/664389969046472/
🧑🍳If you prefer something hands on rather than online, feel free to contact me and we can arrange to cook a meal together.
Loving Living Ku-ring-gai
🔥We agonised for two years on whether to replace our gas cooktop and oven. We didn’t like the idea of throwing it out because of all the embedded energy, however the oven no longer worked properly and gas apparently has health impacts in an indoor environment.
⚡The transition to induction cooktop was amazing!!! The cooktop heats things so quickly, it’s faster to boil water on the cooktop than to use an electric kettle. It’s easy to specify the exact amount of power that we want, the cooktop is easy to clean, and no accidental burns. We’ve really benefitted form the induction cooktop and wish we had made the transition earlier.
🗓️If you’re interested to find out more, our council has a webinar on Switching to Induction Cooking on 13th March at 12pm. For more info visit
https://www.facebook.com/events/664389969046472/
🧑🍳If you prefer something hands on rather than online, feel free to contact me and we can arrange to cook a meal together.
@[100064452052016:2048:Loving Living Ku-ring-gai]
We’ve recycled 123 containers per resident in the last six years through the return and earn scheme.
I remember when the scheme first started, I travelled to Marrickville to check out one of the machines but now we have five options in Ku-ring-gai
⚙️ St Ives Shopping Village
⚙️ Turramurra Coles Carpark
⚙️ Roseville Chase Shops
👩🍳 Gordon Fish & Chips
🍾 Porter’s Liquor Wahroonga
For more info, visit
https://returnandearn.org.au/map/
We’ve recycled 123 containers per resident in the last six years through the return and earn scheme.
I remember when the scheme first started, I travelled to Marrickville to check out one of the machines but now we have five options in Ku-ring-gai
⚙️ @[100063684966751:2048:St Ives Shopping Village]
⚙️ Turramurra Coles Carpark
⚙️ Roseville Chase Shops
👩🍳 Gordon Fish & Chips
🍾 @[100040790266630:2048:Porter’s Liquor Wahroonga]
For more info, visit
https://returnandearn.org.au/map/
🔥🔥🔥Excited to get my limited edition Charizard EBWorld membership card today!
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is also coming out tomorrow, and the kids are keen to see me play more of “the Cloud Game”. Curious to see if Aerith will escape her fate.
🔥🔥🔥Excited to get my limited edition Charizard EBWorld membership card today!
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is also coming out tomorrow, and the kids are keen to see me play more of “the Cloud Game”. Curious to see if Aerith will escape her fate.
🐱🐱🐱Ku-ring-gai recently ran a competition to encourage people to keep pets safe indoors. Here are the winners.
Tamara, West Pymble
Lauren, Roseville
Maegen, Roseville
Justin, Lindfield
Allison, Gordon
Ben, Lindfield
Rebecca, West Pymble
Catherine, Gordon
Helen, St Ives
Carole, Wahroonga
Today I visited Woolloomooloo which in the 70’s was at the heart of major union confrontations seeking to protect their homes against inappropriate development.
Through the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) and the Green Bans movement, strikes were organised against developers who were seeking to build skyscrapers at Woolloomooloo, The Rocks, Leichhardt, Hunters Hill, the Botanical Gardens and other parklands which were considered trash in the past but are now treasured for their heritage values today (and major tourist hotspots).
Some places like Woolloomooloo did not entirely escape development. There were politicians, developers, police, thugs, media all working together against the workers who squatted and refused to leave their homes. A much loved newspaper owner Juanita Nelson was murdered. And eventually the $$$ won out.
The mural behind me depicts local workers and resident action groups protesting to “Support BLF Green Bans” and “Demand Homes for Public Need, Stop Highrise for Private Greed”.
The Liberals eventually lost office and the new Labor Government introduced the Heritage Act 1977 as well as the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. These laws introduced heritage conservation, community consultation, development controls, and a planning assessment process where environmental considerations were given weight.
Ironically, these principles are ones that appear to be going out the window fifty years on under a different Labor government.
Today I visited Woolloomooloo which in the 70’s was at the heart of major union confrontations seeking to protect their homes against inappropriate development.
Through the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) and the Green Bans movement, strikes were organised against developers who were seeking to build skyscrapers at Woolloomooloo, The Rocks, Leichhardt, Hunters Hill, the Botanical Gardens and other parklands which were considered trash in the past but are now treasured for their heritage values today (and major tourist hotspots).
Some places like Woolloomooloo did not entirely escape development. There were politicians, developers, police, thugs, media all working together against the workers who squatted and refused to leave their homes. A much loved newspaper owner Juanita Nelson was murdered. And eventually the $$$ won out.
The mural behind me depicts local workers and resident action groups protesting to “Support BLF Green Bans” and “Demand Homes for Public Need, Stop Highrise for Private Greed”.
The Liberals eventually lost office and the new Labor Government introduced the Heritage Act 1977 as well as the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. These laws introduced heritage conservation, community consultation, development controls, and a planning assessment process where environmental considerations were given weight.
Ironically, these principles are ones that appear to be going out the window fifty years on under a different Labor government.
Good morning everyone. At last night’s council meeting, council voted to:
🏙️Support the council’s submission on the state housing proposals. While council recognises the need to provide more housing, each council must have the opportunity to say where the housing goes and back it with appropriate planning and infrastructure.
🎭Investigate the cost of reviving the Marian Street Theatre with minimal works.
🙋Support the introduction of the Welcome Here project in Ku-ring-gai, which aims to promote community awareness and safety for the LGBTIQ community.
🏐Commence a public exhibition to explore more flexibility with age restrictions at the Canoon Road netball facilities.
😓Implement a once off grant program to support residents undergoing financial hardship.
📊Begin the recruitment process for the General Manager.
𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹
Good morning everyone. At last night’s council meeting, council voted to:
🏙️Support the council’s submission on the state housing proposals. While council recognises the need to provide more housing, each council must have the opportunity to say where the housing goes and back it with appropriate planning and infrastructure.
🎭Investigate the cost of reviving the Marian Street Theatre with minimal works.
