I’m at the annual Local Government NSW conference where councils get together to share knowledge and also agree on matters to collectively work on, including the lobbying of the state and federal government on key issues.
Ku-ring-gai in particular has motions in relation to Private Certifier activity, trees, and the costs associated with assessing development. Other key themes include housing, waste, finances, community, the energy transition, and water management.
I’m at the annual Local Government NSW conference where councils get together to share knowledge and also agree on matters to collectively work on, including the lobbying of the state and federal government on key issues.
Ku-ring-gai in particular has motions in relation to Private Certifier activity, trees, and the costs associated with assessing development. Other key themes include housing, waste, finances, community, the energy transition, and water management.
🌺 Lest We Forget
Today our kids had their first experience of laying poppies. My wife and I explained the significance of these poppies, including the sacrifice that their great grandfathers and other Ku-ring-gai residents made to protect our peace.
🌺 Lest We Forget
Today our kids had their first experience of laying poppies. My wife and I explained the significance of these poppies, including the sacrifice that their great grandfathers and other Ku-ring-gai residents made to protect our peace.
Tomorrow we remember the actions of the many who served both at home and abroad to protect the freedoms that we enjoy here in Australia. I know that many of our children do not have a concept of war as we have been fortunate to enjoy a period of peace. However, I do want my children to know the sacrifices made by their two great grandparents, one of whom is featured here. Ken served in World War II as an anti-submariner and towards the end of the war he took command of the corvette HMAS Lismore before settling down in East Lindfield. I’ll be sharing more about Ken and others like him at our Remembrance Day ceremony tomorrow at Roseville Memorial Park, 10:40am. See you there, and Lest We Forget.
Tomorrow we remember the actions of the many who served both at home and abroad to protect the freedoms that we enjoy here in Australia.
I know that many of our children do not have a concept of war as we have been fortunate to enjoy a period of peace. However, I do want my children to know the sacrifices made by their two great grandparents, one of whom is featured here. Ken served in World War II as an anti-submariner and towards the end of the war he took command of the corvette HMAS Lismore before settling down in East Lindfield.
I’ll be sharing more about Ken and others like him at our Remembrance Day ceremony tomorrow at Roseville Memorial Park, 10:40am. See you there, and Lest We Forget.
Our council has 22 of these life-saving units scattered across the LGA but due to high incidence of theft and vandalism in other parts of Sydney, council usually installs them behind locked doors. Following multiple requests, council is trialing the relocation of one unit outdoors for a 12 month period. Whether this will lead to the relocation of units may depend on whether there is any sabotage of this particular unit. Unfortunately it is the bad behaviour of the few that sometimes disadvantages the many.
Good to see so many people attend the Wahroonga Food + Wine Festival on Sunday, which is an event that council sponsors each year.
I was joined by Councillor Martin Smith, Councillor Kim Wheatley and Councillor Cedric Spencer (pictured in the top left image from left to right) at the Ku-ring-gai Council stall to meet the residents and answer their queries. Nearby at the rotunda we had local bands playing all day.
It was also good to meet the volunteers Antonia, Vanessa and Darius (pictured in the bottom left image from left to right) from St John’s Ambulance. At the midpoint of the day, they said that things had fortunately been non-eventful despite the heat.
Good to see so many people attend the @[100064070464060:2048:Wahroonga Food + Wine Festival] on Sunday, which is an event that council sponsors each year.
I was joined by @[100063481211240:2048:Councillor Martin Smith], @[100081079106909:2048:Councillor Kim Wheatley] and Councillor Cedric Spencer (pictured in the top left image from left to right) at the @[100064283515691:2048:Ku-ring-gai Council] stall to meet the residents and answer their queries. Nearby at the rotunda we had local bands playing all day.
It was also good to meet the volunteers Antonia, Vanessa and Darius (pictured in the bottom left image from left to right) from St John’s Ambulance. At the midpoint of the day, they said that things had fortunately been non-eventful despite the heat.
It was a a privilege to have Captain Ben de Leon from the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Support Rural Fire Brigade speak with our new citizens earlier this week. Ben migrated to Australia over fifty years ago. In his heartfelt speech he encouraged everyone to embrace our home and give back to the community.
This week I attended the launch of Greener for Business, a free and simple initiative aimed at helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.
The event was a joint initiative between the Better Business Partnership (Ku-ring-gai Council, North Sydney Council and Willoughby City Council ) and the startup Greener (and its partners Origin Energy , National Australia Bank and the appliances retailer Winning Group).
It was encouraging to hear from a diverse range of likeminded people, each sharing ideas on how we can help businesses and the wider community meet our climate-related international obligations. Also speaking at the event was Kylea Tink for North Sydney .
For more information type “Green for Business” in any search engine.
This week I attended the launch of Greener for Business, a free and simple initiative aimed at helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.
The event was a joint initiative between the @[100064623765131:2048:Better Business Partnership] (@[100064283515691:2048:Ku-ring-gai Council], @[100063183940874:2048:North Sydney Council] and @[100064423134687:2048:Willoughby City Council] ) and the startup @[100063699906171:2048:Greener] (and its partners @[100064413562964:2048:Origin Energy] , National Australia Bank and the appliances retailer Winning Group).
It was encouraging to hear from a diverse range of likeminded people, each sharing ideas on how we can help businesses and the wider community meet our climate-related international obligations. Also speaking at the event was @[100076450924421:2048:Kylea Tink for North Sydney] .
For more information type “Green for Business” in any search engine.
Earlier this week I visited the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra along with Cr Simon Lennon at the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall. It was good to hear about their plans for the coming year while also forming an understanding of the benefits and space requirements of a community-run professional level orchestra. Their next performance will be at St Ives on Sunday 19th November. For more information, check out their website or social media.
Earlier this week I visited the @[100063681105802:2048:Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra] along with Cr Simon Lennon at the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall. It was good to hear about their plans for the coming year while also forming an understanding of the benefits and space requirements of a community-run professional level orchestra. Their next performance will be at St Ives on Sunday 19th November. For more information, check out their website or social media.
Final day in the office (as I switch to becoming full time mayor). I’m going to miss everyone, though I know they have an exciting future ahead with leading the transition to renewables.
They were kind enough to give me an Octopus (named Constantine), and he will now live in Ku-ring-gai.
Final day in the office (as I switch to becoming full time mayor). I’m going to miss everyone, though I know they have an exciting future ahead with leading the transition to renewables.
They were kind enough to give me an Octopus (named Constantine), and he will now live in Ku-ring-gai.
Yesterday I was glad to attend the 12th Annual Youth Mental Health Forum. Organised by Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Ryde and Hunters Hill Council, the mental health forum is an opportunity for school students and teachers from our four LGAs to brainstorm ideas on how to support our youth through a turbulent time in life, reduce the stigma, provide accessible preventative support.
I was joined by Sarkis Yedelian – Mayor (pictured here), Matt Kean MP and Nathan Tilbury – Councillor at Hornsby Shire Council. We also had a range of providers including headspace , KYDS Youth Development Service , Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney , batyr , Taldumande Youth Services, Mission Australia , NDIS Uniting, Safe Haven NSW and Gamble Aware.
More photos to come.
Yesterday I was glad to attend the 12th Annual Youth Mental Health Forum. Organised by Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Ryde and Hunters Hill Council, the mental health forum is an opportunity for school students and teachers from our four LGAs to brainstorm ideas on how to support our youth through a turbulent time in life, reduce the stigma, provide accessible preventative support.
I was joined by Sarkis Yedelian – Mayor (pictured here), @[100058083487619:2048:Matt Kean MP] and @[100063626564368:2048:Nathan Tilbury – Councillor at Hornsby Shire Council]. We also had a range of providers including @[100064255852325:2048:headspace] , @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service] , @[100064520299383:2048:Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney] , @[100064617432674:2048:batyr] , @[100064600996002:2048:Taldumande Youth Services], @[100069311280553:2048:Mission Australia] , NDIS Uniting, Safe Haven NSW and Gamble Aware.
More photos to come.
It’s hard to find soft foods in public (as part of wisdom tooth recovery). On this occasion, I’m having a bowl of congee at The Cockatoo Bar & Restaurant in Gordon.
It’s hard to find soft foods in public (as part of wisdom tooth recovery). On this occasion, I’m having a bowl of congee at @[102738275086477:274:The Cockatoo Bar & Restaurant] in Gordon.
🇦🇺 Today Ku-ring-gai will have 160 new Australian Citizens. I had the privilege yesterday of signing their certificates. I look forward to meeting them all on this day of joy, and am keen to see what contribution each of them will make to our diverse society.
🇦🇺 Today Ku-ring-gai will have 160 new Australian Citizens. I had the privilege yesterday of signing their certificates. I look forward to meeting them all on this day of joy, and am keen to see what contribution each of them will make to our diverse society.
Our Ku-ring-gai Library is starting a fantastic initiative where you can borrow board games to take home and play with family and friends. It’s a great way to try out some games before deciding to buy a copy for yourself.
To launch the initiative there is a board games afternoon next Sunday 29 October. More information in the link below.
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Board-games-arvo-at-Gordon-Library
What’s your favourite board game? I’ve always liked Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride.
Our @[100064678122520:2048:Ku-ring-gai Library] is starting a fantastic initiative where you can borrow board games to take home and play with family and friends. It’s a great way to try out some games before deciding to buy a copy for yourself.
To launch the initiative there is a board games afternoon next Sunday 29 October. More information in the link below.
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Board-games-arvo-at-Gordon-Library
What’s your favourite board game? I’ve always liked Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride.
I took a nap at a hospital and woke up with two wisdom teeth removed. So far so good although I’ll be Mr Puffy face for the next few days, with the next speaking engagement on Tuesday. Ice cream, mashed potatoes and other soft foods are my friend.
I’m really thankful for the care shown by hospital staff; we are very blessed here in some parts of Australia. In the bigger picture, there is still work to be done in bringing comparable services to other parts of our nation, especially with remote and indigenous communities.
I also take confidence that Ku-ring-gai is in good hands. If I am ever out of action, we have a very capable Deputy Mayor who is here to serve our people, and the others councillors are capable of stepping up as well. They’re all great.
Anyway I’ll see you all out and about in the community as soon as I’m fully recovered. See you soon.
I took a nap at a hospital and woke up with two wisdom teeth removed. So far so good although I’ll be Mr Puffy face for the next few days, with the next speaking engagement on Tuesday. Ice cream, mashed potatoes and other soft foods are my friend.
I’m really thankful for the care shown by hospital staff; we are very blessed here in some parts of Australia. In the bigger picture, there is still work to be done in bringing comparable services to other parts of our nation, especially with remote and indigenous communities.
I also take confidence that Ku-ring-gai is in good hands. If I am ever out of action, we have a very capable Deputy Mayor who is here to serve our people, and the others councillors are capable of stepping up as well. They’re all great.
Anyway I’ll see you all out and about in the community as soon as I’m fully recovered. See you soon.
Congratulations to The Uniform Exchange for winning one of the Hornsby / Ku-ring-gai Local Business Awards. As a local business, they help parents buy and sell second hand uniforms and other school supplies as part of our re-use economy.
I was encouraged to attend and see 14 of our local businesses win awards last week. The other winners included.
Most Inclusive Employer Gusto’s Home Hub
Early Childhood Centre Guardian Childcare and Education
Florist Kelvin Hall Floral Design
Music Tuition Business Studios FiftyOne
Fitness Services Run with the Slow Coach
Hairdresser Studio Frankee & co
Hotel/Bottle Shop/Bar Porters Liquor – St Ives Shopping Centre
On this rare weekend with no official duties, we went to check out the Riverside Green Playground in Brisbane.
The mouse wheel in particular was pretty cool. We’d love to see one of those in Ku-ring-gai.
On this rare weekend with no official duties, we went to check out the Riverside Green Playground in Brisbane.
The mouse wheel in particular was pretty cool. We’d love to see one of those in Ku-ring-gai.
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹
Every three years we seek community members for our Local Planning Panels, which determine Development Applications worth between $5m and $30m, and other significant heritage or high-compliant applications.
Our talent pool for these positions have typically been shallow, so if you know any town planners, architects, environmental lawyers and the like who live in Ku-ring-gai and want to get involved, please ask them to apply at
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Council/Your-say/Ku-ring-gai-Local-Planning-Panel-KLPP-Community-representatives
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹
Every three years we seek community members for our Local Planning Panels, which determine Development Applications worth between $5m and $30m, and other significant heritage or high-compliant applications.
Our talent pool for these positions have typically been shallow, so if you know any town planners, architects, environmental lawyers and the like who live in Ku-ring-gai and want to get involved, please ask them to apply at
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Council/Your-say/Ku-ring-gai-Local-Planning-Panel-KLPP-Community-representatives
Fence. It was setup by council a year ago to block public access to a site which contained asbestos. Since then, council has arranged for some asbestos to be removed and there is a proposal at this Tuesday’s council meeting to make some of the open space available for recreation again.
𝗚𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. It was setup by council a year ago to block public access to a site which contained asbestos. Since then, council has arranged for some asbestos to be removed and there is a proposal at this Tuesday’s council meeting to make some of the open space available for recreation again.
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
Our council is generally quite good with potholes. If you report a pothole, it will be patched up within two weeks (usually a few days).
Last month I started seeing these strange road markings pop up all over the place. At first I just assumed it was some new council protocol but a month later they haven’t been fixed.
Our theory right now is that there is a ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑛 going around graffitiing our roads in the hope that council will fix it. But the irony is that by marking the roads, they are making the general public think that the problem has already been reported to council when in fact council has no knowledge at all. So these potholes remain unfixed.
