January 2001 Newsletter

At the break of the new millennium, we are not short of challenges, the major ones being:

Roads and Drainage

With Christmas and the New Year out of the way, the Roads and Drainage Workgroup will recommence its action, working with Council, to start improving the roads, based on the results of the R and D Survey. We will keep you up to date through the Email Newsletter as well as the normal hard copy Newsletter.

Emergency Water

You have now all been advised by a letter from Council, together with an accompanying one from SIRA, that we have to improve the present Emergency Water system, upgrading it in 2 stages. First, replacing the present ‘always breaking down’ infrastructure with pipes and fittings acceptable to Sydney Water, plus adding water meters to each house, probably a storage tank at the top of the Island, giving a ‘trickle feed’ to all houses. This will eliminate all the complaints about short supply, water theft etc and, at the same time, remove the continuing and onerous task of the EW Supervisors. It will also mean that some houses at the top of the Island, which have never been able to get water, will be able to do so. The Emergency Water will be run by a Trust, set up by SIRA, but independent of it. It will be a system similar to one that has been operating in Berowra Waters for some 30 years very successfully. All houses that connect will make a contribution to the set up cost (to be determined and advised) but will then buy water at mainland rates (around 90 to 100 cents per 1000 litres) Instead of the present $4.20 and thus eventually ‘pay off’ the investment and thereafter profit from the deal. The second stage, some 10 or more years down the track, will be to go to full ‘water and sewerage'. The EM Workgroup has commenced regular meetings, chaired by Shirley Page. Many people have offered to help, and that help will be welcomed further down the track.

Shortly, a hard copy Newsletter will be posted out, followed by a special General Meeting.

It is now nearly 2 years ago that a public meeting in the Mona Vale Hall almost unanimously voted for the motion: “That Pittwater Council recognise that the existing Church Point Wharf is important to Pittwater’s heritage, that Council adheres to the heritage guidelines as set out in the Burra Charter and that Council investigate and consult on a more appropriate design to accommodate disabled access incorporated in the existing structure” Plans developed by architects Ron Barrelle and Dermer Bennett were presented that would both retain the heritage character of the wharf, as well as provide

disabled access. The Council plans provided only a ramp and pontoon structure. This would completely change the character of the existing wharf, which goes against the Burra Charter.

This Charter specifies that the curtilage, or surrounding area, of a heritage listed building (the Church Point Store is such a building) should remain in the same character. Further work by these architects, who give a lot of their time and are dedicated to protecting and improving our Pittwater heritage, have made additional significant improvements to the design. It gives to disabled, as well as less abled people (and this includes old people, people on crutches etc.) something a moving ramp and pontoon simply cannot do, and that is to provide a solid, stable platform, with a choice of steps or ramps, to board a ferry or taxi or any watercraft.

Its stable platform also enables people to walk out above the water, and be surrounded by it. The interesting thing is that disabled people say that they enjoy this opportunity. A ramp/pontoon successfully removes that enjoyment. To see a good example of this type of wharf, go to the National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour, where a new one has been constructed. The good thing about Ron and Dermer’s design is that this one will work even better. And the thing that should really please the Council on our behalf - they are getting top professional advice at no cost!. Despite the overwhelming vote by the public, together with the far superior design, we believe the Council still wants to push its ramp/pontoon system. So, watch this space for further information.

If you would like to discuss this and make any constructive suggestions, ring Greg Roberts on 9979 9599.

At the end of January you will receive a `Newsletter’ from the Northern Sydney Area Health Service (NSAHS). It sets out ‘Options’, and asks you to vote on your preference. The clear preference to all of us in this area is to vote for the retention and upgrading of Mona Vale Hospital. If a new hospital were to be built it would probably be somewhere south of the intersection of Wakehurst Parkway and Warringah Road, towards Bantry Bay. It would be a bad choice for all off-shore residents, adding another 10 to 15 minutes to get to hospital in an emergency in normal traffic, and considerably more in peak hours, holiday times and also when Wakehurst Parkway is cut off by the not too rare occurrence of fire, flood and accidents.