🙋Support the introduction of the Welcome Here project in Ku-ring-gai, which aims to promote community awareness and safety for the LGBTIQ community.
🏐Commence a public exhibition to explore more flexibility with age restrictions at the Canoon Road netball facilities.
😓Implement a once off grant program to support residents undergoing financial hardship.
📊Begin the recruitment process for the General Manager.
Glad to see so many people come to welcome the Lunar New Year with the Qing Fong Lion Dance Team at St Ives.
The event also featured the CASS Performance Group, Qing Fong Dragon Dance team, multiple food and game stalls, and was supported by @Multicultural NSW .
We were joined by councillors (from left to right) Cr Simon Lennon Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay Councillor Martin Smith Councillor Kim Wheatley and Councillor Barbara Ward.
My kids enjoyed playing the duck game and talking to other residents while waiting in the face painting line.
Glad to see so many people come to welcome the Lunar New Year with the @[100064338533655:2048:Qing Fong Lion Dance Team] at St Ives.
The event also featured the CASS Performance Group, Qing Fong Dragon Dance team, multiple food and game stalls, and was supported by @@[100064486761194:2048:Multicultural NSW] .
We were joined by councillors (from left to right) Cr Simon Lennon @[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay] @[100063481211240:2048:Councillor Martin Smith] @[100081079106909:2048:Councillor Kim Wheatley] and Councillor Barbara Ward.
My kids enjoyed playing the duck game and talking to other residents while waiting in the face painting line.
🐉🐉🐉 Lion Dancing is a common part of the festivities and we will have it at the St Ives Village Green, Friday 16 Feb 5pm
However lions aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. When I first introduced my daughter to this particular lion at Causeway Bay, she wasn’t too impressed.
🏮🏮🏮Wishing you all a Happy Year of the Dragon🐲🐲🐲
🐉🐉🐉 Lion Dancing is a common part of the festivities and we will have it at the St Ives Village Green, Friday 16 Feb 5pm
However lions aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. When I first introduced my daughter to this particular lion at Causeway Bay, she wasn’t too impressed.
We have a range of Lunar New Year activities this fortnight to bring on the Year of the Dragon. The main event is our Lunar New Year food market at the St Ives Village Green, Friday 16 February at 5pm. We also have artwork exhibitions, folk dance performances, calligraphy workshops, storytime for children, tai-chi sessions, dessert-making, and other activities which you can read about on our website https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Events-and-festivals/Lunar-New-Year
I popped by to visit the 1st Turramurra Scout Group today and present a certificate of appreciation for their participation at a recent citizenship ceremony.
The scouts movement is close to my heart because I used to be involved in the 90’s. If it wasn’t for scouts, I wouldn’t have as much appreciation for the outdoors and for community service.
I popped by to visit the @[100080528076694:2048:1st Turramurra Scout Group] today and present a certificate of appreciation for their participation at a recent citizenship ceremony.
The scouts movement is close to my heart because I used to be involved in the 90’s. If it wasn’t for scouts, I wouldn’t have as much appreciation for the outdoors and for community service.
In Australia we are blessed to have a great public hospital system. We’d like to thank Jen, Kim, Julia, Camellia, Brie, Kirsten, Tracy, Olivia, Mary, and all the other midwives, doctors, and hospitality staff at the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital for their care (Hornsby Hospital , Northern Sydney Local Health District ).
Bub is healthy and Mum is in a good state. The kids love their baby sister.
In Australia we are blessed to have a great public hospital system. We’d like to thank Jen, Kim, Julia, Camellia, Brie, Kirsten, Tracy, Olivia, Mary, and all the other midwives, doctors, and hospitality staff at the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital for their care (@[100064047011022:2048:Hornsby Hospital] , @[100063785275960:2048:Northern Sydney Local Health District] ).
Bub is healthy and Mum is in a good state. The kids love their baby sister.
Glad to visit the Little Leo’s Early Learning and Preschool Grand Opening in Killara on the weekend, where there were over 450 in attendance. I was joined by Cr Simon Lennon in cutting the ribbon for this family business.
Coming from a community preschool background myself, I was impressed (in fact jealous) of the wide range of new equipment and resources, both inside and outside the classroom, at these facilities. It’s worth checking out if you are looking for an early learning 7am to 6pm option and I wish the family business all the best.
Glad to visit the @[100063840555831:2048:Little Leo’s Early Learning and Preschool] Grand Opening in Killara on the weekend, where there were over 450 in attendance. I was joined by Cr Simon Lennon in cutting the ribbon for this family business.
Coming from a community preschool background myself, I was impressed (in fact jealous) of the wide range of new equipment and resources, both inside and outside the classroom, at these facilities. It’s worth checking out if you are looking for an early learning 7am to 6pm option and I wish the family business all the best.
Last night council voted unanimously to take action against the State Government’s housing policies. It was an unusual experience because as councillors we almost never agree on something this big!
In short, the view was that housing uplift needed to be accompanied with appropriate urban planning – however the state approach bypasses both community consultation and planning and would therefore deliver suboptimal outcomes.
As a politician from the North Shore, I received a generous invitation from our State Treasurer Daniel Mookhey MLC today to visit Meadowbank and “tell them what’s wrong with it”.
What did I find? Well I found that the residents at Meadowbank are incredibly blessed with multiple forms of public transport (ferry, train, buses) all within a few hundred metres of their home. They also had close proximity to multiple parks, open spaces, sports facilities, a shopping village, a foreshore walk and a pleasant sea breeze.
It’s a sensible place to put housing density and I am actually quite jealous of the residents who live here.
But the only reason why it is the way it is is because there has been deliberate planning in the establishment of the suburb, with the benefit of repurposing large former industrial lots and certain natural advantages that come with the geographic area.
Suburbs like Roseville and Killara, by contrast, do not have any of these advantages and it is difficult for developers to do anything meaningful without the almost impossible task of purchasing entire street blocks. And so when it comes to planning for future growth (which I am open to), it is important to consider how to deliver appropriate infrastructure and provide for the quality of life amenities that the residents of Meadowbank have.