Everyone, if you see a pothole please report it via the council website or the following link.
https://t.ly/WssGM
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
Our council is generally quite good with potholes. If you report a pothole, it will be patched up within two weeks (usually a few days).
Last month I started seeing these strange road markings pop up all over the place. At first I just assumed it was some new council protocol but a month later they haven’t been fixed.
Our theory right now is that there is a ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑛 going around graffitiing our roads in the hope that council will fix it. But the irony is that by marking the roads, they are making the general public think that the problem has already been reported to council when in fact council has no knowledge at all. So these potholes remain unfixed.
Everyone, if you see a pothole please report it via the council website or the following link.
https://t.ly/WssGM
Come check out some of the Spring Exhibition artwork by our local artists from the Ku ring gai Art Society, now on at St Ives Shopping Village.
Come check out some of the Spring Exhibition artwork by our local artists from the @[100063597101931:2048:Ku ring gai Art Society], now on at @[100063684966751:2048:St Ives Shopping Village].
A few weeks ago I tripped over my daughter’s scooter and fractured my toe. The restricted movement hasn’t been fun but it has helped me develop greater empathy for design and accessibility issues in the public domain, as well as greater appreciation for online interactions. I’m hoping to be back to normal in a few more weeks / months.
A few weeks ago I tripped over my daughter’s scooter and fractured my toe. The restricted movement hasn’t been fun but it has helped me develop greater empathy for design and accessibility issues in the public domain, as well as greater appreciation for online interactions. I’m hoping to be back to normal in a few more weeks / months.
I was looking for a bite to eat when I came across the new 24 hour meat vending machine at CHOP Butchery St Ives, opposite Woolworths.
Interesting concept for anyone wanting some late night ingredients.
I was looking for a bite to eat when I came across the new 24 hour meat vending machine at @[100061811122250:2048:CHOP Butchery] St Ives, opposite Woolworths.
Interesting concept for anyone wanting some late night ingredients.
𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆
Earlier today, we joined the Korean Community in celebrating Hangul Day. Hangul is the ‘Alphabet’ of the Korean Language invented almost 600 years ago by King Sejong the Great. We had singing, dancing, drums, and talks celebrating the Korean culture and the opportunities we have together here for a multicultural life here in Australia.
As a person of Chinese decent, I genuinely appreciate Hangul because the alphabet is so easy to pickup (whereas Chinese is difficult to learn with over 50,000 words). It is this simple means of communication, along with its community-driven self-sufficiency and education program (called the 𝘚𝘢𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘶𝘭 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘨) which helped the Koreans develop from a struggling agricultural country back in the 1960’s to the extremely advanced industrialised nation that it is today.
In Ku-ring-gai, 2.5% of our population is made up of residents of Korean decent. We welcome people of all nationalities to contribute to our multicultural society today, and look forward to further opportunities where we can share and learn from each other.
We thank the Korean Deputy Consul General Ms Deuk Shin along with the support of Ms Kim who came to support the event. We also give thanks to Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay , Councillor Barbara Ward, and Cr Simon Lennon for their support.
Earlier today we met many volunteers who have given up their personal time to serve the community in various ways; whether it be responding to extreme weather events or helping individuals through financial, physical or mental health, social connection or other environmental issues. We appreciate the work of volunteers here in the North Shore, and without which our people in society would not be equipped to ride through the times ahead.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿?
If you notice anything like this, let our council know and we’ll get to work on it. In this particular case the stormwater blockage at Sydney Road was cleared within a day.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿?
If you notice anything like this, let our council know and we’ll get to work on it. In this particular case the stormwater blockage at Sydney Road was cleared within a day.
We stopped by at St John the Evangelist Gordon for their annual Spring Fair. We enjoyed the kids activities and games, talking to members of the community, and also won a few books as part of spin the wheel.
It was also good to bump into Cr Simon Lennon, a regular member of the church.
The people at St John’s are a friendly lot so if you live nearby it’s worth dropping in. There’s more information about their activities on the website.
https://stjohnsgordon.org.au/
We stopped by at @[100064354975578:2048:St John the Evangelist Gordon] for their annual Spring Fair. We enjoyed the kids activities and games, talking to members of the community, and also won a few books as part of spin the wheel.
It was also good to bump into Cr Simon Lennon, a regular member of the church.
The people at St John’s are a friendly lot so if you live nearby it’s worth dropping in. There’s more information about their activities on the website.
https://stjohnsgordon.org.au/
If you are not in the area on Saturday 14 October or you have another valid reason for voting early, some of our local options include: 🗳️ 2nd Gordon Scout Hall (pictured here); 🗳️ Shop 5, 165-177 Mona Vale Road St Ives; 🗳️ Northside Church North Turramurra; 🗳️ 52 Gibbes Street Chatswood; and 🗳️ Morling College Macquarie Park
For more information visit
https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/voting.htm?division=Bradfield&state=NSW&suburb=Gordon&selection=early&votenow=no&interstate=no&where=Gordon+NSW+2072&postcode=2072#pollList
𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
If you are not in the area on Saturday 14 October or you have another valid reason for voting early, some of our local options include:
🗳️ 2nd Gordon Scout Hall (pictured here);
🗳️ Shop 5, 165-177 Mona Vale Road St Ives;
🗳️ Northside Church North Turramurra;
🗳️ 52 Gibbes Street Chatswood; and
🗳️ Morling College Macquarie Park
For more information visit
https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/voting.htm?division=Bradfield&state=NSW&suburb=Gordon&selection=early&votenow=no&interstate=no&where=Gordon+NSW+2072&postcode=2072#pollList
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗩 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴💚
Our family has had an EV for two years now so I’m always on the lookout for charging spots.
But to date, Ku-ring-gai is the only place where I’ve seen an EV charger dedicated to the disabled. I was really encouraged to see this when the Lindfield Village Green opened up last year.
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗩 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴💚
Our family has had an EV for two years now so I’m always on the lookout for charging spots.
But to date, Ku-ring-gai is the only place where I’ve seen an EV charger dedicated to the disabled. I was really encouraged to see this when the Lindfield Village Green opened up last year.
𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲
Special thanks to our 50+ volunteers, community groups and staff for making our first Sustainable Futures Day a big success. 💪🥳🎉
When I think about Sustainability, there are the big headlines that the media likes to focus attention on such as rising temperatures and sea levels and our 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 via Solar and Batteries, Electric Vehicles, and Net Zero targets. These were definitely featured at our event.
But another important aspect to sustainability is our 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀. Did you know that humans are currently using the Earth’s natural resources (biocapacity) at 1.7 times faster than our planet can regenerate? Focussing on our own lifestyle as Australians, if everyone on the planet lived like an Australian then we would require 3.8 Earths to meet their needs 🌏🌎🌍🌏. Drawing closer to home, 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴, making it all the more important for us to reduce the waste that we generate.
Unfortunately, I find that 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 gets far less media coverage than Climate Change despite its critical role in leading us to a Sustainable Future. Reducing our waste means changes in the way that we purchase🛍️, changes in the way that we generate and dispose of rubbish♻️, changes to our travel habits✈️ and and even changes to our choice of food🍎. Our stalls on Saturday did cover this theme, though there’s so much more education to be provided in the coming years.
Anyway we did have a fantastic first year and I look forward to even brighter events in the future! Well done to all involved.
#netzerokuringgai
𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲
Special thanks to our 50+ volunteers, community groups and staff for making our first Sustainable Futures Day a big success. 💪🥳🎉
When I think about Sustainability, there are the big headlines that the media likes to focus attention on such as rising temperatures and sea levels and our 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 via Solar and Batteries, Electric Vehicles, and Net Zero targets. These were definitely featured at our event.
But another important aspect to sustainability is our 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀. Did you know that humans are currently using the Earth’s natural resources (biocapacity) at 1.7 times faster than our planet can regenerate? Focussing on our own lifestyle as Australians, if everyone on the planet lived like an Australian then we would require 3.8 Earths to meet their needs 🌏🌎🌍🌏. Drawing closer to home, 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴, making it all the more important for us to reduce the waste that we generate.
Unfortunately, I find that 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 gets far less media coverage than Climate Change despite its critical role in leading us to a Sustainable Future. Reducing our waste means changes in the way that we purchase🛍️, changes in the way that we generate and dispose of rubbish♻️, changes to our travel habits✈️ and and even changes to our choice of food🍎. Our stalls on Saturday did cover this theme, though there’s so much more education to be provided in the coming years.
Anyway we did have a fantastic first year and I look forward to even brighter events in the future! Well done to all involved.
#netzerokuringgai
𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 🏴☠️
I was glad to support our youth from the Marian Street Theatre for Young People as they performed this adaptation of a Robert Louis Stevenson classic at the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall. Additional sessions extend through the rest of the school holidays. For more information visit
https://events.humanitix.com/treasure-island
𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 🏴☠️
I was glad to support our youth from the @[100063523241872:2048:Marian Street Theatre for Young People] as they performed this adaptation of a Robert Louis Stevenson classic at the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall. Additional sessions extend through the rest of the school holidays. For more information visit
https://events.humanitix.com/treasure-island
We were checking out some of the issues across Ku-ring-gai on Monday and stopped by at Twenty74 at the North Turramurra shops for lunch. They have friendly service and a good range of food.
We were checking out some of the issues across Ku-ring-gai on Monday and stopped by at @[100054301399395:2048:Twenty74] at the North Turramurra shops for lunch. They have friendly service and a good range of food.
𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗻.
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 if you’re outdoors. Recently council was provided a grant to install ten new water fountains including this one at Roseville Park.
Last week I noticed that this one’s water pressure was low (making it unusable) so council staff did a great job of fixing it. If you have issues with any other water bubblers, please let me know.
𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗻.
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 if you’re outdoors. Recently council was provided a grant to install ten new water fountains including this one at Roseville Park.
Last week I noticed that this one’s water pressure was low (making it unusable) so council staff did a great job of fixing it. If you have issues with any other water bubblers, please let me know.
Awesome pizza and pasta at Rosso Cavallino St Ives. The lasagne especially is the best I’ve had on the North Shore and the kids loved the gelato.
Awesome pizza and pasta at @[100063481904587:2048:Rosso Cavallino] St Ives. The lasagne especially is the best I’ve had on the North Shore and the kids loved the gelato.
This morning I was joined by Councillor Barbara Ward and Councillor Martin Smith at the Turramurra Lookout Community Garden for the grand opening of a community shelter.
It was an encouragement to meet all the volunteers and hear that the garden not only provides apartment dwellers with recreation space, but also provides them with a community network for social support.
We also witnessed the ribbon cutting of the Community Shelter funded by a State Government grant, and supported by Alister Henskens MP.
For more information on the garden and opportunities to volunteer, visit
https://www.tlcgarden.org.au
This morning I was joined by Councillor Barbara Ward and @[100063481211240:2048:Councillor Martin Smith] at the @[100075642116990:2048:Turramurra Lookout Community Garden] for the grand opening of a community shelter.
It was an encouragement to meet all the volunteers and hear that the garden not only provides apartment dwellers with recreation space, but also provides them with a community network for social support.
We also witnessed the ribbon cutting of the Community Shelter funded by a State Government grant, and supported by @[1538132593142893:274:Alister Henskens MP].
For more information on the garden and opportunities to volunteer, visit
https://www.tlcgarden.org.au
In 2018, 𝗜 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 but was discouraged by the EPA as organic waste was required in red bins to support electricity generation at the Woodlawn Bioreactor.
More recently, the 𝗡𝗦𝗪 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟬. Once industry has built the capacity to process food waste, it will be collected in maroon-lidded bins and reduce waste going to landfill by a third.
Last year the Northern Sydney Councils jointly trialled separated food-waste collection with 2,400 households. The trials found that certain household types had 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱-𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀, making it expensive or impossible to recycle. There were also issues with 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗸𝘆 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 and 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻-𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀. Further education will be required in supporting the future rollout of food-only bins.
For more information refer to the NSROC report:
https://nsroc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/16142_NSROC-Foof-Organics-Exec-Summary-12pp-web-reduced-1.pdf
𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘁
In 2018, 𝗜 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 but was discouraged by the EPA as organic waste was required in red bins to support electricity generation at the Woodlawn Bioreactor.
More recently, the 𝗡𝗦𝗪 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟬. Once industry has built the capacity to process food waste, it will be collected in maroon-lidded bins and reduce waste going to landfill by a third.
Last year the Northern Sydney Councils jointly trialled separated food-waste collection with 2,400 households. The trials found that certain household types had 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱-𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀, making it expensive or impossible to recycle. There were also issues with 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗸𝘆 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 and 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻-𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀. Further education will be required in supporting the future rollout of food-only bins.
For more information refer to the NSROC report:
https://nsroc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/16142_NSROC-Foof-Organics-Exec-Summary-12pp-web-reduced-1.pdf
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆?
We are hosting a Sustainable Futures Day at the St Ives Village Green from 10am to 4pm, with educational stalls covering solar and batteries, multiple electric vehicles on display, waste reduction, native plants, and the role that youth can play. There will also be live entertainment and the opportunity to meet our Net Zero Champion volunteers who can share more about getting involved.
I hope to see you there!
For more information refer to
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Eco-Festival-Sustainable-Futures-Day
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆?
We are hosting a Sustainable Futures Day at the St Ives Village Green from 10am to 4pm, with educational stalls covering solar and batteries, multiple electric vehicles on display, waste reduction, native plants, and the role that youth can play. There will also be live entertainment and the opportunity to meet our Net Zero Champion volunteers who can share more about getting involved.
I hope to see you there!
