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October 19, 2015 |
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Newsletter
for
Offshore Residents
of Pittwater, Australia
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Pittwater's future bright but rumours unconfirmed16 Oct 2015Various media reports today speculate that Pittwater Council will escape local government amalgamations but the State Government is yet to confirm this is indeed the case. IPART’s deadline to deliver its recommendation to State Government is today, but already there are alleged ‘leaks’ suggesting Pittwater will remain as is and Manly and Warringah will merge to form a mega council. It’s no secret that Pittwater’s community remains firmly opposed to forced mergers and wants Pittwater Council to stay independent, strong and local, but Deputy Mayor Kylie Ferguson says it’s too early to start celebrating. “Like all affected councils, we’re awaiting State Government decision,” Cr Ferguson said. “If true, this decision reflects our strong submission to IPART and the strength of our council—acknowledged earlier this week with us receiving a special commendation award at the local government 2015 A R Bluett Memorial Awards,’ Cr Ferguson added. Results from independent research and Pittwater Council’s community engagement have consistently demonstrated overwhelming support for the status quo. “It’s not just a majority of our residents—it’s all but 11 percent—support Pittwater standing alone. “Pittwater’s independence remains front and centre in our community, so standing alone just makes sense for us,” she added. To stay informed, please visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/reform Contact: Community Relations Phone: 9970 1119/1172 Seeking Pittwater's local heroesNominations are now open for Pittwater’s 2016 NSW Local Citizen of the Year Awards to be announced at next year’s Australia Day celebrations.Residents are encouraged to nominate outstanding citizens who have contributed to their community in one of three categories: Pittwater Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year. Deputy Mayor Kylie Ferguson applauded the many volunteers who give their time generously for the benefit of others. “These people are often considered experts in their fields which cover bushcare, aged care, lifesaving, emergency services, coastal patrol and youth and community services to name just a few,” she said. “It is a great opportunity to recognise residents who work tirelessly behind the scenes making a significant contribution to their community.” “This is our opportunity to acknowledge their contribution and to say thank you,” added Cr Ferguson. Winners will be announced at an Australia Day Awards Reception and at celebrations at Bert Payne Reserve, Newport on 26 January 2016. Nomination forms for the Awards can be completed online or downloaded at www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/australia_day_awards Printed copies are also available from Council’s customer service centres and libraries at Avalon and Mona Vale. Entries for the Awards close on Friday 27 November 2015. Nominations can be mailed to: Community Relations Team, Pittwater Council, PO Box 882 Mona Vale, NSW 1660 or emailed to Pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au. Enquiries relating to the Awards or Pittwater’s Australia Day event can be directed to the Community Relations Team on 9970 1172. Contact: Media contact: Community Relations Phone: 9970 1172 or 9970 1114 Springtime Slitheriesby Lynleigh GreigSpring is a wonderful time of year! The flowers are blooming, cute baby animals are emerging, people are just happier! And Spring-time is when all our beautiful scaly creatures start getting active again. Not everyone is a fan of snakes, but mostly because they are a very misunderstood species… They are essential to a healthy ecosystem. Without them we would be overrun with rodents and other pests. By keeping down the quantity of rodents, they reduce the occurrence of diseases carried by these and other pests. General Behaviour:
The Most Common Species of Snakes on the Northern Beaches: Diamond
Python
Morelia spilota spilota Harmless and non-venomous Diamond pythons are predominantly black in colour with yellow spots arranged in diamond-like shapes. The average adult size is between 2m and 3m. Diamond pythons are typically placid in nature and reluctant to bite. They are mostly arboreal (tree-dwelling) but have been seen on roof-tops, curled up under trees or draped over fence-tops. They prey on rodents, lizards, birds and mammals such as possums. They are constrictors.  Green Tree Snake
Dendrelaphis punctulata Harmless and non-venomous The Green Tree Snake is very slender, is greenish-blue on the body and bright yellow on the belly. They have big black eyes and a very long, thin, prehensile tail. They reach lengths of around 1.2m. They are often seen on the ground which surprises people – given that they are tree snakes. They come to ground to prey on frogs, skinks and fish. Gorgeous little creatures!  Golden-crowned Snake
Cacophis squamulosus Mildly venomous – not considered dangerous These little snakes are very secretive and are nocturnal so you’d be lucky to encounter one. They’re dark brown to grey in colour with a pink belly. They have a yellowish ‘halo’ or crown – hence their name. Golden-crowned snakes tend to reach lengths of between 50cm – 75cm. They feed predominantly on lizards and occasionally frogs. They are wonderful little snakes but they often get into trouble when cats pounce on them and bring them inside.  Photo
by Glenn Addison
Red-bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus Venomous but very reluctant to bite or engage with humans or animals The Red-bellied Black Snake is a gorgeous glossy black on top and red on the lower sides and belly. The average-sized specimen is 1.2m - 1.5m. They are often found near water and are excellent swimmers! Their diet consists primarily of frogs. They are not an aggressive species and their first form of defence is always to escape. They are often just moving through your property and should just be left alone. How to Behave if you Encounter a Snake:
What to do if you are bitten: Unless you are trying to catch a snake or kill it, you are unlikely to ever be bitten. However, in the unlikely event that you are, follow these 3 easy steps:
There is no need to identify the snake. The Venom Detection Kit in the hospital will process the venom from the swab and identify which antivenom is required. 60% of snake-bites are ‘dry’ bites i.e. no venom is injected. What to do if a Snake enters your Home or Property:
Do NOT attempt to kill ANY snake!!! It is illegal and dangerous. Generally, a snake will only become defensive if it is threatened. Leave them and they will tend to move off of their own accord. Or call Sydney Wildlife to have the animal relocated. Sydney
Wildlife: 9413 4300
Southern
Cross Wildlife Care’s Dr Howard Ralph will treat any injured snake –
venomous or non-venomous.
 With thanks to Pittwater Online News Re-print from October 11 - 17, 2015: Issue 235 Looking for house sitting over Xmas holidaysLovely respectable Avalon family looking for any available accommodation over the Christmas week any time from about 21st December to the new year and also later in January.We are two adults and 3 children between ages 10 and 15. No pets but love animals so happy to look after yours if necessary. We'd look after your house and water garden etc. We have a number of good friends living on Mackeral and Elvina Bay. Please contact Nic Prandle on 0481 041 061. For SaleJIGSAWSRavensburger and fine art.Various sizes from 500 to 1000 plus pieces. I have done them all so they are complete. $5 each. Contact Linda on 0407 020 110 or email lindaandjonathan@gmail.com Archived NewslettersA complete set of past electronic newsletters since May 2000 can be found and read at https://ymlp.com/archive_gesgjgm.php or by clicking here or by visiting the Mona Vale Library.The Island website is at www.scotlandisland.org.au  To ContributeIf you would like to contribute to this newsletter it's easy!. Send an e-mail to the editor (editor@scotlandisland.org.au) or by clicking here. Type your contribution (100 words or so would be fine) and assuming it is of general interest to the community, does not include matter of a political nature and is not offensive, it will appear next month.Subscription InformationTo get on and off this newsletter, click here or got to: http://www.scotlandisland.org.au/signup .To change your address, click the 'modify' link at the bottom of this newsletter or send an email to the editor@scotlandisland.org.au Follow the PON
The Online Local Contacts GuideClick HERE to loadThe
views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the
Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA), or
the Western
Pittwater Community Association (WPCA)
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