But that is not what the residents of Roseville and Killara are getting in April. They will have housing policies imposed on them without any consultation, and without the natural infrastructure benefits that Meadowbank has.
If the state government was generous enough to support our infrastructure and amenities then sure, that would be a different conversation, but in the current form the housing proposals are not tenable.
I will share more about the flaws in the current proposal in my next post.
As a politician from the North Shore, I received a generous invitation from our State Treasurer @[100050246809705:2048:Daniel Mookhey MLC] today to visit Meadowbank and “tell them what’s wrong with it”.
What did I find? Well I found that the residents at Meadowbank are incredibly blessed with multiple forms of public transport (ferry, train, buses) all within a few hundred metres of their home. They also had close proximity to multiple parks, open spaces, sports facilities, a shopping village, a foreshore walk and a pleasant sea breeze.
It’s a sensible place to put housing density and I am actually quite jealous of the residents who live here.
But the only reason why it is the way it is is because there has been deliberate planning in the establishment of the suburb, with the benefit of repurposing large former industrial lots and certain natural advantages that come with the geographic area.
Suburbs like Roseville and Killara, by contrast, do not have any of these advantages and it is difficult for developers to do anything meaningful without the almost impossible task of purchasing entire street blocks. And so when it comes to planning for future growth (which I am open to), it is important to consider how to deliver appropriate infrastructure and provide for the quality of life amenities that the residents of Meadowbank have.
But that is not what the residents of Roseville and Killara are getting in April. They will have housing policies imposed on them without any consultation, and without the natural infrastructure benefits that Meadowbank has.
If the state government was generous enough to support our infrastructure and amenities then sure, that would be a different conversation, but in the current form the housing proposals are not tenable.
I will share more about the flaws in the current proposal in my next post.
Today I visited Summer Hill, a suburb which in many ways reminds me of Roseville as it has its fair share of heritage conservation areas. The houses here are beautiful and reflect the character and early development of Sydney.
There is however one thing that distinguishes Summer Hill from Roseville and that is the wider range of infrastructure and transport options available to it. Like Roseville there is a railway station but this one is closer to the city (16 mins vs 23 mins). But Summer Hill also has a light rail station; it is incredibly well connected. Summer Hill also has a supermarket!
Given its distinct advantages over Roseville it does surprise me that Summer Hill has not been flagged for April’s non-consultative TOD housing program.
Two weeks ago at a briefing with the Department of Planning we asked them for the rationale of selecting Roseville, Lindfield, Killara and Gordon as part of the plan. And do you know what they said? They told us that modelling had been done but that it was “cabinet in confidence” so they can’t tell us.
I think what they meant to say was that since Summer Hill is in the heart of Transport Minister Jo Haylen ‘s electorate, it could not be touched regardless of its proximity to the city.
All in all, quite disappointing really and in tonight’s motion Councillor Martin Smith and Councillor Kim Wheatley will seek to acquire these documents through the GIPA (similar to freedom of information) process.
To rub insult into injury, Minister Haylen was also the one who effectively killed off the Lindfield Village Hub in December when, just one day before council was to sign a contract with the developer, illegally withdrew state government funding without consultation and thew the project in disarray. Gone is the opportunity to deliver a few hundred homes for residents this decade. Gone is the opportunity to provide a library, open space, park, and community facilities for the residents of tomorrow.
I am disappointed by this value destructive behaviour. Bringing the population of Chatswood into each of our four stations, without providing the necessary infrastructure or urban planning for each centre to thrive will ultimately lead to poorer outcomes than if the state government were to work together with us on these matters.
Today I visited Summer Hill, a suburb which in many ways reminds me of Roseville as it has its fair share of heritage conservation areas. The houses here are beautiful and reflect the character and early development of Sydney.
There is however one thing that distinguishes Summer Hill from Roseville and that is the wider range of infrastructure and transport options available to it. Like Roseville there is a railway station but this one is closer to the city (16 mins vs 23 mins). But Summer Hill also has a light rail station; it is incredibly well connected. Summer Hill also has a supermarket!
Given its distinct advantages over Roseville it does surprise me that Summer Hill has not been flagged for April’s non-consultative TOD housing program.
Two weeks ago at a briefing with the Department of Planning we asked them for the rationale of selecting Roseville, Lindfield, Killara and Gordon as part of the plan. And do you know what they said? They told us that modelling had been done but that it was “cabinet in confidence” so they can’t tell us.
I think what they meant to say was that since Summer Hill is in the heart of Transport Minister @[100044424429649:2048:Jo Haylen] ‘s electorate, it could not be touched regardless of its proximity to the city.
All in all, quite disappointing really and in tonight’s motion @[100063481211240:2048:Councillor Martin Smith] and @[100081079106909:2048:Councillor Kim Wheatley] will seek to acquire these documents through the GIPA (similar to freedom of information) process.
To rub insult into injury, Minister Haylen was also the one who effectively killed off the Lindfield Village Hub in December when, just one day before council was to sign a contract with the developer, illegally withdrew state government funding without consultation and thew the project in disarray. Gone is the opportunity to deliver a few hundred homes for residents this decade. Gone is the opportunity to provide a library, open space, park, and community facilities for the residents of tomorrow.
I am disappointed by this value destructive behaviour. Bringing the population of Chatswood into each of our four stations, without providing the necessary infrastructure or urban planning for each centre to thrive will ultimately lead to poorer outcomes than if the state government were to work together with us on these matters.
Encouraged to see so many register to attend Wednesday’s public information session on the State Government’s housing proposals.
800 had registered to attend but with a capacity of 150, Zoom was offered as a spillover. The slides plus video of the event are available here. krg.nsw.gov.au/housinginfosession
Ku-ring-gai’s diverse group of residents often disagree on big issues, but it is amazing how the State Government’s lack of public consultation, secrecy, and overzealous approach has brought those who usually disagree onto the same page.
Looking at the broader picture, I understand that some people in NSW see this as pure NIMBYism but from my perspective that is a gross oversimplification that does not truly account for what is happening on the ground. There are many residents who believe that more can be done to support housing diversity however the State Government’s approach does not achieve this in a realistic or appropriate manner.