The Survey that went out with a Rates Notice last year signalled that 97 % of Pittwater wanted to retain Mona Vale Hospital and have it upgraded moderately, and to include palliative care.

The critical requirement is that everyone fills in and returns this next survey, because if we don’t, the areas of Warringah and Manly will outvote us and Mona Vale Hospital will disappear. In addition, everyone is invited to come to the Public Rally as detailed in the attached publicity piece

For any further information, ring Greg Roberts on 9979 9599 or visit our website at www.savemonavalehospital.com.

As usual, the Island to the Point dog race was held on Christmas eve, much to the delight of the huge crowd. Unofficial estimates put the numbers at about 700! The race was won by an attractive black Labrador named Diesel in fine style from a big field. It was a beautiful island evening and the crowd managed to quench their unending thirsts in style. Anyone for a share in the bottlo? If you missed this great occasion, put the date in this year's diary. It's any easy one to remember...

Pittwater Council will hold a silent auction of Olympic and Paralympic memorabilia at the Pittwater Australia Day Breakfast at Newport Beach on Friday 26 January. This is a golden opportunity for peninsula residents and visitors to purchase a memento of the Sydney Olympic Games.

Thirty Olympic and Paralympic flags, Paralympic Torch Relay T-Shirts and Torch Relay road banners will be auctioned. (Olympic Flags are red, blue and aqua, while Paralympic Flags are green.) Some of the T-Shirts have been signed by actors Peter Phelps and Shane Withington. The auction will take place on the reserve adjacent to Newport Beach Surf Club. Items can be viewed and bids placed in the boxes provided from 8am till 9am. Minimum bids are: Flags - $30, Road Banners - $20, T-Shirts - $10. Celebrity Auctioneer Shane Withington will announce the auction results at 9.45am. Terms are Cash Only. Buyers must be present with proof of identity to collect their purchased item. Enquiries: Erica Goodsir, Tel: 9970 1108/0409 991 721.

At present there are numerous dangerous pot holes in the "paving" of the car park, particularly at the Western entrance....These need urgent attention as sooner or later someone will be injured and I would not be surprised if this results in a massive law suit.....

Surely this can be attended to immediately, particularly in the light that the revenue from the parking does not seem to be being returned to the maintenance of this area

Pittwater Mayor Patricia Giles will present Australia Day Citizen of the Year awards to two residents at the official ceremony at Pittwater’s Australia Day Breakfast at the Beach at Newport Beach on Friday, 26 January.

The winner of the Australia Day 2001 Pittwater Citizen of the Year Award is Craig Goozee, of Avalon. Craig has worked tirelessly for two years to raise contributions to cancer research. After the death of his daughter Jessica of a rare bone cancer in June 1999, with family and friends Craig formed a charity called "A2B4C" - Avalon to Broadbeach for Cancer - to raise funds for cancer research. In early 1999 Craig undertook

a solo surf ski journey from Avalon to Broadbeach in Queensland which raised over $150,000. This was divided between the Children's Cancer Institute, the Oncology Ward of Sydney Children's Hospital and Camp Quality for kids with cancer. Last March Craig completed a 5000km run, cycle and paddle from Albany, West Australia to Broken Bay, raising over $250,000. This was divided between the Children's Cancer Institute, Sydney Children's Hospital and the Starlight Children's Foundation.

The winner of the Australia Day 2001 Pittwater Young Citizen of the Year Award is Harley Cross, of North Narrabeen. Although only 20 years old, Harley has already performed above 450 hours over five years in community service with St John Ambulance Australia's Manly-Warringah Division. These have embraced different types of duties, with most involving young people such as the peninsula Youthfest and Pittwater Youth Dances. Harley has already received an Award of Merit from St John Ambulance Australia as well as a Rotary Youth Leadership Award in 1999, and is currently studying nursing. He is regarded as an excellent leadership example for youth on the peninsula.

Mayor Patricia Giles said: "We are delighted to give these two wonderful Pittwater residents the level of recognition they deserve for the outstanding community service they have provided both for cancer research and for the youth of Pittwater. They are fantastic representatives for Pittwater and we are all very proud of them."

