Call to Action: Caring for our Roads
and Drains
The problem
As every
islander knows, erosion and the lack of adequate drainage on Island
roads have resulted in the roads becoming safety hazards for both
vehicular and pedestrian traffic as well as major sources of pollution
(silt) in Pittwater.
What is being
done?
Drainage
measures are among the highest priorities for current and future road
work on the Island, and Pittwater Council has agreed that all new road
work on the Island will involve attention to drainage, as specified in
the recently adopted Master Plans. Recent work on Thompson Street,
Richard Road, Hilda Avenue, Cecil Street, and Florence Terrace
demonstrate this commitment. Also, Council has agreed to a maintenance
schedule for drains and pits.
However, sediment, leaf and stick
litter and other materials can obstruct the drainage channels,
diverting water onto the road surface which then causes more erosion.
What can you
do?
Keeping
drainage channels clear requires assistance from the Island Community.
To help keep our roads from deteriorating further, and help keep the
drainage channels clear, you could:
- Avoid placing garden waste in the road; it ends
up in the drains and channels and blocks them
- Avoid
placing anything in the channels; if you have a crossing driveway,
consider a bridge or culvert, but allow water to flow freely past.
- Take ‘ownership’ of your verge; keep it clear
of litter, especially after rains.
- Adopt
a drain: if there is a drain near your property, help keep it clear of
debris – again, especially important after heavy rain.
As a
temporary special case, we ask all residents to take particular care of
the new road surfaces on Thompson Street above Hilda Avenue, and Hilda
Avenue. The road material is recycled bitumen with cement,
which
takes some time to harden and is still unstable. Already
vehicles
have forced some of the road material into the drainage channel, which
could lead to more erosion.
Council recommends that
Hilda Avenue and Thompson Street be “one way” access to eliminate the
damage that occurs when driving up Thompson Street i.e. drive up Hilda
and down Thompson. Please try to stay as far away as possible
from the drainage line to avoid further degradation.
Completion
of drainage works on both roads are due to be carried out shortly.
Thanks for your help and cooperation.
Alan Gaines
For SIRA Roads & Drainage Project Team
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Local
Council
Notices |
ELECTION OF
MAYOR & DEPUTY MAYOR
Councillor Harvey Rose has been returned by his fellow Councillors for
a second term as Mayor.
The
post of Deputy Mayor will be filled by Councillor Ian White, who steps
into the position vacated by Councillor Jacqueline Townsend.
Cr Townsend did not re-contest the position of Deputy Mayor this year,
but did stand as a mayoral candidate.
The Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral positions are for a term of one year.
Pittwater Councillors elect the two positions every year in September,
based on nominations received from their colleagues.
Mayor
Harvey Rose said that in keeping with Pittwater’s spirit of
bi-partisanship, the election had been a ‘cordial and agreeable
process’.
“I see my re-election as a vote of confidence in the work all our
Councillors are putting in for our community.”
“At
Pittwater we pride ourselves on working amicably together on all
matters, including choosing these two important positions to represent
and lobby on our community’s behalf.”
Mayor Rose said he wanted
to progress matters concerning local health and youth, particularly the
establishment of a youth centre in Pittwater.
“We’ll also
continue to work constructively with other neighbouring councils on
issues of common concern such as housing, employment and transport.
“We
must still look to improve infrastructure and services for Pittwater,
while retaining and developing our distinctive environmental and
cultural essence.”
Mayor Rose is also President of SHOROC,
the regional organisation representing the four northern councils of
Warringah, Pittwater, Manly and Mosman.
Media contact: Harvey Rose, Pittwater
Council Ph: 9970 1104
UPDATE ON 14-18 BOONDAH ROAD
WARRIEWOOD
Meriton has
withdrawn its application for Stage 2 of the proposed development at
14-18 Boondah Road Warriewood.
The
Council, which was assessing the Stage 2 application before a decision
by the state government’s Planning & Assessment Commission
(PAC),
was advised of the withdrawal last week.
The Stage 2 proposal
was being advertised for public comment between 11 August and 10
September 2011. The proposal was for construction of 221 units in nine
residential buildings of 3-4 storeys; parking for 452 vehicles;
construction of an internal road; tree removal and associated
landscaping.
Stage 1 of the proposal is already under
construction, pending an appeal by the Council against the development
that is being considered by the Land & Environment Court. Stage
1
was approved by the PAC last year.
As a result of the withdrawal of the Stage 2 application, the public
exhibition has been discontinued.
In
a letter to affected residents, the Council has indicated that the
reasons for withdrawal are ‘that Meriton intended to seek substantial
changes to the Planning & Assessment Commission’s approvals
relating to vehicle parking, access and circulation of vehicles.’
The
letter goes on to say the Council expects Meriton to apply to the NSW
Department of Planning & Infrastructure for modifications to
the
approvals for the site.
Mayor Harvey Rose said if that were the case, the Council would not
assess any future application for the site.
“However we will continue to make submissions on this proposal on the
community’s behalf,” Mayor Rose said.
Media contact: Steve Evans, Pittwater
Council Ph: 9970 1133
Pittwater Artists Trail
Open Studio
Weekend
Saturday 10th
& Sunday 11th September
Hours 10am – 4pm
Ellie
Shore
Artspace
Rouge Gallery & Studio
Ceramics and felting by Rouge,
photography by June Lahm,
paintings by Ellie Shore and Carole Corrie
Artspace Rouge 8 Sturdee Lane, Lovett Bay.
Tel: 9979 7903, 0420 289 726
Catch ferry from Church Point to North Elvina Wharf.
At top of steps turn right & head up towards Rocky Point Reserve
For more information go to www.pittwaterartiststrail.com.au
Lantern Parade & Family Picnic
Saturday 17th
September
Hours 4pm - 8pm
Click image for more information
The
twilight parade will be a procession of light and colour representing
various local community groups and schools. The parade will not only
bridge the transition from day to night but will also herald the
transformation of the Manly Art Gallery & Museum into a place
of
celebration and performance. The parade will also create an important
connection with Manly’s past lantern events in the early decades of the
20th century as part of the ‘Venetian Carnivals’, reviving the
tradition in a contemporary format.
Exploring a Maritime theme;
we’re making huge ferries, tugs, Manly Surf boats, yachts... led by
musicians, we will parade down West Esplanade Beach at sunset – from
the wharf to the gallery with the harbour behind us.
Join the twilight procession and watch the finale light show on the
beach. Gallery open till 8pm.
Coordinated by Emmie Collins & Ikara Events. Sausage sizzle by
Rotary Club of Manly Sunrise.
Where:
Outside Manly Art Gallery
&
Museum, West Esplanade, Manly
When: Sat 17
Sept, 4 - 8pm
Cost: Free
Contact: 9976
1421
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The
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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