Key concerns shared include the inadequacy of funding and support for existing and future infrastructure (existing traffic bottlenecks, future congestion, stormwater limitations, access to open space, etc.), the impact on tree canopy, biodiversity and climate resilience, and the loss of local heritage and character.
In the minority, there has also been the occasional YIMBY in Ku-ring-gai but my message to them is that while I understand the sentiments, it does not mean careful planning, modelling, procedure, consultation, and budgeting needs to be thrown out the window in an attempt to obtain a theoretical but unworkable outcome. To date there have been some pretty dismissive responses such as “developer contributions will fund everything” but if you look at the details and do the numbers, it’s clear that it will not be adequate given the LGA’s physical constraints and existing funding models.
All Ku-ring-gai residents are encouraged to read about the housing changes, let us know their thoughts via the survey, and make a submission to the State Government. For more information refer to krg.nsw.gov.au/housingchanges
p.s. I was late to the meeting, ironically due to traffic congestion from Roseville to Gordon.
Encouraged to see so many register to attend Wednesday’s public information session on the State Government’s housing proposals.
800 had registered to attend but with a capacity of 150, Zoom was offered as a spillover. The slides plus video of the event are available here. krg.nsw.gov.au/housinginfosession
Ku-ring-gai’s diverse group of residents often disagree on big issues, but it is amazing how the State Government’s lack of public consultation, secrecy, and overzealous approach has brought those who usually disagree onto the same page.
Looking at the broader picture, I understand that some people in NSW see this as pure NIMBYism but from my perspective that is a gross oversimplification that does not truly account for what is happening on the ground. There are many residents who believe that more can be done to support housing diversity however the State Government’s approach does not achieve this in a realistic or appropriate manner.
Key concerns shared include the inadequacy of funding and support for existing and future infrastructure (existing traffic bottlenecks, future congestion, stormwater limitations, access to open space, etc.), the impact on tree canopy, biodiversity and climate resilience, and the loss of local heritage and character.
In the minority, there has also been the occasional YIMBY in Ku-ring-gai but my message to them is that while I understand the sentiments, it does not mean careful planning, modelling, procedure, consultation, and budgeting needs to be thrown out the window in an attempt to obtain a theoretical but unworkable outcome. To date there have been some pretty dismissive responses such as “developer contributions will fund everything” but if you look at the details and do the numbers, it’s clear that it will not be adequate given the LGA’s physical constraints and existing funding models.
All Ku-ring-gai residents are encouraged to read about the housing changes, let us know their thoughts via the survey, and make a submission to the State Government. For more information refer to krg.nsw.gov.au/housingchanges
p.s. I was late to the meeting, ironically due to traffic congestion from Roseville to Gordon.
It’s sad to hear of Judith’s passing last week. Judith served at Willoughby City Council for 26 years and was the first councillor that I spoke to in 2017 when figuring out whether to get involved in politics. She was a good sounding board in my early years as well as a faithful member of our local church.
Judith’s funeral service will be held at St Barnabas Roseville East on Wednesday 31 January, 1:30pm.
🌸🌸🌸Vale Judith Rutherford AM🌸🌸🌸
It’s sad to hear of Judith’s passing last week. Judith served at @[100064423134687:2048:Willoughby City Council] for 26 years and was the first councillor that I spoke to in 2017 when figuring out whether to get involved in politics. She was a good sounding board in my early years as well as a faithful member of our local church.
Judith’s funeral service will be held at St Barnabas Roseville East on Wednesday 31 January, 1:30pm.
🇺🇸My Aunt and Uncle from🗽New York are in 🦘 Australia for a few months. They enjoyed yesterday’s 🇦🇺 citizenship ceremony and I asked them whether there was anything that surprised them.
As Americans, they found it strange that in Australia we have two versions of the pledge whereas in the USA they are one nation under God 🇺🇸.
They also noticed that in Australia we pay much more respect and give prominence to our indigenous people. In the United States they would not have had someone like Uncle Brendan provide a Welcome to Country followed by a fifteen minute performance and lesson on indigenous culture by the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe.
In our car trip home we had a discussion about the commonalities and differences of our countries, as well as steps taken towards or against giving people opportunity. It’s always helpful to have an outside view when assessing our own situation.
They also loved the performances from the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra and the Australian Girls’ Choir.
And they love the three Brush Turkeys 🦃🦃🦃 that frequent my parents’ yard in Roseville.
🇺🇸My Aunt and Uncle from🗽New York are in 🦘 Australia for a few months. They enjoyed yesterday’s 🇦🇺 citizenship ceremony and I asked them whether there was anything that surprised them.
As Americans, they found it strange that in Australia we have two versions of the pledge whereas in the USA they are one nation under God 🇺🇸.
They also noticed that in Australia we pay much more respect and give prominence to our indigenous people. In the United States they would not have had someone like Uncle Brendan provide a Welcome to Country followed by a fifteen minute performance and lesson on indigenous culture by the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe.
In our car trip home we had a discussion about the commonalities and differences of our countries, as well as steps taken towards or against giving people opportunity. It’s always helpful to have an outside view when assessing our own situation.
They also loved the performances from the @[100063681105802:2048:Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra] and the Australian Girls’ Choir.
And they love the three Brush Turkeys 🦃🦃🦃 that frequent my parents’ yard in Roseville.
🇦🇺🇦🇺Ku-ring-gai’s Largest Citizenship Ceremony To Date🇦🇺🇦🇺
Today we celebrated 246 new Australian Citizens from 36 countries. It was an exciting time for everyone to celebrate this moment on our national day.
We also recognised the work of local volunteers and presented the 2024 Ku-ring-gai Local Citizen Awards. Depicted in the photo from left to right are:
Jemma Wlasichuk – Environmental Citizen of the Year – In recognition of her work at shed eleven in repurposing furniture and keeping waste out of our landfill.
Michele Bell – Citizen of the Year – In recognition for her contribution to the Ku-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre which provides a range of social support services for the elderly and disabled.
Men’s Kitchen – Community Group of the Year – For their services in helping elderly people improve their cooking skills while providing a network for social support.