For more information refer to
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Whats-on/Eco-Festival-Sustainable-Futures-Day
We had the privilege of meeting the awesome Volunteers from the Ku-ring-gai SES Unit last night. As volunteers, each of them have dedicated years of their life to train and serve, ensuring that regular Australians like you and I can recover from extreme weather situations.
In my speech I shared about our personal experience four years ago when a mini cyclone felled multiple trees across East Lindfield, including a large one on top of our house. In my heartfelt message I thanked the volunteers for responding to our situation close to midnight, forgoing a warm dinner and time with family in order to serve the community. It is these volunteers who should be recognised for their contributions to the community, and I was proud to present to them their Long Service awards for serving 5, 10 and 20 years with the SES.
After the ceremony we had the opportunity to mingle with volunteers, hear about their challenges and how Council can potentially help, as well as tour the facilities. Did you know that almost a quarter or third of their callouts are in relation to non-native Liquidambar obstructions? It’s a beautiful tree but it causes so many problems that it takes away our volunteers from serving the community in other ways.
𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
We had the privilege of meeting the awesome Volunteers from the Ku-ring-gai SES Unit last night. As volunteers, each of them have dedicated years of their life to train and serve, ensuring that regular Australians like you and I can recover from extreme weather situations.
In my speech I shared about our personal experience four years ago when a mini cyclone felled multiple trees across East Lindfield, including a large one on top of our house. In my heartfelt message I thanked the volunteers for responding to our situation close to midnight, forgoing a warm dinner and time with family in order to serve the community. It is these volunteers who should be recognised for their contributions to the community, and I was proud to present to them their Long Service awards for serving 5, 10 and 20 years with the SES.
After the ceremony we had the opportunity to mingle with volunteers, hear about their challenges and how Council can potentially help, as well as tour the facilities. Did you know that almost a quarter or third of their callouts are in relation to non-native Liquidambar obstructions? It’s a beautiful tree but it causes so many problems that it takes away our volunteers from serving the community in other ways.
We had a great time meeting residents at the annual Ku-ring-gai Shield (Lawn Bowls) competition. Congratulations to the St Ives club for both hosting and winning.
𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱
Earlier this year our council upgraded this playground in Pymble, with theming based on a fruit farm that used to be in the area. The playground includes a cycle track, soft fall, nature play, picnic area, fenced in area and other farm elements.
Our kids enjoyed it and we recommend that you check it out.
𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝘆𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱
Earlier this year our council upgraded this playground in Pymble, with theming based on a fruit farm that used to be in the area. The playground includes a cycle track, soft fall, nature play, picnic area, fenced in area and other farm elements.
Our kids enjoyed it and we recommend that you check it out.
This week I was honoured to be elected by Councillors to the position of Mayor with Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay supporting as Deputy Mayor through to September 2024. We take time to thank Cr Jeff Pettett and Cr Barbara Ward for their service as Mayor and Deputy in the last two years.
As Mayor, my aim is to collaboratively lead the Council and build on relationships with residents and with staff. I also know that each councillor genuinely cares for the community, and I believe that our diverse views will produce the best outcomes if we engage in respectful conversation.
In these 12 months we hope to deliver meaningful changes that improve your quality of life. We have commenced a customer service review which should lead to more efficient and effective responses to your queries. We are also reviewing our internal spend to identify savings which can fund infrastructure and process improvements.
The decisions that we make must benefit current and future generations, and where appropriate it is important to engage residents in the process.
I look forward to seeing you at some of the great events that Council has organised this month. With warmer weather and school holidays, there is no better time to be in Ku-ring-gai.
Mayor Sam Ngai
This week I was honoured to be elected by Councillors to the position of Mayor with @[100049240526757:2048:Deputy Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Cr Christine Kay] supporting as Deputy Mayor through to September 2024. We take time to thank Cr Jeff Pettett and Cr Barbara Ward for their service as Mayor and Deputy in the last two years.
As Mayor, my aim is to collaboratively lead the Council and build on relationships with residents and with staff. I also know that each councillor genuinely cares for the community, and I believe that our diverse views will produce the best outcomes if we engage in respectful conversation.
In these 12 months we hope to deliver meaningful changes that improve your quality of life. We have commenced a customer service review which should lead to more efficient and effective responses to your queries. We are also reviewing our internal spend to identify savings which can fund infrastructure and process improvements.
The decisions that we make must benefit current and future generations, and where appropriate it is important to engage residents in the process.
I look forward to seeing you at some of the great events that Council has organised this month. With warmer weather and school holidays, there is no better time to be in Ku-ring-gai.
Mayor Sam Ngai
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻, 𝗪𝗮𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮
I visited The Glade twice in recent weeks to understand proposed incremental upgrades, the most controversial of which was the post-consultation inclusion of LED field lighting.
Although I’m open to the possibility of lights at this site, I think such decisions should only be made after thorough consultation with residents on matters such as lighting technologies and design, light spill, time of use, and natural screening. Some would argue that such details could be agreed 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 adopting a Masterplan, but others would argue that it should be part of the process.
I was keen to debate the matter last night but some councillors requested a staff-guided site inspection, and I was happy to support this request. We’ll be debating the matter later in the year and I’m open to hearing your thoughts in the interim.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻, 𝗪𝗮𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮
I visited The Glade twice in recent weeks to understand proposed incremental upgrades, the most controversial of which was the post-consultation inclusion of LED field lighting.
Although I’m open to the possibility of lights at this site, I think such decisions should only be made after thorough consultation with residents on matters such as lighting technologies and design, light spill, time of use, and natural screening. Some would argue that such details could be agreed 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 adopting a Masterplan, but others would argue that it should be part of the process.
I was keen to debate the matter last night but some councillors requested a staff-guided site inspection, and I was happy to support this request. We’ll be debating the matter later in the year and I’m open to hearing your thoughts in the interim.
On Tuesday 12th September, Ku-ring-gai Council met for the monthly Public Forum as well as an Extraordinary Meeting of Council that had been called regarding the General Manager’s employment. Members of the public shared their views on the matter and responded to councillor questions. Then some councillors, including those who had called for the meeting, counted the numbers and staged a walkout. This resulted in a situation where there were not enough councillors left in the room to proceed with the debate or the vote. The matter has been adjourned to Tuesday 19th September.
I’d like to thank members of the public for coming to share their views on the matter. During the public forum there were calls for transparency, probity, and for councillors to act in the public interest 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘔’𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘴. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 These are all values that I share and they support my decision back in August to vote the GM out. The biggest difference, however, is that the general public has not had the same level of access to information that I have had as a councillor these last six years. I am firmly of the view that most people who would have seen what I have seen (𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵) and who are placed in similar circumstances would do the same as I have or at least be very sympathetic to the circumstances.
I also appreciated it when a former councillor got up to speak and waved a copy of the 2011 edition of the Guidelines for the Appointment and Oversight of General Manager. I wish she was actually on council with me last council term when I fought for (and lost to the mayor’s casting vote) the right for councillors to participate in the setting of the General Manager’s performance metrics. In fact if you look at the minutes from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 you can see that the oversight of the GM’s performance has always been a divided topic, with the mayor often using the casting vote to quash those who do not agree. A new 2022 edition of the Guidelines was released last year and council is partway through implementing these governance changes. I also expect legislative changes to the Local Government Act and Regulation later this year which will bring long-awaited improvements to governance across all NSW councils.
If Ku-ring-gai does get to the point where a new GM is appointed, I want the process to be supported by an independent and apolitical recruiter and I want it to follow the 2022 guidelines. In the last 12 months we have seen examples of senior public official recruitment done poorly at all three levels of government, and Ku-ring-gai must not go down that path.
I am sorry that this is all that can be said for now. Current councillors are bound by a code (including conduct and confidentiality) whereas former councillors do not have such restrictions.
Some of the exciting things that have been confirmed from the August Council Meeting.
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 – Council is undergoing a 2 year trial of recycling hard to recycle materials such as soft plastics, electronics, batteries, and textiles. For more information search for “RecycleSmart”.
𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – In principle support provided for Lindfield Rugby and Lindfield District Cricket to apply for grants and upgrade the existing Clubhouse with better change facilities.
𝗦𝘁 𝗜𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 – Approved tender for construction. Facility will be upgraded to 4-court and available to public hire outside of school hours.
𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 – Council support to upgrade the Hockey pitch and carpark facilties at Ku-ring-gai High, available to public hire outside of school hours. The key difference that I see between this and NTRA is that this development builds additional parking capacity on-site to keep parked cars off the road and maintain its social licence.
𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 – Approved a motion to go up to the November Local Government NSW annual conference, lobbying the state government to fix our broken private certification system. Right now property developers are able to get away with building illegal structures that are improperly certified, and council is powerless to stop them.
There was another item that was discussed but not yet resolved due to a rescission motion. At this stage I know there are some comments elsewhere on social media (stringing together selective facts to infer an inaccurate picture) but if any comments about it pop up here, I’m just going to delete them because I don’t think it’s appropriate or constructive to publish comments on an unresolved matter of this nature.
𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Some of the exciting things that have been confirmed from the August Council Meeting.
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 – Council is undergoing a 2 year trial of recycling hard to recycle materials such as soft plastics, electronics, batteries, and textiles. For more information search for “RecycleSmart”.
𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – In principle support provided for Lindfield Rugby and Lindfield District Cricket to apply for grants and upgrade the existing Clubhouse with better change facilities.
𝗦𝘁 𝗜𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 – Approved tender for construction. Facility will be upgraded to 4-court and available to public hire outside of school hours.
𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 – Council support to upgrade the Hockey pitch and carpark facilties at Ku-ring-gai High, available to public hire outside of school hours. The key difference that I see between this and NTRA is that this development builds additional parking capacity on-site to keep parked cars off the road and maintain its social licence.
𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 – Approved a motion to go up to the November Local Government NSW annual conference, lobbying the state government to fix our broken private certification system. Right now property developers are able to get away with building illegal structures that are improperly certified, and council is powerless to stop them.
There was another item that was discussed but not yet resolved due to a rescission motion. At this stage I know there are some comments elsewhere on social media (stringing together selective facts to infer an inaccurate picture) but if any comments about it pop up here, I’m just going to delete them because I don’t think it’s appropriate or constructive to publish comments on an unresolved matter of this nature.
⚡️This might be old news to some, but I just found out from council’s website that we’ve taken delivery of our first electric tip truck. I’m curious to hear whether the truck is quieter than the conventional version because in East Lindfield I can hear the garbage truck from over a block away (sometimes in the middle of the night).
Roseville Park Oval will be undergoing extensive irrigation / fencing upgrades over the next 8 months. The rest of Roseville Park will remain open for recreational needs, and there are a few ovals in East Lindfield and Killara if you are looking for the wide open space.
Roseville Park Oval will be undergoing extensive irrigation / fencing upgrades over the next 8 months. The rest of Roseville Park will remain open for recreational needs, and there are a few ovals in East Lindfield and Killara if you are looking for the wide open space.
A little sad as it’s my last night here at the UNSW CBD campus. This term we covered Renewable Energy Law, and it was a fantastic opportunity to hear from industry leaders about the policies that different countries have adopted to take on Net Zero. In particular for Australia, what is clear is that the biggest challenge isn’t simply about deploying solar and wind generation (as the politicians like to have us believe) but rather it is about ensuring that Australia has appropriately sufficient and stable transmission, distribution, and energy storage to support the future. I hope that what I learn will be of use at my workplace where we will, hopefully, deploy $30Bn of renewables and storage in the coming years.
I have one term left of daytime classes at uni and will be covering urban sustainability and (international) law of the sea.
A little sad as it’s my last night here at the UNSW CBD campus. This term we covered Renewable Energy Law, and it was a fantastic opportunity to hear from industry leaders about the policies that different countries have adopted to take on Net Zero. In particular for Australia, what is clear is that the biggest challenge isn’t simply about deploying solar and wind generation (as the politicians like to have us believe) but rather it is about ensuring that Australia has appropriately sufficient and stable transmission, distribution, and energy storage to support the future. I hope that what I learn will be of use at my workplace where we will, hopefully, deploy $30Bn of renewables and storage in the coming years.
I have one term left of daytime classes at uni and will be covering urban sustainability and (international) law of the sea.
𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 on the Recreation Needs Study which will inform how council develops facilities and services for community recreation. For more information visit
𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 on the Recreation Needs Study which will inform how council develops facilities and services for community recreation. For more information visit
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Council/Your-say/Draft-Ku-ring-gai-Recreation-Needs-Study
Good Morning Everyone. It’s great to see film crew here at East Lindfield today because it is, afterall, one of the best places to live in Sydney 🙂
Last night we were anticipating a long council meeting going up til 11pm but fortunately it did not come to that. I’ll outline the key decisions below, and the official (draft) minutes will become available on Thursday.
𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘆 – We made further steps on the conversation of planting native trees such as Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest and Sydney Blue Gum at council-owned sites. Thanks to Cr Greg Taylor for driving the agenda.
𝗦𝘁 𝗜𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔 – Highly anticipated discussions about the future of the Secret Garden, Ku-ring-gai Town Hall, childcare site, and NTRA ended up not proceeding this month.
𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗲 – It was decided that the councillors and staff should continue discussing options for the theatre in a separate (internal) councillor briefing to be held in the next 4 weeks.
𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 – It was decided that Ku-ring-gai will not pursue a special rates variation (out of cycle rates increase) in the upcoming year, which while popular and arguably appropriate for our particular phase of the economic cycle, may have other implications on the timing and delivery of major council projects. It was also decided that nearly $0.5m will be prioritised to restore the external elements of the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall.
𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 – Changes to the Ku-ring-gai Local Environment Plan will be put out to public exhibition for a 40 day period. This is longer than the required 28 days, meaning that residents have extra time to consider the changes.
𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 – We made minor adjustments to the Masterplan Report then adopted it. The next steps are Detailed Design, Phased Delivery, and Tendering for Delivery and this typically takes a few years.
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 – There was some debate but Council ended up settling on a version of the draft policy that is largely consistent with the Office of Local Government’s Model Policy (i.e. nothing wacky or weird). It will now go to public exhibition for 28 days.
𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Good Morning Everyone. It’s great to see film crew here at East Lindfield today because it is, afterall, one of the best places to live in Sydney 🙂
Last night we were anticipating a long council meeting going up til 11pm but fortunately it did not come to that. I’ll outline the key decisions below, and the official (draft) minutes will become available on Thursday.
𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘆 – We made further steps on the conversation of planting native trees such as Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest and Sydney Blue Gum at council-owned sites. Thanks to Cr Greg Taylor for driving the agenda.
𝗦𝘁 𝗜𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔 – Highly anticipated discussions about the future of the Secret Garden, Ku-ring-gai Town Hall, childcare site, and NTRA ended up not proceeding this month.
𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗲 – It was decided that the councillors and staff should continue discussing options for the theatre in a separate (internal) councillor briefing to be held in the next 4 weeks.
𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 – It was decided that Ku-ring-gai will not pursue a special rates variation (out of cycle rates increase) in the upcoming year, which while popular and arguably appropriate for our particular phase of the economic cycle, may have other implications on the timing and delivery of major council projects. It was also decided that nearly $0.5m will be prioritised to restore the external elements of the Ku-ring-gai Town Hall.
𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 – Changes to the Ku-ring-gai Local Environment Plan will be put out to public exhibition for a 40 day period. This is longer than the required 28 days, meaning that residents have extra time to consider the changes.
𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 – We made minor adjustments to the Masterplan Report then adopted it. The next steps are Detailed Design, Phased Delivery, and Tendering for Delivery and this typically takes a few years.
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 – There was some debate but Council ended up settling on a version of the draft policy that is largely consistent with the Office of Local Government’s Model Policy (i.e. nothing wacky or weird). It will now go to public exhibition for 28 days.
Happy to hear that Jess’ family is growing, but sad to hear that she feels she has to quit in order to look after it. The sad reality with the councillor role is that it does not pay very much (compared to the hours that may be required to do it properly) and so the role does not always attract or retain the calibre of candidates who you would normally expect to govern a large organisation.
Jess was getting paid ~$18 per hour for governing the City of Sydney. That’s below the National Minimum Wage.
Set to dominate the media these next six months is the topic of whether Indigenous people should be mentioned in the Australian Constitution, and if so, how.
The Australian Constitution currently covers decisions made by the Parliament (Senate, House of Representatives, Scope of Powers) in Chapter One and the Executive Government (Governor General, Cabinet) in Chapter Two. Indigenous people such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have no formal input into the decision-making process, partly because of the history of colonists not recognising Australia as being owned by anybody (terra nullius) in the eighteenth century.
What is being proposed and put out to referendum later this year is the introduction of an extra chapter to Australia’s Constitution that recognises the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as the ‘First Peoples of Australia’. It establishes a body of indigenous people called the ‘Voice’ that has the opportunity to provide input to the Parliament and the Executive Government on matters that relate to them, and it gives the Parliament further powers to make laws about how the Voice operates including who it is made up of, how it works, etc.
At a high level, I can see why lots of people will jump on board in support of it. Politically, it is “the thing to do” and I can see a groundswell within Australia of people who will strongly ‘encourage’ anyone else who does not yet understand or feel comfortable to support the wording in its current form (and encourage in such a way that it comes across as bullying or coercion). But in my five short years on council, I’ve also seen well-meaning ideas voted through and then implemented in ways that are contrary to what was originally expected due to a poor choice of wording or loopholes. I suspect that it may well be the case with the Voice here that despite the best of intentions, there may be unintended outcomes that emerge in the coming decades as a result of some judge interpreting the words in our constitution in ways that were not originally intended. In particular, the scope of the Voice in making representations on “matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples” is quite vague and open to interpretation either way.
In addition to the constitution, there are some ‘design principles’ for the Voice. Principles that will guide how the Parliament will implement the Voice if it ends up being supported by a referendum. Some of these principles include broad composition, not having veto power, etc. But the design principles are still somewhat somewhat vague, and they do not form part of the constitution or part of what Australians will be asked to vote on at the referendum.
In the media, there are people who say that the proposed wording is too strong, and there are others who say that the wording is not strong enough. I can see where they’re all coming from.
I do believe that recognition of indigenous Australians, respecting their ways, restoring their bonds and lifting their quality of life is an important thing. Something needs to be done, and it’s probably a case of better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing at all. We also have a stable government and what I believe is the mandate to explore the idea. But I personally have no intention to get involved in the pro or anti-voice camps in the next six months. And I do hope that in the next six months, the Australian people and our political leaders are mature enough to explore the implications in a mature manner and remain open to change, rather than politicising the matter and shooting down anybody who does not see things in exactly the same way that they do. Somehow though, I get a feeling that this is not how it will play out, and I’m actually somewhat disappointed in how our federal leaders (both sides) have led the conversation so far on such a serious matter. I want to be proud of our political leaders, and I expect more from both Albo and Dutton in the contest of ideas than just tearing each other down.
🎤𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲
Set to dominate the media these next six months is the topic of whether Indigenous people should be mentioned in the Australian Constitution, and if so, how.
The Australian Constitution currently covers decisions made by the Parliament (Senate, House of Representatives, Scope of Powers) in Chapter One and the Executive Government (Governor General, Cabinet) in Chapter Two. Indigenous people such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have no formal input into the decision-making process, partly because of the history of colonists not recognising Australia as being owned by anybody (terra nullius) in the eighteenth century.
What is being proposed and put out to referendum later this year is the introduction of an extra chapter to Australia’s Constitution that recognises the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as the ‘First Peoples of Australia’. It establishes a body of indigenous people called the ‘Voice’ that has the opportunity to provide input to the Parliament and the Executive Government on matters that relate to them, and it gives the Parliament further powers to make laws about how the Voice operates including who it is made up of, how it works, etc.
At a high level, I can see why lots of people will jump on board in support of it. Politically, it is “the thing to do” and I can see a groundswell within Australia of people who will strongly ‘encourage’ anyone else who does not yet understand or feel comfortable to support the wording in its current form (and encourage in such a way that it comes across as bullying or coercion). But in my five short years on council, I’ve also seen well-meaning ideas voted through and then implemented in ways that are contrary to what was originally expected due to a poor choice of wording or loopholes. I suspect that it may well be the case with the Voice here that despite the best of intentions, there may be unintended outcomes that emerge in the coming decades as a result of some judge interpreting the words in our constitution in ways that were not originally intended. In particular, the scope of the Voice in making representations on “matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples” is quite vague and open to interpretation either way.
In addition to the constitution, there are some ‘design principles’ for the Voice. Principles that will guide how the Parliament will implement the Voice if it ends up being supported by a referendum. Some of these principles include broad composition, not having veto power, etc. But the design principles are still somewhat somewhat vague, and they do not form part of the constitution or part of what Australians will be asked to vote on at the referendum.
In the media, there are people who say that the proposed wording is too strong, and there are others who say that the wording is not strong enough. I can see where they’re all coming from.
I do believe that recognition of indigenous Australians, respecting their ways, restoring their bonds and lifting their quality of life is an important thing. Something needs to be done, and it’s probably a case of better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing at all. We also have a stable government and what I believe is the mandate to explore the idea. But I personally have no intention to get involved in the pro or anti-voice camps in the next six months. And I do hope that in the next six months, the Australian people and our political leaders are mature enough to explore the implications in a mature manner and remain open to change, rather than politicising the matter and shooting down anybody who does not see things in exactly the same way that they do. Somehow though, I get a feeling that this is not how it will play out, and I’m actually somewhat disappointed in how our federal leaders (both sides) have led the conversation so far on such a serious matter. I want to be proud of our political leaders, and I expect more from both Albo and Dutton in the contest of ideas than just tearing each other down.
🎉 We had a fantastic day at Lindfield East Public School. I spent most of the time getting to know the booth volunteers, and we all got along pretty well, no unpleasantries.
It was also good to see so many people at the booth, helping to raise funds for our local school, preschool and girl guides. Thank you for your support.
Congratulations also to my friend Matt Cross – Liberal Candidate for Davidson. I first met him five years ago when I got onto council, and I enjoy our regular catchups at the Blood Donation centre every few months. Matt is a genuinely open relationship builder, very responsive to queries, and I hope the people of Davidson give him a chance.
Take care everyone. And as usual, if you have any questions feel free to reach out.
🎉 We had a fantastic day at Lindfield East Public School. I spent most of the time getting to know the booth volunteers, and we all got along pretty well, no unpleasantries.
It was also good to see so many people at the booth, helping to raise funds for our local school, preschool and girl guides. Thank you for your support.
Congratulations also to my friend @[100087669656114:2048:Matt Cross – Liberal Candidate for Davidson]. I first met him five years ago when I got onto council, and I enjoy our regular catchups at the Blood Donation centre every few months. Matt is a genuinely open relationship builder, very responsive to queries, and I hope the people of Davidson give him a chance.
Take care everyone. And as usual, if you have any questions feel free to reach out.
If you’re wondering where to vote tomorrow, Lindfield East Public School is a great option. Sausage sizzle to fundraise for Lindfield East Public School, a cake store to fundraise for East Lindfield Community Preschool and a store plus activities with East Lindfield Girl Guides.
This week a group of scientists (IPCC) will release an update on their projections for climate change while saying that with greater rises in global temperatures comes more frequent and extreme weather events.
I personally don’t support children skipping school to protest this issue, but they do have the right to ask governments what they are doing to mitigate the impacts on future generations.
Last year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said that based on their modelling, the world needs to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels) to have any chance that temperature rises are curbed at 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. This target has been matched or exceeded by the federal, state and local government, and I commend the politicians and staff at each level of government for doing their part.
For more information on what Ku-ring-gai Council is doing, visit
🌏 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲
This week a group of scientists (IPCC) will release an update on their projections for climate change while saying that with greater rises in global temperatures comes more frequent and extreme weather events.
I personally don’t support children skipping school to protest this issue, but they do have the right to ask governments what they are doing to mitigate the impacts on future generations.
Last year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said that based on their modelling, the world needs to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels) to have any chance that temperature rises are curbed at 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. This target has been matched or exceeded by the federal, state and local government, and I commend the politicians and staff at each level of government for doing their part.
For more information on what Ku-ring-gai Council is doing, visit
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Net-Zero-Ku-ring-gai
The NSW Government recently commissioned an independent review of the councillor misconduct framework and has committed to delivering reform in the coming months.
What I look forward to the most is the introduction of an independent Councillor Conduct Review Panel. This replaces the current system where the General Manager is tasked with deciding whether a Code of Conduct complaint is worthy of investigation, and then gets to handpick the investigator. I’ve spoken to other councillors (outside of Ku-ring-gai) who say that investigations have sometimes felt frivolous and selective, funded by the ratepayer while the accused has to pay legal expenses out of pocket. It has the effect of silencing alternate views.
The new framework including the independent panel is expected to commence 1 January 2024.
🔍 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸
The NSW Government recently commissioned an independent review of the councillor misconduct framework and has committed to delivering reform in the coming months.
What I look forward to the most is the introduction of an independent Councillor Conduct Review Panel. This replaces the current system where the General Manager is tasked with deciding whether a Code of Conduct complaint is worthy of investigation, and then gets to handpick the investigator. I’ve spoken to other councillors (outside of Ku-ring-gai) who say that investigations have sometimes felt frivolous and selective, funded by the ratepayer while the accused has to pay legal expenses out of pocket. It has the effect of silencing alternate views.
The new framework including the independent panel is expected to commence 1 January 2024.
⚽️ 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 – 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗮𝗹 – 𝟭𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
One of the peculiarities (and frustrations) of politics is that divisive issues often result in two ‘sides’, each of which take an approach of emphasising some facts and being silent on others in order to put forward their case. I sometimes sit in the middle and feel frustrated because I perceive that neither side has balance and by taking a middle of the road approach, as I did last month on the NTRA issue, I end up pleasing nobody and I get misrepresented and skewered by people from both sides.
Well it’s probably going to happen again this month, and the topic this time is the installation of a synthetic surface on Norman Griffiths Oval. An extraordinary meeting of council has been called for 16 March 2023 to discuss this matter and at this stage I have no idea what position the majority of council will end up voting to resolve. I don’t entirely agree with any of the narratives out there in the public domain, but I’m happy to present what I believe to be a balance of facts below.
𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀
⚽️ In recent years there has been a significant increase in demand for sport, including soccer, in metro Sydney. Team sports significantly benefit our residents’ physical and mental health.
🚜 In ages past, the most effective way to provide for the sporting needs of our residents is to get the bulldozer and chain and clear bushland to deliver the required space. But in present day Ku-ring-gai this is considered inconceivable because of the significant loss of habitat and biodiversity as well as the loss of Oxygen-creating trees.
📈 Six years ago NSROC (Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils) commissioned a study on projected sporting field needs, and it said that we needed a 40% increase over a period of 20 years. To meet this 40% capacity increase, it suggested a range of measures.
💡 One of the suggested measures from the NSROC study is to add lights to existing sporting fields, extending the use of sporting ovals into the night. While this does achieve the desired outcome, it often faces opposition from local residents and environmental groups 🦉.