Mayor Giles will also present a Pittwater Medal to the 2001 Pittwater Australia Day Ambassador - Olympic Yachtsman Colin Beashel, of Avalon. Since 1980 Colin has competed in 5 Olympic Games and in 1986 was named Australia Yachtsman of the Year; in 1995 NSW Yachtsman of the Year; and in 1999 again named Yachtsman of the Year. (please see attached summary)

As our newsletter continues to grow (now more than 310 readers) we are including some links to other nearby organisations and events that may be of interest. If you would like to contribute, please send a message to the electronic newsletter's editor.

You can now join SIRA by clicking here. Please print the page you see and return the completed form to SIRA at this address:

The Treasurer, SIRA, PO Box 70, Church Point 2105. Please NO CASH. If you wish to pay in cash, contact the treasurer, Shirley Page on (02) 9997-1875 to arrange collection/delivery.

If you would like to advertise a service or product via this newsletter, and you live on the island, here is an opportunity not to be missed. Visit the Inbox of 300 readers by placing your advertisement here. The cost? Nil, nothing! Simply email the editor with your copy (50 words or less please) and it will be included in the next edition. The editor reserves the right to reject unsuitable text or material at his/her absolute discretion. It is, after all, free!. The editor can be emailed by clicking here.

A complete set of all past electronic newsletters can be found and read by clicking here