Kevin Hao – Young Citizen of the Year – For his involvement in inspiring young people to volunteer their time to social and environmental causes through Youth 4 Difference, a student organisation.
🇦🇺🇦🇺Ku-ring-gai’s Largest Citizenship Ceremony To Date🇦🇺🇦🇺
Today we celebrated 246 new Australian Citizens from 36 countries. It was an exciting time for everyone to celebrate this moment on our national day.
We also recognised the work of local volunteers and presented the 2024 Ku-ring-gai Local Citizen Awards. Depicted in the photo from left to right are:
Jemma Wlasichuk – Environmental Citizen of the Year – In recognition of her work at @[100050855472496:2048:shed eleven] in repurposing furniture and keeping waste out of our landfill.
Michele Bell – Citizen of the Year – In recognition for her contribution to the @[100069902651371:2048:Ku-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre] which provides a range of social support services for the elderly and disabled.
@[100067893464380:2048:Men’s Kitchen] – Community Group of the Year – For their services in helping elderly people improve their cooking skills while providing a network for social support.
Kevin Hao – Young Citizen of the Year – For his involvement in inspiring young people to volunteer their time to social and environmental causes through Youth 4 Difference, a student organisation.
![Meet Zac from the team at @[100094667931538:2048:West Pymble Pharmacy] and @[100057157492830:2048:Pymble Pharmacy] . They provide walk-in flu vaccinations on most weekdays, just call up in advance to confirm his availability.
It cost me $25 but for residents over 65 it is free.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/438198096_1210576433677609_3786893754057912609_n_1210924220309497.jpg)
![Thanks @[114392424590704:274:Bunnings Pymble] for inviting @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service] to run the inaugural sausage sizzle. All proceeds went to supporting young people with mental health services. You can find out more at www.kyds.org.au](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/279728830_1432746743852061_6454383030726338901_n_1432831340510268.jpg)
![To celebrate the end of uni, the kids wanted Deep Fried Ice Cream so we went to @[100063619295866:2048:SILK Dining] at @[100063684966751:2048:St Ives Shopping Village]. The food is pretty amazing and generously portioned - much better than what you could get in Chatswood - and it was quite a peaceful experience on an early Monday night.
Bubs was fine with me carrying her again, so that was a bonus.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/438301658_1205695170832402_2533860440641080758_n_1206758134059439.jpg)
![Morning all! We have had some queries about the General Manager recruitment process so I can say the following.
A. We had the help of an independent, experienced and well-priced external recruitment firm.
B. We had a large number of job applications, including several strong candidates.
C. We had a first round of interviews last month and the final round interview will be later this week. [The candidates are all fantastic and I'd be happy to work with any of them.]
D. After the final interviews, the ten councillors will likely resolve to make an offer to one of the candidates (subject to final negotiations on duration, package, etc.).
E. We probably won't be able to announce the new General Manager until next week. Please be patient.
The recruitment process has taken up some of my time in recent weeks, but I've spent a larger chunk of it on housing policy.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/440409538_1205750110826908_3932953761341014076_n_1206025214132731.jpg)
![Visiting the @[100064957681170:2048:Australian War Memorial] and explaining to the kids the role that their great grandparents played in protecting our way of life.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/438254638_1199561251445794_7873342951405298759_n_1199983841403535.jpg)
![It's the school holidays and while the kids are having fun at @[100064803633603:2048:Questacon], I'm stuck at the hotel doing work.
It's not too bad a place for an office.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/437938793_1199327094802543_7466382084589198_n_1199782301423689.jpg)
![Meet Jack. He is a street vendor for @[100064784168119:2048:The Big Issue Australia] and I was particularly drawn to the Bluey edition, which narrates the rise of Australia's favourite kids show.
This week's edition also covers the challenges of Youth Homelessness, with over 28,000 young people aged 12 to 24 who do not have a home to live and face structural and financial challenges with accessing community housing.
There's also an article on residents who commit their lives to saving local wildlife such as grey-headed flying foxes, lapwings, bare-nosed wombats, ducks and eastern grey kangaroos.
You can get your copy from vendors like Jack across the Sydney CBD. This photo was taken right outside Wynyard on George Street.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/437931420_1196799368388649_571593407570435055_n_1198537491548170.jpg)
![Each year Council runs a community grants program for equipment, outreach services and cultural activities.
One of last year’s recipients was @[100064915680982:2048:St Swithun's Anglican Church Pymble] who used the funds to purchase gym / exercise equipment. It was good to see it put to good use and freely available to the public.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/438198297_1194884808580105_5986037143484216901_n_1195923691809550.jpg)
![On Saturday I was invited to join the @[100034752386305:2048:Turramurra Trotters] as they celebrated their 50th Anniversary.
This group was initially setup by residents to train for the City2Surf and it remains a key objective, but it has also been a great channel for community connection. On their records have been 1,970 participants and over 71,000 times recorded. They now offer different running / walking / cycling groups to cater for everyone.
The group meets at 6:30am on Saturdays near Kiplings, and they tend to have coffee afterwards. I joined the walking group and had a great chat with local residents while also enjoying the scenes of Turramurra.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/437678938_1195289561872963_1388869468224916730_n_1195291661872753.jpg)
![Last week I learnt that @[100064908991835:2048:Dick Smith] was a former Roseville Chase resident and member of 1st East Roseville Scouts.
During his formative years a Rover Adviser Tony Balthasar created opportunities for Dick and left a real impression, contributing to the person he is today. After Tony’s passing, Dick setup a fund for the Balthasar Award which has given similar opportunities for 27 other Rovers.
We listened to its final recipient, William Wade, as he shared about his cave diving course and expedition to Mexico.
@[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross - Member for Davidson] also gave a speech of support, and it was a good night all round.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/435061223_1192393795495873_6804484430164797040_n_1192671685468084.jpg)
![Yesterday I was keen to check out @[100063542174747:2048:Vertical Espresso] in South Turramurra.
Table order was via QR code and online payment. The food was fantastic and the place was packed.