❇️ Another suggested measure is to upgrade traditional grass ovals (which wear and tear easily and support limited hours of use) to other surfaces such as synthetics or hybrid (which support higher intensity of use). While this also achieves the desired outcome, it faces opposition from some environmental groups.
↔ Yet another measure suggested is that sporting codes will need to change format over time. Instead of playing one large 11-a-side game of soccer, the same field could support 3x the number of players if reconfigured to support futsal matches. While this achieves the desired outcome of increasing sporting opportunities for all, it faces opposition from incumbent sporting codes.
❌ In November and December 2019, I was involved with shooting down a proposal to deliver a synthetic upgrade at Mimosa. My argument wasn’t on environmental grounds as I was comfortable with the latest developments in synthetic technology, rather, I did not believe that Mimosa would have adequate natural grass leftover for other activities after a synthetics upgrade, and I believed that the traffic impacts would be undesirable at that point in time. As an alternative, I was involved in a proposal to move the synthetics surface to Norman Griffiths which doesn’t have either the limited space or traffic impact issues that Mimosa had. The proposal to move the project to Norman Griffiths was defeated in 2019.
✅ There was a strange change in sentiment in 2020 and 2021 where all councillors unanimously got on board with delivering an upgrade to Norman Griffiths. I don’t know why the other councillors had a change of heart, perhaps it was a combination of practical reality and changes in perspective for staff, but it did mean that we were looking to deliver an increase in the availability of use at a location which had easy access, plenty of parking, and ample alternate space for other activities such as walking the dog.
✍️ Council unanimously approved and then signed the contract for the Norman Griffiths synthetic upgrade in late 2021.
👷♀️ The approvals process for the Norman Griffiths upgrade falls under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021. Under this SEPP, community consultation is not a mandatory requirement however in some cases consultation with other authorities such as National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) may be required (as per clause 2.15 and under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974).
🖥️ In February 2022 the newly elected council resolved to put the project’s Review of Environmental Factors (REF), final design, and revised schedule of construction on the council website prior to the construction phase beginning.
📄 LGNSW best practice guidelines on the REF recommend stakeholder consultation after the environmental impact assessment is conducted. These are, however, non-binding guidelines only.
🔍 The community (including NPWS) was consulted on the matter in March 2022 but at the time it was with regard to the early design rather than the final environmental impact assessment.
🖥️ On 27 February 2023 the final REF, final design, and revised schedule of construction became available to councillors and the public via the council website. The construction project was scheduled to start 13 March 2023, leaving some members of the public (and councillors) in a position where they felt that they only had two weeks to review the REF before construction began. For some, this felt like it was highly improper due to the short time available, however others argue that consultation had already happened in March 2022 and that under the SEPP community consultation was not required at this stage of the process. The REF claimed that it has NPWS support.
🌲 In prior years, NPWS had already provided in principal support for the Norman Griffiths synthetics upgrade pending further clarification on the detailed design and environmental impacts. However on 3 March 2023 the NPWS wrote a letter to council stating that its in-principle support support for the upgrade was contingent on ongoing detailed consultation around the proposed design and management strategies to mitigate impacts, and that Ku-ring-gai Council had yet to undertake the agreed consultation. Therefore it would not be accurate for the REF to claim that the current design has NPWS support. NPWS therefore requested that the project be delayed until details around the final REF are properly reviewed and discussed.
💰 On 13 March 2023 the Norman Griffiths Oval was fenced off for construction. A delay in the construction date will lead to supply chain impacts and cost Ku-ring-gai Council hundreds of thousands of dollars.
𝗢𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
🦉 Some environmental groups have been determined to shut down the project in its entirety. There have been a number of negative articles circulated re: the negative impacts of synthetic surfaces, however these articles do not accurately reflect what is being proposed at Norman Griffiths which uses a more advanced cork infill rather than the problematic rubber infills of previous generations. There has also been talk of legal action should council proceed with construction in its current form.
⚽️ Other groups are arguing that the REF is fine, that the project already has NPWS support, and that consultation had already taken place last year.
🟩 Other councils have been exploring alternate solutions for increasing the durability of sporting fields. There has been talk of exploring hybrid solutions (natural grass reinforced by artificial frame). There has also been talk of using natural turf options such as sand slit drainage, rootzone sand profile, quality soil profile and perched water table. But some claim that many of these options do not provide the cost vs. durability balance that full synthetic surfaces currently provide.
😠😠😠 All of this places me in an awkward position. While I’m personally fine with the proposed development and impacts, I do wish that the REF had been conducted with greater NPWS involvement as well as greater (optional but best practice) community consultation post-environmental impact assessment. The ‘right thing to do’ may be to put the project on hold until NPWS catches up on its comfort on environmental impacts, however others may argue that NPWS approval (as per 2.15) is not required and that the ‘right thing to do’ may be to proceed and avoid the costs associated with a delay, especially if council is forecast to operate at a deficit this year. I haven’t figured out what to do yet.
😡😡😡 I’m also a bit grumpy because this recently scheduled Extraordinary Meeting of Council clashes with a birthday celebration.
Let’s see what the council decides on 16 March. I don’t know yet as to how I will be voting and it depends on what proposals are put forward, but my own middle of the road thoughts may draw the ire of both sporting groups and environmental groups.
⚽️ 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 – 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗮𝗹 – 𝟭𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
One of the peculiarities (and frustrations) of politics is that divisive issues often result in two ‘sides’, each of which take an approach of emphasising some facts and being silent on others in order to put forward their case. I sometimes sit in the middle and feel frustrated because I perceive that neither side has balance and by taking a middle of the road approach, as I did last month on the NTRA issue, I end up pleasing nobody and I get misrepresented and skewered by people from both sides.
Well it’s probably going to happen again this month, and the topic this time is the installation of a synthetic surface on Norman Griffiths Oval. An extraordinary meeting of council has been called for 16 March 2023 to discuss this matter and at this stage I have no idea what position the majority of council will end up voting to resolve. I don’t entirely agree with any of the narratives out there in the public domain, but I’m happy to present what I believe to be a balance of facts below.
𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀
⚽️ In recent years there has been a significant increase in demand for sport, including soccer, in metro Sydney. Team sports significantly benefit our residents’ physical and mental health.
🚜 In ages past, the most effective way to provide for the sporting needs of our residents is to get the bulldozer and chain and clear bushland to deliver the required space. But in present day Ku-ring-gai this is considered inconceivable because of the significant loss of habitat and biodiversity as well as the loss of Oxygen-creating trees.
📈 Six years ago NSROC (Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils) commissioned a study on projected sporting field needs, and it said that we needed a 40% increase over a period of 20 years. To meet this 40% capacity increase, it suggested a range of measures.
💡 One of the suggested measures from the NSROC study is to add lights to existing sporting fields, extending the use of sporting ovals into the night. While this does achieve the desired outcome, it often faces opposition from local residents and environmental groups 🦉.
❇️ Another suggested measure is to upgrade traditional grass ovals (which wear and tear easily and support limited hours of use) to other surfaces such as synthetics or hybrid (which support higher intensity of use). While this also achieves the desired outcome, it faces opposition from some environmental groups.
↔ Yet another measure suggested is that sporting codes will need to change format over time. Instead of playing one large 11-a-side game of soccer, the same field could support 3x the number of players if reconfigured to support futsal matches. While this achieves the desired outcome of increasing sporting opportunities for all, it faces opposition from incumbent sporting codes.
❌ In November and December 2019, I was involved with shooting down a proposal to deliver a synthetic upgrade at Mimosa. My argument wasn’t on environmental grounds as I was comfortable with the latest developments in synthetic technology, rather, I did not believe that Mimosa would have adequate natural grass leftover for other activities after a synthetics upgrade, and I believed that the traffic impacts would be undesirable at that point in time. As an alternative, I was involved in a proposal to move the synthetics surface to Norman Griffiths which doesn’t have either the limited space or traffic impact issues that Mimosa had. The proposal to move the project to Norman Griffiths was defeated in 2019.
✅ There was a strange change in sentiment in 2020 and 2021 where all councillors unanimously got on board with delivering an upgrade to Norman Griffiths. I don’t know why the other councillors had a change of heart, perhaps it was a combination of practical reality and changes in perspective for staff, but it did mean that we were looking to deliver an increase in the availability of use at a location which had easy access, plenty of parking, and ample alternate space for other activities such as walking the dog.
✍️ Council unanimously approved and then signed the contract for the Norman Griffiths synthetic upgrade in late 2021.
👷♀️ The approvals process for the Norman Griffiths upgrade falls under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021. Under this SEPP, community consultation is not a mandatory requirement however in some cases consultation with other authorities such as National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) may be required (as per clause 2.15 and under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974).
🖥️ In February 2022 the newly elected council resolved to put the project’s Review of Environmental Factors (REF), final design, and revised schedule of construction on the council website prior to the construction phase beginning.
📄 LGNSW best practice guidelines on the REF recommend stakeholder consultation after the environmental impact assessment is conducted. These are, however, non-binding guidelines only.
🔍 The community (including NPWS) was consulted on the matter in March 2022 but at the time it was with regard to the early design rather than the final environmental impact assessment.
🖥️ On 27 February 2023 the final REF, final design, and revised schedule of construction became available to councillors and the public via the council website. The construction project was scheduled to start 13 March 2023, leaving some members of the public (and councillors) in a position where they felt that they only had two weeks to review the REF before construction began. For some, this felt like it was highly improper due to the short time available, however others argue that consultation had already happened in March 2022 and that under the SEPP community consultation was not required at this stage of the process. The REF claimed that it has NPWS support.
🌲 In prior years, NPWS had already provided in principal support for the Norman Griffiths synthetics upgrade pending further clarification on the detailed design and environmental impacts. However on 3 March 2023 the NPWS wrote a letter to council stating that its in-principle support support for the upgrade was contingent on ongoing detailed consultation around the proposed design and management strategies to mitigate impacts, and that Ku-ring-gai Council had yet to undertake the agreed consultation. Therefore it would not be accurate for the REF to claim that the current design has NPWS support. NPWS therefore requested that the project be delayed until details around the final REF are properly reviewed and discussed.
💰 On 13 March 2023 the Norman Griffiths Oval was fenced off for construction. A delay in the construction date will lead to supply chain impacts and cost Ku-ring-gai Council hundreds of thousands of dollars.
𝗢𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
🦉 Some environmental groups have been determined to shut down the project in its entirety. There have been a number of negative articles circulated re: the negative impacts of synthetic surfaces, however these articles do not accurately reflect what is being proposed at Norman Griffiths which uses a more advanced cork infill rather than the problematic rubber infills of previous generations. There has also been talk of legal action should council proceed with construction in its current form.
⚽️ Other groups are arguing that the REF is fine, that the project already has NPWS support, and that consultation had already taken place last year.
🟩 Other councils have been exploring alternate solutions for increasing the durability of sporting fields. There has been talk of exploring hybrid solutions (natural grass reinforced by artificial frame). There has also been talk of using natural turf options such as sand slit drainage, rootzone sand profile, quality soil profile and perched water table. But some claim that many of these options do not provide the cost vs. durability balance that full synthetic surfaces currently provide.
😠😠😠 All of this places me in an awkward position. While I’m personally fine with the proposed development and impacts, I do wish that the REF had been conducted with greater NPWS involvement as well as greater (optional but best practice) community consultation post-environmental impact assessment. The ‘right thing to do’ may be to put the project on hold until NPWS catches up on its comfort on environmental impacts, however others may argue that NPWS approval (as per 2.15) is not required and that the ‘right thing to do’ may be to proceed and avoid the costs associated with a delay, especially if council is forecast to operate at a deficit this year. I haven’t figured out what to do yet.
😡😡😡 I’m also a bit grumpy because this recently scheduled Extraordinary Meeting of Council clashes with a birthday celebration.
Let’s see what the council decides on 16 March. I don’t know yet as to how I will be voting and it depends on what proposals are put forward, but my own middle of the road thoughts may draw the ire of both sporting groups and environmental groups.
⚽️ 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 – 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗮𝗹 – 𝟭𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
In short, Norman Griffiths Oval to proceed but with minimal further consultation.
In the corporate world, decisions are usually made in a careful and considered manner. If there are four options on the table, then all four options are considered simultaneously with their relative strengths and weaknesses compared against each other. The governing body discusses then decides which of the four options to choose.
In Local Government, the Code of Meeting practices requires decisions to be made in a very different manner. Motions are considered and voted on one at a time, and depending on luck of the draw, sequencing of motions / amendments, and the chairperson it results in not all options being considered or debated by the council. This does, at times, lead to suboptimal decision making and results.
At last night’s council meeting we had four proposals (or options). The third proposal was the one that became ‘the motion’ and was voted on, and I’m disappointed that the first and the fourth proposal never had the opportunity to be voted on.
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟭): 𝗖𝗿 𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
✅ Further consultation with community groups and NPWS to explicitly occur, and inform potential design change
😢 No opportunity to vote, due to local government meeting procedures
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟮): 𝗖𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝘆
🛑 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to be put on hold
✅ Further consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to explicitly occur
🗳️ Voted on but defeated 2 vs 7
𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟯): 𝗖𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝘁𝘁
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
⁉️ Consultation with NPWS not mentioned, but I will be driving it behind the scenes
🗳️ Voted on 5 vs 4 and became ‘the motion’
🗳️ As ‘the motion’ it succeeded 6 vs 3
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟰): 𝗖𝗿 𝗡𝗴𝗮𝗶
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
✅ Further consultation with NPWS to explicitly occur
⏰ Further update on NPWS endorsement scheduled for April council meeting
😢 No opportunity to vote, due to local government meeting procedures
I’m not comfortable with local government process that permits only one option to be considered at a time. It leads to suboptimal outcomes. But it is what it is and I don’t see these rules changing anytime soon.