I suspect part of the busyness was due to the power outage which affected most of South Turramurra. People gotta eat.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/435000940_1189526659115920_4794132484466139952_n_1190002512401668.jpg)
![🏐 Visited Canoon Road on the opening day of Netball. Usually I turn up and have tea, but this time was more hands on.
⚡️ Because of the local power outage, the electronic locks to the toilets and change rooms were not functioning and I had to ask council staff to come with a key, which they did within an hour.
📦 We also talked about the storage situation (currently a container) and ideas for how to improve it going forward.
@[100046972015011:2048:Ku-Ring-Gai Netball Association]](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/435167097_1189494692452450_1799040193944120992_n_1189494695785783.jpg)
![Yesterday I visited the @[100064520299383:2048:Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney] Lindfield Book Depot where residents drop off their books and a team of volunteers sorts through them for resale.
The work of these volunteers goes towards funding crisis support, suicide prevention, support groups, counselling and emergency relief. By giving these books a second (or fifth) life, they are also promoting re-use and reducing the waste that otherwise would go to pulp or landfill.
If you want to support the cause, you can buy a selection of second hand books at their store at 328 Pacific Highway Lindfield or you can wait til they have their big book fair held 18-21 July at Knox Grammar School.
For more information, visit their website.
https://lifelineh2hsydney.org.au](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/434654791_1187751432626776_4230940813715322393_n_1188017502600169.jpg)
![Quiet week, had the chance to make my 25th blood donation.
I'd encourage everyone to give it a go.
@@[100064597483307:2048:Australian Red Cross Lifeblood]](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/434652438_1187015536033699_3266693211408627203_n_1187353335999919.jpg)
![Long weekend breakfast at @[100063456312153:2048:The Fox Cafe], Wahroonga.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/433259077_1186122589456327_3074247556354212463_n_1186628829405703.jpg)
![🇦🇺This month we welcomed 162 new citizens from 29 countries to our LGA. It's always good to see the smile on their faces!
Special thanks go to:
- the Ku-ring-gai Ranger Guides for their involvement
- guest speaker Kevin Hao (Youth Citizen of the Year) for encouraging our residents to participate in volunteering
- @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross - Member for Davidson] for his welcome speech, and
- Cr Barbara Ward for leading the affirmation.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/423716186_1183534306381822_9116591582264900193_n_1184511719617414.jpg)
![🎉Open in time for Easter Long Weekend!🎉
On 7 August 2023 I shared that Roseville Park Oval will be undergoing extensive irrigation and fencing upgrades over an eight month period.
Yesterday on 28 March 2024 I watched as our team removed the construction fencing to unveil the improved surface.
So it took just under 8 months and was within expectations. A real win for local recreation.
I might see you there for the @[100064649686516:2048:Lindfield Fun Run] on 19 May!
But it’s not always good news. The Norman Griffith Oval is facing delays due to ground conditions and inclement weather, and we are now expecting completion around July 2024 subject to favourable weather.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/434684883_1183521013049818_5218037626878724841_n_1183808686354384.jpg)
![Last week I visited @[100063606878717:2048:St Ives Park Public School] for National Ride2School Day. Families were encouraged to ride to school instead of drive, and the kids were keen to show off their bikes and scooters.
The event aims to demonstrate that active transport is fun, healthy, and good for the environment.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/434214669_1182258513176068_6405448670245388963_n_1182459263155993.jpg)
![We’d love you to join us and explore the meaning of Easter at @[100064383624077:2048:St Barnabas Anglican Church East Roseville].
Church services are Friday 29 March 10am and Sunday 31 March 9am and 11am. A kids program (which I’m involved with) is also available at the 10am and 11am services.
Hope to see you there and if you plan to come, drop me a message so that we can catch up before or after.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/434350021_1181780303223889_2321503133538181075_n_1181780306557222.jpg)
![This morning at Acron Oval we welcome 850 participants in the @[100063775322592:2048:Bare Creek Trail Run]. We have 43% of participants from outside the LGA and it’s a fantastic opportunity to check out the beautiful trails in Ku-ring-gai.
I had the joy of ringing the cowbell for the 20km and 12km runs.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/434213348_1180466793355240_6363279955960776269_n_1180466796688573.jpg)
![This morning we had the @[100063544543419:2048:Bobbin Head Cycle Classic] with 2,500 riders, organised by local Rotary clubs and raising funds for @[100064520299383:2048:Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney] , @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service] , @[100067239740050:2048:Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter] , @[100064756027471:2048:Mentoring Men], @[100064255587087:2048:Hornsby Connect] and other local charities.
Events like this could not be organised without the help of volunteers and I thank the 450 who helped out today.
I normally volunteer as a marshall at these events, directing cyclists on which direction to ride next But this time as Mayor I decided to visit the oval where cyclists hang out before and after. I popped by at the @[100064452052016:2048:Loving Living Ku-ring-gai] stand with Cr Barbara Ward and made a smoothie with cycle power. I visited the @[100063480253757:2048:Triple H 100.1 FM] and @[100051622493530:2048:Radio Northern Beaches] booth to have a chat on the radio. And I tried out an electric cargo bike… more on that in a subsequent post.
Kuring-gai Rotary @[100087346601405:2048:Ku-ring-gai Rotary Community Network] @[100064308056841:2048:Rotary Club of St Ives, NSW - District 9685] @[100064523176140:2048:Rotary Club of Turramurra] @[100064675150272:2048:Rotary Club of Wahroonga] @[100064759118653:2048:Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches]](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/434194758_1180613636673889_8878386073237121818_n_1180613640007222.jpg)
![At @[100064678122520:2048:Ku-ring-gai Library] you can borrow up to 50 items at a time, and with renewals you can hold most items for almost three months.
We returned 18 books last week. They were getting heavy!](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/432709751_1176280127107240_6680508220113915451_n_1176493913752528.jpg)
![☘️☘️☘️Good luck to the kids from @[100063753515008:2048:Cox Academy of Irish Dance] as they head off to Glasgow for the Irish Dancing world championships.
I was joined by Cr Simon Lennon and @[100075918232069:2048:Councillor Alec Taylor] to watch their performance at Anglicare Gordon Quarter earlier this week.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/432773438_1175896247145628_1695435563018286755_n_1175896250478961.jpg)
![Happy to attend the grand opening of @[61553695284493:2048:Little Gumnuts Early Learning Group] in West Pymble. This family business has substantially improved the interior of the building and the centre has the best outdoor playspace that I've seen in Ku-ring-gai.
Local residents looking for a 7:30am-6pm option for their 2+ year olds should give this place a visit, particularly if their children don't have regular access to a backyard. I was very jelly as I wished my kids had this when growing up.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/430858259_1169689097766343_2469800473090011199_n_1170201717715081.jpg)
![Glad to join local residents and @[100064675150272:2048:Rotary Club of Wahroonga] at today’s @[100064705539354:2048:Clean Up Australia] event.
I had a good time talking to a local resident Phil, and it’s amazing how much rubbish there is when you look for it… especially at the village carpark!](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/430984094_1167080124693907_1930700787003793346_n_1167080128027240.jpg)
![For the next 3 weeks the @[100063453438185:2048:Grace Cossington Smith Gallery] is exhibiting the HSC artworks of students from the Upper North Shore.
The schools include: @[100063700954501:2048:Abbotsleigh] Asquith Boys' High School, Asquith Girls' High School, @[100064001411105:2048:Barker College] @[100064030569835:2048:Brigidine College St Ives] Cheltenham Girls' High, Cherrybrook Technology High School, Hornsby Girls' High School, @[100042421646674:2048:Killara High School] @[100063701513330:2048:Knox Grammar School] Loreto Normanhurst, @[100064109882425:2048:Masada College] Normanhurst Boys' High School, Northolm Grammar School, @[100064290420673:2048:Pymble Ladies' College] @[100063456553855:2048:Ravenswood School for Girls - Official Site] @[107905552563501:274:St. Ives High School] St Leo's Catholic College and @[100054222200512:2048:Turramurra High School].
I enjoyed meeting the students and parents at this weekend’s opening day.
The gallery is open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm until 23 March 2024.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/429529324_1166653391403247_5779092211147237719_n_1166653398069913.jpg)
![🔥We agonised for two years on whether to replace our gas cooktop and oven. We didn't like the idea of throwing it out because of all the embedded energy, however the oven no longer worked properly and gas apparently has health impacts in an indoor environment.
⚡The transition to induction cooktop was amazing!!! The cooktop heats things so quickly, it's faster to boil water on the cooktop than to use an electric kettle. It's easy to specify the exact amount of power that we want, the cooktop is easy to clean, and no accidental burns. We've really benefitted form the induction cooktop and wish we had made the transition earlier.
🗓️If you're interested to find out more, our council has a webinar on Switching to Induction Cooking on 13th March at 12pm. For more info visit
https://www.facebook.com/events/664389969046472/
🧑🍳If you prefer something hands on rather than online, feel free to contact me and we can arrange to cook a meal together.
@[100064452052016:2048:Loving Living Ku-ring-gai]](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/430483154_1165460528189200_4801712242131309840_n_1165721904829729.jpg)
![We've recycled 123 containers per resident in the last six years through the return and earn scheme.
I remember when the scheme first started, I travelled to Marrickville to check out one of the machines but now we have five options in Ku-ring-gai
⚙️ @[100063684966751:2048:St Ives Shopping Village]
⚙️ Turramurra Coles Carpark
⚙️ Roseville Chase Shops
👩🍳 Gordon Fish & Chips
🍾 @[100040790266630:2048:Porter's Liquor Wahroonga]
For more info, visit
https://returnandearn.org.au/map/](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/428629363_1162655298469723_2194855091242518432_n_1163256658409587.jpg)
![Glad to see so many people come to welcome the Lunar New Year with the @[100064338533655:2048:Qing Fong Lion Dance Team] at St Ives.
The event also featured the CASS Performance Group, Qing Fong Dragon Dance team, multiple food and game stalls, and was supported by @@[100064486761194:2048:Multicultural NSW] .
We were joined by councillors (from left to right) Cr Simon Lennon @[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay] @[100063481211240:2048:Councillor Martin Smith] @[100081079106909:2048:Councillor Kim Wheatley] and Councillor Barbara Ward.
My kids enjoyed playing the duck game and talking to other residents while waiting in the face painting line.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/428606079_1157750152293571_5893263011371268305_n_1157750155626904.jpg)
![Loving the new nautical theme at @[100042493998436:2048:The Runaway Spoon], Lindfield.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/428224279_1155605079174745_7843401722404210474_n_1155605082508078.jpg)
![I popped by to visit the @[100080528076694:2048:1st Turramurra Scout Group] today and present a certificate of appreciation for their participation at a recent citizenship ceremony.
The scouts movement is close to my heart because I used to be involved in the 90’s. If it wasn’t for scouts, I wouldn’t have as much appreciation for the outdoors and for community service.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/426558435_1152448149490438_3484063137337480641_n_1152448152823771.jpg)
![In Australia we are blessed to have a great public hospital system. We’d like to thank Jen, Kim, Julia, Camellia, Brie, Kirsten, Tracy, Olivia, Mary, and all the other midwives, doctors, and hospitality staff at the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital for their care (@[100064047011022:2048:Hornsby Hospital] , @[100063785275960:2048:Northern Sydney Local Health District] ).
Bub is healthy and Mum is in a good state. The kids love their baby sister.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/426421911_1151463712922215_6932099525217868443_n_1151463716255548.jpg)
![Glad to visit the @[100063840555831:2048:Little Leo’s Early Learning and Preschool] Grand Opening in Killara on the weekend, where there were over 450 in attendance. I was joined by Cr Simon Lennon in cutting the ribbon for this family business.
Coming from a community preschool background myself, I was impressed (in fact jealous) of the wide range of new equipment and resources, both inside and outside the classroom, at these facilities. It's worth checking out if you are looking for an early learning 7am to 6pm option and I wish the family business all the best.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/425516116_1150966956305224_3633958470638210235_n_1150966959638557.jpg)
![As a politician from the North Shore, I received a generous invitation from our State Treasurer @[100050246809705:2048:Daniel Mookhey MLC] today to visit Meadowbank and “tell them what’s wrong with it”.