I do wish that there would have been the chance to vote on Proposal 1 and Proposal 4. Both of these options strived to deliver the project without further delay but while also lifting community engagement beyond minimal statutory obligations and towards best practice (or community standards). In fact, a lot of the drama and grief that arose in the last two weeks could easily have been avoided had relevant stakeholders been more thoroughly engaged last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are further conversations about perceived gaps in community engagement in the coming months.
But given that Proposal 3 is what we ended up with, it means that the Norman Griffiths Oval will proceed as currently scheduled and we expect completion in mid November.
⚽️ 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 – 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗮𝗹 – 𝟭𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
In short, Norman Griffiths Oval to proceed but with minimal further consultation.
In the corporate world, decisions are usually made in a careful and considered manner. If there are four options on the table, then all four options are considered simultaneously with their relative strengths and weaknesses compared against each other. The governing body discusses then decides which of the four options to choose.
In Local Government, the Code of Meeting practices requires decisions to be made in a very different manner. Motions are considered and voted on one at a time, and depending on luck of the draw, sequencing of motions / amendments, and the chairperson it results in not all options being considered or debated by the council. This does, at times, lead to suboptimal decision making and results.
At last night’s council meeting we had four proposals (or options). The third proposal was the one that became ‘the motion’ and was voted on, and I’m disappointed that the first and the fourth proposal never had the opportunity to be voted on.
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟭): 𝗖𝗿 𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
✅ Further consultation with community groups and NPWS to explicitly occur, and inform potential design change
😢 No opportunity to vote, due to local government meeting procedures
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟮): 𝗖𝗿 𝗞𝗮𝘆
🛑 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to be put on hold
✅ Further consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to explicitly occur
🗳️ Voted on but defeated 2 vs 7
𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟯): 𝗖𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝘁𝘁
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
⁉️ Consultation with NPWS not mentioned, but I will be driving it behind the scenes
🗳️ Voted on 5 vs 4 and became ‘the motion’
🗳️ As ‘the motion’ it succeeded 6 vs 3
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝟰): 𝗖𝗿 𝗡𝗴𝗮𝗶
🚧 Construction of Norman Griffiths Oval to continue as scheduled
✅ Further consultation with NPWS to explicitly occur
⏰ Further update on NPWS endorsement scheduled for April council meeting
😢 No opportunity to vote, due to local government meeting procedures
I’m not comfortable with local government process that permits only one option to be considered at a time. It leads to suboptimal outcomes. But it is what it is and I don’t see these rules changing anytime soon.
I do wish that there would have been the chance to vote on Proposal 1 and Proposal 4. Both of these options strived to deliver the project without further delay but while also lifting community engagement beyond minimal statutory obligations and towards best practice (or community standards). In fact, a lot of the drama and grief that arose in the last two weeks could easily have been avoided had relevant stakeholders been more thoroughly engaged last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are further conversations about perceived gaps in community engagement in the coming months.
But given that Proposal 3 is what we ended up with, it means that the Norman Griffiths Oval will proceed as currently scheduled and we expect completion in mid November.
An opportunity on Saturday to ask about potential changes at Queen Elizabeth Reserve.
Queen Elizabeth Reserve Landscape Masterplan Exhibition
CONSULTATION NOW CLOSED Ku-ring-gai Council has developed a landscape masterplan for Queen Elizabeth Reserve in West Lindfield. The masterplan will guide future upgrades and use of the reserve. Between 27 February and 27 March we soughtfeedback on the draft masterplan to ensure it fits the needs of local people and users.
Come check out the playground upgrade and support our local shops Dukes Green Cafe Biga Artisan Bakery Topline Fruit East Lindfield East Lindfield Pharmacy.
We’re glad that council staff incorporated our feedback to make the playground 3x larger than its predecessor, giving it more space and a wider variety of structured and nature-based play for our children. Towards the evening, we had ~40 kids and adults enjoying the new playground.
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀
Come check out the playground upgrade and support our local shops @[100089857475628:2048:Dukes Green Cafe] @[100089544795899:2048:Biga Artisan Bakery] @[100053164736197:2048:Topline Fruit East Lindfield] @[100054443083124:2048:East Lindfield Pharmacy].
We’re glad that council staff incorporated our feedback to make the playground 3x larger than its predecessor, giving it more space and a wider variety of structured and nature-based play for our children. Towards the evening, we had ~40 kids and adults enjoying the new playground.
❤️𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
The councillors and council staff thought it was a good idea to hold a meeting on Valentine’s Day. Here are the key outcomes.
🌃𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮 𝟭𝟱 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘆𝘀 – Following the Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel’s recommendation to not support the planning proposal, our council unanimously rejected it. Next step, I expect the developer will take the matter to the Sydney North Planning Panel for a Rezoning Review.
📚𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗯 – Staff authorised to continue negotiations with one of the proponents.
⚽️𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 – Council resolved to further progress with the project. Although I was ok with the grandstand itself, I had some reservations with Traffic and Parking issues which in my view were not adequately addressed and which represent a substantial hidden cost to council further down the line.
💦𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝘀 – A recent review found that council’s stormwater pipes, most of which were laid down decades ago, have been wearing out faster than anticipated. Meanwhile council has for a long time not set aside enough money to repair these pipes. So council (and ratepayers) may potentially enter a world of pain over the next decade as we figure out how to get $81m to keep our stormwater network up to an acceptable standard.
📈𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗞𝗣𝗜’𝘀 – For the first time in at least four years, we’ve agreed to have the KPI’s proposed by a panel of 3-4 councillors (previously just the mayor alone). This will give councillors greater control and accountability of the council’s performance, and the practice is in line with Office of Local Government Recommendations.
❤️𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
The councillors and council staff thought it was a good idea to hold a meeting on Valentine’s Day. Here are the key outcomes.
🌃𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮 𝟭𝟱 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘆𝘀 – Following the Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel’s recommendation to not support the planning proposal, our council unanimously rejected it. Next step, I expect the developer will take the matter to the Sydney North Planning Panel for a Rezoning Review.
📚𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗯 – Staff authorised to continue negotiations with one of the proponents.
⚽️𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 – Council resolved to further progress with the project. Although I was ok with the grandstand itself, I had some reservations with Traffic and Parking issues which in my view were not adequately addressed and which represent a substantial hidden cost to council further down the line.
💦𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝘀 – A recent review found that council’s stormwater pipes, most of which were laid down decades ago, have been wearing out faster than anticipated. Meanwhile council has for a long time not set aside enough money to repair these pipes. So council (and ratepayers) may potentially enter a world of pain over the next decade as we figure out how to get $81m to keep our stormwater network up to an acceptable standard.
📈𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗞𝗣𝗜’𝘀 – For the first time in at least four years, we’ve agreed to have the KPI’s proposed by a panel of 3-4 councillors (previously just the mayor alone). This will give councillors greater control and accountability of the council’s performance, and the practice is in line with Office of Local Government Recommendations.
💧𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀! In October 2018 I moved a motion asking council to consider using bubblers with signage to encourage residents to reuse bottles and protect the environment. It took a long time for the changes to flow through policies and procurement, but I was so happy to see one of the bubblers here today at NTRA. There will also be enhanced versions of this design popping up in suburbs near you.
💧𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀! In October 2018 I moved a motion asking council to consider using bubblers with signage to encourage residents to reuse bottles and protect the environment. It took a long time for the changes to flow through policies and procurement, but I was so happy to see one of the bubblers here today at NTRA. There will also be enhanced versions of this design popping up in suburbs near you.
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻
The Village Green short stay parking spaces are first two hours free, then paid thereafter. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆.
𝗧𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼
1️⃣ Input your vehicle rego
2️⃣ Select your duration of stay (2 hour park, or pay for longer)
3️⃣ Collect your ticket and display it on your dashboard
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲?
In the last five years there’s been an increase in short stay and commuter parking spaces to support patronage of local businesses and residences.
✅ 136 short stay spaces at the Lindfield Village Green, which is the same number as prior to construction.
✅ 105 new commuter parking spaces at the Village Green, intended for commuters.
✅ 112 street parking spaces on Tryon, Milray, and Havilah have been converted from time unrestricted to 2 hour park (or less) to encourage people to visit the shops. Prior to the change, these spaces were typically parked out by commuters.
✅ 64 visitor parking spaces under IGA.
✅ 43 visitor parking spaces under Harris Farm. (But yeah, I know those parking spaces are tight!!!)
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸?
Entry is via Millay Street.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸?
The 105 commuter carpark section will be controlled by a different system that hasn’t been installed by the state gov yet. For more information on the system, visit this link
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀?
We’ve asked this a number of times. Apparently the costs involved to operate a licence recognition and boom gate system could not be justified by council staff. There were also complexities with operating one carpark that has two separate parking systems (with the State Government-run commuter carpark yet to have its system installed).
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀?
There’s been multiple reasons, with the main one (I’m told) being linkages to the delays from State Gov end. We also asked staff to consider installing 2P signage as a temporary measure before the meters became functional, but it was ultimately not implemented.
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻
The Village Green short stay parking spaces are first two hours free, then paid thereafter. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆.
𝗧𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼
1️⃣ Input your vehicle rego
2️⃣ Select your duration of stay (2 hour park, or pay for longer)
3️⃣ Collect your ticket and display it on your dashboard
𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 (𝗶.𝗲. 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲).
𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲?
In the last five years there’s been an increase in short stay and commuter parking spaces to support patronage of local businesses and residences.
✅ 136 short stay spaces at the Lindfield Village Green, which is the same number as prior to construction.
✅ 105 new commuter parking spaces at the Village Green, intended for commuters.
✅ 112 street parking spaces on Tryon, Milray, and Havilah have been converted from time unrestricted to 2 hour park (or less) to encourage people to visit the shops. Prior to the change, these spaces were typically parked out by commuters.
✅ 64 visitor parking spaces under IGA.
✅ 43 visitor parking spaces under Harris Farm. (But yeah, I know those parking spaces are tight!!!)
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸?
Entry is via Millay Street.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸?
The 105 commuter carpark section will be controlled by a different system that hasn’t been installed by the state gov yet. For more information on the system, visit this link
https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/drive/parking/transport-parkride-car-parks
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗞𝘂-𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗴𝗮𝗶 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀?
We’ve asked this a number of times. Apparently the costs involved to operate a licence recognition and boom gate system could not be justified by council staff. There were also complexities with operating one carpark that has two separate parking systems (with the State Government-run commuter carpark yet to have its system installed).
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀?
There’s been multiple reasons, with the main one (I’m told) being linkages to the delays from State Gov end. We also asked staff to consider installing 2P signage as a temporary measure before the meters became functional, but it was ultimately not implemented.
To be considered at the February Council meeting, with the Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel having recommended against the planning proposal.
𝟭𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮? To be considered at the February Council meeting, with the Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel having recommended against the planning proposal.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻? I’ve been away a few weeks with family and am now back, refreshed. It sounds like the La Niña cycle will end soon so we’ll be switching to drought mode.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻? I’ve been away a few weeks with family and am now back, refreshed. It sounds like the La Niña cycle will end soon so we’ll be switching to drought mode.
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹
I had planned for today’s post to be a positive one. Earlier on an elderly resident contacted me to ask if the fence at Stockland Ave can be extended to assist her in walking down the steep hill. Our council staff delivered on this request quite promptly but apparently a truck didn’t take kindly to their kind. We’ll have another go next year.
Credit for yesterday’s photo goes to Bec FitzGerald.
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹
I had planned for today’s post to be a positive one. Earlier on an elderly resident contacted me to ask if the fence at Stockland Ave can be extended to assist her in walking down the steep hill. Our council staff delivered on this request quite promptly but apparently a truck didn’t take kindly to their kind. We’ll have another go next year.
Credit for yesterday’s photo goes to Bec FitzGerald.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗸𝗮𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻
Yesterday we gathered at the St Ives Village Green to celebrate the first day of Chanukah, an eight day festival linked to Jewish independence in the second century BC. It’s great to see the people celebrating the event to this day. See you all again next year on 7 December 2023.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗸𝗮𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻
Yesterday we gathered at the St Ives Village Green to celebrate the first day of Chanukah, an eight day festival linked to Jewish independence in the second century BC. It’s great to see the people celebrating the event to this day. See you all again next year on 7 December 2023.
Our church, St Barnabas Roseville East, held its first Carols in the Courtyard yesterday. It was a great time for the local community to gather, though it got rained out twice and we had to relocate indoors. On Sunday 25th December we are having a Christmas Service at 10am and you’re all welcome to join.
𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 (𝟭𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟮𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿)
Our church, St Barnabas Roseville East, held its first Carols in the Courtyard yesterday. It was a great time for the local community to gather, though it got rained out twice and we had to relocate indoors.
On Sunday 25th December we are having a Christmas Service at 10am and you’re all welcome to join.
Earlier this year I transferred to a double degree (Master of Laws / Business Administration, part time) so that I can be better equipped to serve the community. It’s been a hectic time especially in Term 3 when the pace at work ramped up, but I’d also say that it’s been my most enjoyable uni year to date.
This year I covered the basics of the legal system and I also took an elective on Insurance Law so that I can support injured council workers through my role at StateCover. For my remaining electives I’m considering Environmental Law, Planning and Development, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy, Superannuation, International Human Rights, or whatever else seems useful.
I’m looking forward to the end of uni because it will free up time to spend with family and serve the community. I’m still contemplating whether to squeeze two subjects into one term because it will speed things up, but at the cost of depth of learning.
𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 🎉
Earlier this year I transferred to a double degree (Master of Laws / Business Administration, part time) so that I can be better equipped to serve the community. It’s been a hectic time especially in Term 3 when the pace at work ramped up, but I’d also say that it’s been my most enjoyable uni year to date.
This year I covered the basics of the legal system and I also took an elective on Insurance Law so that I can support injured council workers through my role at StateCover. For my remaining electives I’m considering Environmental Law, Planning and Development, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy, Superannuation, International Human Rights, or whatever else seems useful.
I’m looking forward to the end of uni because it will free up time to spend with family and serve the community. I’m still contemplating whether to squeeze two subjects into one term because it will speed things up, but at the cost of depth of learning.
Earlier this month my wife and I had a date at Zeera Tadka in Lindfield. The staff were great, the food was amazing, and we’re keen to go back soon.
Earlier this month my wife and I had a date at @[100063658045567:2048:Zeera Tadka] in Lindfield. The staff were great, the food was amazing, and we’re keen to go back soon.
We went to visit Shoalhaven City Council on the long weekend and saw what’s probably the best outdoor gym in Australia at Plantation Point. 14 pieces of outdoor gym equipment next to the children’s playground, and it was popular with both adults and children.
Would you want to see more of this in Ku-ring-gai?
We went to visit @[100069231579161:2048:Shoalhaven City Council] on the long weekend and saw what’s probably the best outdoor gym in Australia at Plantation Point. 14 pieces of outdoor gym equipment next to the children’s playground, and it was popular with both adults and children.
Would you want to see more of this in Ku-ring-gai?
Good morning everyone. Highlights from last night’s (long) council meeting.
🏀 𝗦𝘁 𝗜𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 – Proceeding to tender for construction of two additional basketball courts.
🛝 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 – Draft Landscape Masterplan endorsed (including late changes to explore multiple basketball options). Next up is a public exhibition after Christmas.
🚶♀️ 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 – Concept plan endorsed (after significant improvements since it first came out in 2020). Now off to detailed design and aim to tender 2024.
🌳 𝗨𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 – Adoption of Ku-ring-gai’s first version, including a target of 55% locally indigenous canopy trees in the public domain.
🚚 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆 – Unanimous request from councillors for more information from the State Government on what is being done to make Pacific Highway safer.
📈 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 – Further initiatives to help local businesses establish and participate in the tendering process.
🕚 Other items including the 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗯 and the 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 were put on hold til next meeting (14 Feb 2023). While I was personally happy to vote on both last night, I understand that December’s been quite hectic and we need to respect that the governing body needed more time to make an informed decision.
Good morning everyone. Highlights from last night’s (long) council meeting.
🏀 𝗦𝘁 𝗜𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 – Proceeding to tender for construction of two additional basketball courts.
🛝 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 – Draft Landscape Masterplan endorsed (including late changes to explore multiple basketball options). Next up is a public exhibition after Christmas.
🚶♀️ 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 – Concept plan endorsed (after significant improvements since it first came out in 2020). Now off to detailed design and aim to tender 2024.
🌳 𝗨𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 – Adoption of Ku-ring-gai’s first version, including a target of 55% locally indigenous canopy trees in the public domain.
🚚 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆 – Unanimous request from councillors for more information from the State Government on what is being done to make Pacific Highway safer.
📈 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 – Further initiatives to help local businesses establish and participate in the tendering process.
🕚 Other items including the 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗯 and the 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 were put on hold til next meeting (14 Feb 2023). While I was personally happy to vote on both last night, I understand that December’s been quite hectic and we need to respect that the governing body needed more time to make an informed decision.
It’s been 15 months since I purchased an Electric Vehicle (EV) with generous State Government Incentives. This month I’ve driven ~2,800km and have the following observations.
⚡️ 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹. It’s free at the Lindfield Village Green Carpark. It’s cheap at home. Even when I use the Supercharger network for country travel it’s still cheaper than petrol. I’ve been averaging $5.40 per 100km whereas petrol would be $20 per 100km.
⚠️ 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. Some of the NRMA chargers and Willoughby Council chargers are free but unreliable / faulty. It’s really annoying and a massive time waster.
😃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱. We have 14 normal charging spaces and 1 handicapped charging space at the Lindfield Village Green. They are all free, they use 100% renewable energy, and they all (currently) work.
🚗 There’s lots of sluggish EVs in the market but a base model Tesla is faster and cheaper than a Golf GTI. 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.
💰 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗿. Sure it’s within reach for many living in our LGA and it’s easy to enjoy the environmental and performance benefits, but most ordinary Australians aren’t in a position to buy one. The State Gov incentives have helped shave off ~$5,000 so that has made a big difference. The Federal Gov recently introduced incentives as well but given the narrow / targeted nature of salary packaging it isn’t as accessible. Over the next decade more options will become available but we first need to get over the global (pandemic induced) manufacturing shortage.
𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽
It’s been 15 months since I purchased an Electric Vehicle (EV) with generous State Government Incentives. This month I’ve driven ~2,800km and have the following observations.
⚡️ 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹. It’s free at the Lindfield Village Green Carpark. It’s cheap at home. Even when I use the Supercharger network for country travel it’s still cheaper than petrol. I’ve been averaging $5.40 per 100km whereas petrol would be $20 per 100km.
⚠️ 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. Some of the NRMA chargers and Willoughby Council chargers are free but unreliable / faulty. It’s really annoying and a massive time waster.
😃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱. We have 14 normal charging spaces and 1 handicapped charging space at the Lindfield Village Green. They are all free, they use 100% renewable energy, and they all (currently) work.
🚗 There’s lots of sluggish EVs in the market but a base model Tesla is faster and cheaper than a Golf GTI. 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.
💰 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗿. Sure it’s within reach for many living in our LGA and it’s easy to enjoy the environmental and performance benefits, but most ordinary Australians aren’t in a position to buy one. The State Gov incentives have helped shave off ~$5,000 so that has made a big difference. The Federal Gov recently introduced incentives as well but given the narrow / targeted nature of salary packaging it isn’t as accessible. Over the next decade more options will become available but we first need to get over the global (pandemic induced) manufacturing shortage.
My little assistant and I attended the Wahroonga Village Fair today, organised by the Rotary Club of Wahroonga, and promoted the work of KYDS Youth Development Service.
My little assistant and I attended the @[100083460155832:2048:Wahroonga Village Fair] today, organised by the @[334219889938494:274:Rotary Club of Wahroonga], and promoted the work of @[100057506479179:2048:KYDS Youth Development Service].
For the last four years I’ve been asking for a footpath on Babbage Road from Malga Avenue down to Echo Point Park. This is a frequently used route by residents and visitors and it’s located on a narrow winding road. The situation is so bad that in many parts, residents have no choice but to risk walking on the road. And while we were previously able to introduce other safety measures such as traffic calming devices, it is the footpath that makes the biggest difference to pedestrian safety.
We have now implemented the first (easiest) section, which is a footpath along the 290m stretch from Malga Avenue to the Roseville Bridge Walkway, and it was encouraging to see residents using the footpath today. The next section through to Echo Point Park is technically much more difficult (and expensive) so I’m not sure when it can/will be delivered.
𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵
For the last four years I’ve been asking for a footpath on Babbage Road from Malga Avenue down to Echo Point Park. This is a frequently used route by residents and visitors and it’s located on a narrow winding road. The situation is so bad that in many parts, residents have no choice but to risk walking on the road. And while we were previously able to introduce other safety measures such as traffic calming devices, it is the footpath that makes the biggest difference to pedestrian safety.
We have now implemented the first (easiest) section, which is a footpath along the 290m stretch from Malga Avenue to the Roseville Bridge Walkway, and it was encouraging to see residents using the footpath today. The next section through to Echo Point Park is technically much more difficult (and expensive) so I’m not sure when it can/will be delivered.
👦🏻👧🧸📚 East Lindfield Community Preschool
Part of the reason why I’ve been quiet in recent months is because we’ve been taking on some chunky issues at our local community preschool (where I am currently president). We’ve given the staff a good pay increase outside the EA schedule, tackled issues with building repairs, mould and classroom availability, and recruited a new centre director. We are now looking through a building licence renewal with St. Peter’s East Lindfield and we hope the two community organisations can continue to work together in partnership in the years to come.
It’s been an incredibly busy and intense period where I’ve been putting in 20+ hours / week during peak. And it would not have been possible without the wonderful help of volunteer parents in the community. (Thanks!!)
Thank you also to the generous (and anonymous) parents who designed, printed and installed our new signs. It really brings a smile to the our face each time we walk past.
👦🏻👧🧸📚 @[113147713712028:274:East Lindfield Community Preschool]
Part of the reason why I’ve been quiet in recent months is because we’ve been taking on some chunky issues at our local community preschool (where I am currently president). We’ve given the staff a good pay increase outside the EA schedule, tackled issues with building repairs, mould and classroom availability, and recruited a new centre director. We are now looking through a building licence renewal with @[137179816292262:274:St. Peter’s East Lindfield] and we hope the two community organisations can continue to work together in partnership in the years to come.
It’s been an incredibly busy and intense period where I’ve been putting in 20+ hours / week during peak. And it would not have been possible without the wonderful help of volunteer parents in the community. (Thanks!!)
Thank you also to the generous (and anonymous) parents who designed, printed and installed our new signs. It really brings a smile to the our face each time we walk past.
Council has a limited budget for footpath works so it’s about spending money where it matters the most. (As an operational matter, the criteria are determined by council staff.)
Back in June, residents were pleased to see the introduction of a footpath along a small stretch of Frances Street Lindfield, near the town centre. This was previously a rocky / uneven surface so the introduction of a footpath came as a pleasant surprise.
This financial year (2022/23) my understanding is that there may be footpath upgrades at Babbage Road from Ormonde to the Roseville Bridge Walkway, Bradfield Road from Charles to Carramar, and possibly also a small section of Ontario Avenue. Council also seeks to ensure that there will be at least one footpath on each street (so long as residents support the introduction of the footpath), and this naturally means that a greater portion of spend will be given to the Northern suburbs in the coming years (as there has historically been more development and footpaths in the southern end).
If you are keen to have a footpath introduced to your street, please let me know. I know Babbage Road south of Carramar has been keen for a number of years, and my role is to raise the issue with council staff and monitor progress. (I can’t actually change their prioritisation.)
𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀
Council has a limited budget for footpath works so it’s about spending money where it matters the most. (As an operational matter, the criteria are determined by council staff.)
Back in June, residents were pleased to see the introduction of a footpath along a small stretch of Frances Street Lindfield, near the town centre. This was previously a rocky / uneven surface so the introduction of a footpath came as a pleasant surprise.
This financial year (2022/23) my understanding is that there may be footpath upgrades at Babbage Road from Ormonde to the Roseville Bridge Walkway, Bradfield Road from Charles to Carramar, and possibly also a small section of Ontario Avenue. Council also seeks to ensure that there will be at least one footpath on each street (so long as residents support the introduction of the footpath), and this naturally means that a greater portion of spend will be given to the Northern suburbs in the coming years (as there has historically been more development and footpaths in the southern end).
If you are keen to have a footpath introduced to your street, please let me know. I know Babbage Road south of Carramar has been keen for a number of years, and my role is to raise the issue with council staff and monitor progress. (I can’t actually change their prioritisation.)
🍀𝗗𝘂𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲
The construction fencing is up. East Lindfield residents and patrons should soon have a larger and more accessible playground.
After this we expect the upgrade of Ibbitson Park (Lindfield Town Centre) to commence in 2023.
🍀𝗗𝘂𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲
The construction fencing is up. East Lindfield residents and patrons should soon have a larger and more accessible playground.
After this we expect the upgrade of Ibbitson Park (Lindfield Town Centre) to commence in 2023.
𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀
In 2023-24, Council plans to upgrade the streets in the Roseville Town Centre. Key changes proposed by council staff include visual revamp, 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀, addition of 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 and floral arrangements where it’s currently no parking, a 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻/𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 in laneways, and improvements to the Roseville Memorial Park.
Beyond the two year period, council may also be exploring the concept of a 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 behind the Roseville shops, similar to what we have in Lindfield. Parking moved underground with public open space on top. This concept likely won’t happen til next decade.
Council is seeking your feedback on these plans with 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮. For more information visit the link below.
https://krg.engagementhub.com.au/rosevillepdp
Intersection of Hill Street and Lord Street. Raised pedestrian crossings, planting beds with street trees in areas that were previously no parking, some options for street dining.Intersection of Hill Street and Roseville Avenue outside the Post Office. Widened footpath with street trees where it’s currently no parking. Raised pedestrian crossing.Hill Street with widened footpath outside the train station (left). South of the train station it is proposed to include a shared pedestrian and cycleway (right).Early plans for a Roseville Village Green behind the Roseville Shops, similar to what we see in Lindfield. Above ground recreation space and below ground parking. Unlikely to occur until next decade, and it will not look like what’s drawn here.Future plans for the Roseville Memorial Park including wider footpaths and new plantings.
Personally I’m not certain if the flowers on MacLaurin Parade are necessarily a good idea but it’s up for public comment.Outdoor dining in Roseville laneways.Reconfiguration of parking spaces in Larkin Lane. By making it 90 degrees it is supposed to add street trees without reducing the number of parking spaces.
𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀
In 2023-24, Council plans to upgrade the streets in the Roseville Town Centre. Key changes proposed by council staff include visual revamp, 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀, addition of 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 and floral arrangements where it’s currently no parking, a 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻/𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 in laneways, and improvements to the Roseville Memorial Park.