What did I find? Well I found that the residents at Meadowbank are incredibly blessed with multiple forms of public transport (ferry, train, buses) all within a few hundred metres of their home. They also had close proximity to multiple parks, open spaces, sports facilities, a shopping village, a foreshore walk and a pleasant sea breeze.
It’s a sensible place to put housing density and I am actually quite jealous of the residents who live here.
But the only reason why it is the way it is is because there has been deliberate planning in the establishment of the suburb, with the benefit of repurposing large former industrial lots and certain natural advantages that come with the geographic area.
Suburbs like Roseville and Killara, by contrast, do not have any of these advantages and it is difficult for developers to do anything meaningful without the almost impossible task of purchasing entire street blocks. And so when it comes to planning for future growth (which I am open to), it is important to consider how to deliver appropriate infrastructure and provide for the quality of life amenities that the residents of Meadowbank have.
But that is not what the residents of Roseville and Killara are getting in April. They will have housing policies imposed on them without any consultation, and without the natural infrastructure benefits that Meadowbank has.
If the state government was generous enough to support our infrastructure and amenities then sure, that would be a different conversation, but in the current form the housing proposals are not tenable.
I will share more about the flaws in the current proposal in my next post.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/425471564_1149335166468403_7711099425217261541_n_1149335169801736.jpg)
![Today I visited Summer Hill, a suburb which in many ways reminds me of Roseville as it has its fair share of heritage conservation areas. The houses here are beautiful and reflect the character and early development of Sydney.
There is however one thing that distinguishes Summer Hill from Roseville and that is the wider range of infrastructure and transport options available to it. Like Roseville there is a railway station but this one is closer to the city (16 mins vs 23 mins). But Summer Hill also has a light rail station; it is incredibly well connected. Summer Hill also has a supermarket!
Given its distinct advantages over Roseville it does surprise me that Summer Hill has not been flagged for April’s non-consultative TOD housing program.
Two weeks ago at a briefing with the Department of Planning we asked them for the rationale of selecting Roseville, Lindfield, Killara and Gordon as part of the plan. And do you know what they said? They told us that modelling had been done but that it was “cabinet in confidence” so they can’t tell us.
I think what they meant to say was that since Summer Hill is in the heart of Transport Minister @[100044424429649:2048:Jo Haylen] 's electorate, it could not be touched regardless of its proximity to the city.
All in all, quite disappointing really and in tonight’s motion @[100063481211240:2048:Councillor Martin Smith] and @[100081079106909:2048:Councillor Kim Wheatley] will seek to acquire these documents through the GIPA (similar to freedom of information) process.
To rub insult into injury, Minister Haylen was also the one who effectively killed off the Lindfield Village Hub in December when, just one day before council was to sign a contract with the developer, illegally withdrew state government funding without consultation and thew the project in disarray. Gone is the opportunity to deliver a few hundred homes for residents this decade. Gone is the opportunity to provide a library, open space, park, and community facilities for the residents of tomorrow.
I am disappointed by this value destructive behaviour. Bringing the population of Chatswood into each of our four stations, without providing the necessary infrastructure or urban planning for each centre to thrive will ultimately lead to poorer outcomes than if the state government were to work together with us on these matters.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/425508845_1149391789796074_3982826984352335949_n_1149391796462740.jpg)
![🌸🌸🌸Vale Judith Rutherford AM🌸🌸🌸
It’s sad to hear of Judith’s passing last week. Judith served at @[100064423134687:2048:Willoughby City Council] for 26 years and was the first councillor that I spoke to in 2017 when figuring out whether to get involved in politics. She was a good sounding board in my early years as well as a faithful member of our local church.
Judith’s funeral service will be held at St Barnabas Roseville East on Wednesday 31 January, 1:30pm.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/421756883_1143825243686062_1682920786489610084_n_1143825267019393.jpg)
![🇺🇸My Aunt and Uncle from🗽New York are in 🦘 Australia for a few months. They enjoyed yesterday's 🇦🇺 citizenship ceremony and I asked them whether there was anything that surprised them.
As Americans, they found it strange that in Australia we have two versions of the pledge whereas in the USA they are one nation under God 🇺🇸.
They also noticed that in Australia we pay much more respect and give prominence to our indigenous people. In the United States they would not have had someone like Uncle Brendan provide a Welcome to Country followed by a fifteen minute performance and lesson on indigenous culture by the Koomurri Aboriginal Dance Troupe.
In our car trip home we had a discussion about the commonalities and differences of our countries, as well as steps taken towards or against giving people opportunity. It’s always helpful to have an outside view when assessing our own situation.
They also loved the performances from the @[100063681105802:2048:Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra] and the Australian Girls’ Choir.
And they love the three Brush Turkeys 🦃🦃🦃 that frequent my parents’ yard in Roseville.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/421704587_1143057103762876_1082089516025644075_n_1143057110429542.jpg)
![🇦🇺🇦🇺Ku-ring-gai’s Largest Citizenship Ceremony To Date🇦🇺🇦🇺
Today we celebrated 246 new Australian Citizens from 36 countries. It was an exciting time for everyone to celebrate this moment on our national day.
We also recognised the work of local volunteers and presented the 2024 Ku-ring-gai Local Citizen Awards. Depicted in the photo from left to right are:
Jemma Wlasichuk - Environmental Citizen of the Year - In recognition of her work at @[100050855472496:2048:shed eleven] in repurposing furniture and keeping waste out of our landfill.
Michele Bell - Citizen of the Year - In recognition for her contribution to the @[100069902651371:2048:Ku-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre] which provides a range of social support services for the elderly and disabled.
@[100067893464380:2048:Men's Kitchen] - Community Group of the Year - For their services in helping elderly people improve their cooking skills while providing a network for social support.
Kevin Hao - Young Citizen of the Year - For his involvement in inspiring young people to volunteer their time to social and environmental causes through Youth 4 Difference, a student organisation.](https://roseville.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/422847527_1142618340473419_7837837931036225045_n_1142618343806752.jpg)