Beyond the two year period, council may also be exploring the concept of a 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 behind the Roseville shops, similar to what we have in Lindfield. Parking moved underground with public open space on top. This concept likely won’t happen til next decade.
Council is seeking your feedback on these plans with 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮. For more information visit the link below.
https://krg.engagementhub.com.au/rosevillepdp
Intersection of Hill Street and Lord Street. Raised pedestrian crossings, planting beds with street trees in areas that were previously no parking, some options for street dining.Intersection of Hill Street and Roseville Avenue outside the Post Office. Widened footpath with street trees where it’s currently no parking. Raised pedestrian crossing.Hill Street with widened footpath outside the train station (left). South of the train station it is proposed to include a shared pedestrian and cycleway (right).Early plans for a Roseville Village Green behind the Roseville Shops, similar to what we see in Lindfield. Above ground recreation space and below ground parking. Unlikely to occur until next decade, and it will not look like what’s drawn here.Future plans for the Roseville Memorial Park including wider footpaths and new plantings.
Personally I’m not certain if the flowers on MacLaurin Parade are necessarily a good idea but it’s up for public comment.Outdoor dining in Roseville laneways.Reconfiguration of parking spaces in Larkin Lane. By making it 90 degrees it is supposed to add street trees without reducing the number of parking spaces.
I was fortunate to receive some sweets and cuddles.
We have to remember though that on days like this there are people in pain who are also thinking about lost dads, or lost opportunities to become dads.
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆. I was fortunate to receive some sweets and cuddles.
We have to remember though that on days like this there are people in pain who are also thinking about lost dads, or lost opportunities to become dads.
I’ve had queries in recent months about what’s happening at council. Marian Street Theatre, Roseville Chase and Gordon Bowling Greens, footpaths, the Village Hubs, Council’s four year Delivery Program and ten year Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP). Many of these issues are connected by a central theme: the challenge of meeting a wide range of expectations with a limited pool of funding.
The great thing about democracy is that each councillor brings a range of ideas, but it also means that the council hasn’t quite figured out the best way to fully meet the financial challenge. Each of the June, July and August Council meetings have finished late and included long and varied debates on how to fund a pipeline of services and projects that exceed our income. And as part of the debate, ideas have come and gone. Should we be selling our recreational assets? Should we be reducing our financial commitments by stopping non-core initiatives? Are there other ways to fund the delivery of services? We haven’t quite got the answer yet and it’s been a bit of a frustrating process (for me anyway) because a lot of the comments that get thrown about the public sphere aren’t exactly balanced, accurate, informed, or fair. We’ll have to wait to see what happens and I’ll let you know once there’s an answer.
As for separate issues such as town centre changes, I’ll be covering them in separate posts in the coming weeks.
𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 – 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲
I’ve had queries in recent months about what’s happening at council. Marian Street Theatre, Roseville Chase and Gordon Bowling Greens, footpaths, the Village Hubs, Council’s four year Delivery Program and ten year Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP). Many of these issues are connected by a central theme: the challenge of meeting a wide range of expectations with a limited pool of funding.
The great thing about democracy is that each councillor brings a range of ideas, but it also means that the council hasn’t quite figured out the best way to fully meet the financial challenge. Each of the June, July and August Council meetings have finished late and included long and varied debates on how to fund a pipeline of services and projects that exceed our income. And as part of the debate, ideas have come and gone. Should we be selling our recreational assets? Should we be reducing our financial commitments by stopping non-core initiatives? Are there other ways to fund the delivery of services? We haven’t quite got the answer yet and it’s been a bit of a frustrating process (for me anyway) because a lot of the comments that get thrown about the public sphere aren’t exactly balanced, accurate, informed, or fair. We’ll have to wait to see what happens and I’ll let you know once there’s an answer.
As for separate issues such as town centre changes, I’ll be covering them in separate posts in the coming weeks.
Like many Roseville Ward residents, Woolworths Chatswood East is now one of my closest supermarket options. I observed the following last night:
⚡️ It’s great to see that they provided six free 𝗘𝗩 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀. They’re the standard chargers that give you a minor topup while you shop so it’s nothing to get too excited about, but it’s still better than what the new Pymble Bunnings has to offer (nothing).
♻️The 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 ‘𝗯𝗶𝗻’ was more like a mountain. I hope they fix that soon.
❌ 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀… I deliberately checked the website to see that what I wanted was in stock at Chatswood, but I came out empty handed.
Like many Roseville Ward residents, Woolworths Chatswood East is now one of my closest supermarket options. I observed the following last night:
⚡️ It’s great to see that they provided six free 𝗘𝗩 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀. They’re the standard chargers that give you a minor topup while you shop so it’s nothing to get too excited about, but it’s still better than what the new Pymble Bunnings has to offer (nothing).
♻️The 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 ‘𝗯𝗶𝗻’ was more like a mountain. I hope they fix that soon.
❌ 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀… I deliberately checked the website to see that what I wanted was in stock at Chatswood, but I came out empty handed.
𝗖𝗕𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 (𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗧𝗠) 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 😢 I came across the details today while doing some banking for our local community preschool. This makes Bendigo bank the only bank to have a branch in Lindfield.
𝗖𝗕𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 (𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗧𝗠) 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 😢 I came across the details today while doing some banking for our local community preschool. This makes Bendigo bank the only bank to have a branch in Lindfield.
Earlier this year I transferred to a double degree (Master of Law / Business Administration, part time) so that I can be better equipped to serve the community. I’m looking forward to electives in Environmental Law, Development and Planning, Sustainable Development, Insurance, International Human Rights, and whatever else seems useful.
In Term 1 we covered the Australian Legal System and I developed a deeper understanding of the impacts that European Settlement has had on Indigenous Australians. I was happy to get a 90 (HD).
Term 2 starts next week and there’s a mountain to read 📚. I’m finding the law subjects to be more time consuming than business administration where much of it comes second nature.
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗶 🎓
Earlier this year I transferred to a double degree (Master of Law / Business Administration, part time) so that I can be better equipped to serve the community. I’m looking forward to electives in Environmental Law, Development and Planning, Sustainable Development, Insurance, International Human Rights, and whatever else seems useful.
In Term 1 we covered the Australian Legal System and I developed a deeper understanding of the impacts that European Settlement has had on Indigenous Australians. I was happy to get a 90 (HD).
Term 2 starts next week and there’s a mountain to read 📚. I’m finding the law subjects to be more time consuming than business administration where much of it comes second nature.
We have a bad flu season this year and it helps to protect your family by getting vaccinated. I had mine with the friendly staff at The Village Pharmacy Lindfield earlier this week and it was a quick process. I had to pay for mine but the NSW government is considering making it free in the near future.
We have a bad flu season this year and it helps to protect your family by getting vaccinated. I had mine with the friendly staff at @[100054244071734:2048:The Village Pharmacy Lindfield] earlier this week and it was a quick process. I had to pay for mine but the NSW government is considering making it free in the near future.
The election result was not a surprise. On one hand it’s sad to see an outgoing Liberal government that has done a great job in helping us stay employed during the pandemic and I think an appropriate response is to thank them for their service. On the other hand there wasn’t a clear articulation for the future and inner city residents have for years festered on unaddressed expectations regarding climate change response, diversity in representation and anti-corruption measures.
I’m curious to see what happens now because it’s easy for opposition and independents to promise lofty things but it’s much harder for them to deliver once in power.
I’m also curious to see if there will be any change in attitude or approach towards respecting the views of people who are in the minority. From what I can see we are a society that loves to talk about tolerance and acceptance but when it comes to politics or religion, we are quick to shoot down or outcast those who do not share our same beliefs. I write this knowing that I myself am not a perfect role model in this area, but it’s something that I hope we can all get better at.
The election result was not a surprise. On one hand it’s sad to see an outgoing Liberal government that has done a great job in helping us stay employed during the pandemic and I think an appropriate response is to thank them for their service. On the other hand there wasn’t a clear articulation for the future and inner city residents have for years festered on unaddressed expectations regarding climate change response, diversity in representation and anti-corruption measures.
I’m curious to see what happens now because it’s easy for opposition and independents to promise lofty things but it’s much harder for them to deliver once in power.
I’m also curious to see if there will be any change in attitude or approach towards respecting the views of people who are in the minority. From what I can see we are a society that loves to talk about tolerance and acceptance but when it comes to politics or religion, we are quick to shoot down or outcast those who do not share our same beliefs. I write this knowing that I myself am not a perfect role model in this area, but it’s something that I hope we can all get better at.
𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯)
Council has responded to your earlier feedback by 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝘄𝗼-𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰 and 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀.
We now have a revised plan and a final round of public consultation with 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝟭𝟯 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲. Key features include:
🚸𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 to make it safer and easier to move around Lindfield.
🚦𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 moved to the intersection of Lindfield Ave and Tryon Rd. This makes it safer for vehicles on Tryon turning onto Lindfield.
🌲𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀 and an increase in 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀. Power lines moved underground. More outdoor dining options.
🚗𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 next to the Lindfield Village Green. Taxi ranks also relocated to Tryon Road, south side. [𝘔𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘈𝘷𝘦, 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦, 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦, 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.]
Other changes west of the trainline will be delivered at a later stage, closer to the time of delivery of the Village Hub.
You can see the 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽-𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 at the Lindfield Village Green 4 June 10am – 1pm.
https://krg.engagementhub.com.au/lindfieldstreetscape
For Mothers Day tomorrow, why not come and visit our local businesses here in Lindfield. You can also see local artwork in our annual Mothers Day drawing competition organised by the Lindfield Chamber of Commerce.
For Mothers Day tomorrow, why not come and visit our local businesses here in Lindfield. You can also see local artwork in our annual Mothers Day drawing competition organised by the Lindfield Chamber of Commerce.
𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹’𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀
New council term, new plans. Residents have til 30 May to provide feedback on five items. Your submissions will be considered by staff if you use the contact details in the link provided.
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Council/Your-say/Revised-plans-for-Ku-ring-gais-future
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 – This sets out council’s long term plans for the next 10+ years, informed by community engagement activities conducted earlier in the year. I’m proud of the improvements made to this iteration of the plan which now tie council’s individual objectives to performance indicators (which we will review).
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 – This sets out the challenges that council faces for delivering assets and services to the public while working with limited resources.
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 – If you want to know what assets (parks, footpaths, stormwater, sports fields etc.) council proposes to upgrade in the next four years, take a look from page 86 onwards.
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 – The usual approach is to recover the cost of activities or subsidise activities that bring about a community good.
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 – Includes helpful details about council’s community engagement and consultation process which has been more extensive this time around.
𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹’𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀
New council term, new plans. Residents have til 30 May to provide feedback on five items. Your submissions will be considered by staff if you use the contact details in the link provided.
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Council/Your-say/Revised-plans-for-Ku-ring-gais-future
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 – This sets out council’s long term plans for the next 10+ years, informed by community engagement activities conducted earlier in the year. I’m proud of the improvements made to this iteration of the plan which now tie council’s individual objectives to performance indicators (which we will review).
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 – This sets out the challenges that council faces for delivering assets and services to the public while working with limited resources.
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 – If you want to know what assets (parks, footpaths, stormwater, sports fields etc.) council proposes to upgrade in the next four years, take a look from page 86 onwards.
𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 – The usual approach is to recover the cost of activities or subsidise activities that bring about a community good.
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 – Includes helpful details about council’s community engagement and consultation process which has been more extensive this time around.
📉📉📉 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁. This month, councillors and residents will be considering Ku-ring-gai’s Long Term Financial Plan which says that kerbs, guttering, stormwater, buildings, parks, and bridges will deteriorate over time due to insufficient funding. At the same time, council is also exploring the construction of the Marian Street Theatre as well as the St Ives Indoor Sports Centre at a combined cost of ~$40m, with most of the funding to come from borrowing money.
Is this sustainable and if not, how do we balance the books? It’ll ultimately be up to the councillors to decide, and residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback for consideration. More on this in tomorrow’s post.
But for today I want to focus on what most people consider when faced with having to provide more services. Their natural inclination is to focus on 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘. Should Council 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘀 charged to residents, businesses and community organisations? Should Council 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 to plug gaps in the budget? Can Council 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 from the state and federal government? All measures can be considered.
However, before Council goes out cap in hand to ask ratepayers for more money, I personally believe it’s also important for Council to first demonstrate that it is 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 to ensure that the money we are already receiving is being spent wisely.
I know that our council staff regularly consider this question and budget effectively. Having said that, there may also be a time and place for an external local government expert to review the organisation and suggest more efficient ways of doing things.
📉📉📉 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁. This month, councillors and residents will be considering Ku-ring-gai’s Long Term Financial Plan which says that kerbs, guttering, stormwater, buildings, parks, and bridges will deteriorate over time due to insufficient funding. At the same time, council is also exploring the construction of the Marian Street Theatre as well as the St Ives Indoor Sports Centre at a combined cost of ~$40m, with most of the funding to come from borrowing money.
Is this sustainable and if not, how do we balance the books? It’ll ultimately be up to the councillors to decide, and residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback for consideration. More on this in tomorrow’s post.
But for today I want to focus on what most people consider when faced with having to provide more services. Their natural inclination is to focus on 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘. Should Council 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘀 charged to residents, businesses and community organisations? Should Council 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 to plug gaps in the budget? Can Council 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 from the state and federal government? All measures can be considered.
However, before Council goes out cap in hand to ask ratepayers for more money, I personally believe it’s also important for Council to first demonstrate that it is 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 to ensure that the money we are already receiving is being spent wisely.
I know that our council staff regularly consider this question and budget effectively. Having said that, there may also be a time and place for an external local government expert to review the organisation and suggest more efficient ways of doing things.