Scotland Island Residents Association
- January 2001 -
Volume 2, Issue 11; January 2001
	Editorial A New Year and a new millennium. A time for assessment of past performance and a time for planning. A great time also to improve our personal health and well being. Living in paradise gives us a great opportunity to tune our bodies. With swimming, sailing, rowing and walking all freely available to us, there can be no reason to be other than taut and terrific. But there is also the opportunity to share some New Year conviviality with friends... Ahh well, maybe next year.... Please Note: You will get two copies of this newsletter. One will be in full colour with all the bells and whistles. The other in plain text for those of you who prefer it that way, or have no choice :) back to top
	In this Issue:
	Challenges for 2001 Church Point Wharf Developments The Dog Race - a report Mona Vale Hospital Update Pittwater Olympic/Paralympic auction on Australia Day The Carpark - a contributor's view Australia Day - Citizens of the year The Local Guide Classifieds Join SIRA today! Archived Newsletters Great Internet Sites to Visit Your Subscription Information back to top Challenges for 2001 At the break of the new millennium, we are not short of challenges, the major ones being: · ROADS AND DRAINAGE · EMERGENCY WATER · CHURCH POINT WHARF · MONA VALE HOSPITAL Roads and Drainage With Christmas and the New Year out of the way, the Roads and Drainage Workgroup will recommence its action, working with Council, to start improving the roads, based on the results of the R and D Survey. We will keep you up to date through the Email Newsletter as well as the normal hard copy Newsletter. Emergency Water You have now all been advised by a letter from Council, together with an accompanying one from SIRA, that we have to improve the present Emergency Water system, upgrading it in 2 stages. First, replacing the present ‘always breaking down’ infrastructure with pipes and fittings acceptable to Sydney Water, plus adding water meters to each house, probably a storage tank at the top of the Island, giving a ‘trickle feed’ to all houses. This will eliminate all the complaints about short supply, water theft etc and, at the same time, remove the continuing and onerous task of the EW Supervisors. It will also mean that some houses at the top of the Island, which have never been able to get water, will be able to do so. The Emergency Water will be run by a Trust, set up by SIRA, but independent of it. It will be a system similar to one that has been operating in Berowra Waters for some 30 years very successfully. All houses that connect will make a contribution to the set up cost (to be determined and advised) but will then buy water at mainland rates (around 90 to 100 cents per 1000 litres) Instead of the present $4.20 and thus eventually ‘pay off’ the investment and thereafter profit from the deal. The second stage, some 10 or more years down the track, will be to go to full ‘water and sewerage'. The EM Workgroup has commenced regular meetings, chaired by Shirley Page. Many people have offered to help, and that help will be welcomed further down the track. Shortly, a hard copy Newsletter will be posted out, followed by a special General Meeting. Church Point Wharf Developments It is now nearly 2 years ago that a public meeting in the Mona Vale Hall almost unanimously voted for the motion: “That Pittwater Council recognise that the existing Church Point Wharf is important to Pittwater’s heritage, that Council adheres to the heritage guidelines as set out in the Burra Charter and that Council investigate and consult on a more appropriate design to accommodate disabled access incorporated in the existing structure” Plans developed by architects Ron Barrelle and Dermer Bennett were presented that would both retain the heritage character of the wharf, as well as provide disabled access. The Council plans provided only a ramp and pontoon structure. This would completely change the character of the existing wharf, which goes against the Burra Charter. This Charter specifies that the curtilage, or surrounding area, of a heritage listed building (the Church Point Store is such a building) should remain in the same character. Further work by these architects, who give a lot of their time and are dedicated to protecting and improving our Pittwater heritage, have made additional significant improvements to the design. It gives to disabled, as well as less abled people (and this includes old people, people on crutches etc.) something a moving ramp and pontoon simply cannot do, and that is to provide a solid, stable platform, with a choice of steps or ramps, to board a ferry or taxi or any watercraft. Its stable platform also enables people to walk out above the water, and be surrounded by it. The interesting thing is that disabled people say that they enjoy this opportunity. A ramp/pontoon successfully removes that enjoyment. To see a good example of this type of wharf, go to the National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour, where a new one has been constructed. The good thing about Ron and Dermer’s design is that this one will work even better. And the thing that should really please the Council on our behalf - they are getting top professional advice at no cost!. Despite the overwhelming vote by the public, together with the far superior design, we believe the Council still wants to push its ramp/pontoon system. So, watch this space for further information. If you would like to discuss this and make any constructive suggestions, ring Greg Roberts on 9979 9599. Mona Vale Hospital Update At the end of January you will receive a `Newsletter’ from the Northern Sydney Area Health Service (NSAHS). It sets out ‘Options’, and asks you to vote on your preference. The clear preference to all of us in this area is to vote for the retention and upgrading of Mona Vale Hospital. If a new hospital were to be built it would probably be somewhere south of the intersection of Wakehurst Parkway and Warringah Road, towards Bantry Bay. It would be a bad choice for all off-shore residents, adding another 10 to 15 minutes to get to hospital in an emergency in normal traffic, and considerably more in peak hours, holiday times and also when Wakehurst Parkway is cut off by the not too rare occurrence of fire, flood and accidents. The Survey that went out with a Rates Notice last year signalled that 97 % of Pittwater wanted to retain Mona Vale Hospital and have it upgraded moderately, and to include palliative care. The critical requirement is that everyone fills in and returns this next survey, because if we don’t, the areas of Warringah and Manly will outvote us and Mona Vale Hospital will disappear. In addition, everyone is invited to come to the Public Rally as detailed in the attached publicity piece For any further information, ring Greg Roberts on 9979 9599 or visit our website at www.savemonavalehospital.com. The Dog Race As usual, the Island to the Point dog race was held on Christmas eve, much to the delight of the huge crowd. Unofficial estimates put the numbers at about 700! The race was won by an attractive black Labrador named Diesel in fine style from a big field. It was a beautiful island evening and the crowd managed to quench their unending thirsts in style. Anyone for a share in the bottlo? If you missed this great occasion, put the date in this year's diary. It's any easy one to remember... Pittwater Olympic/Paralympic Auction On Australia Day Pittwater Council will hold a silent auction of Olympic and Paralympic memorabilia at the Pittwater Australia Day Breakfast at Newport Beach on Friday 26 January. This is a golden opportunity for peninsula residents and visitors to purchase a memento of the Sydney Olympic Games. Thirty Olympic and Paralympic flags, Paralympic Torch Relay T-Shirts and Torch Relay road banners will be auctioned. (Olympic Flags are red, blue and aqua, while Paralympic Flags are green.) Some of the T-Shirts have been signed by actors Peter Phelps and Shane Withington. The auction will take place on the reserve adjacent to Newport Beach Surf Club. Items can be viewed and bids placed in the boxes provided from 8am till 9am. Minimum bids are: Flags - $30, Road Banners - $20, T-Shirts - $10. Celebrity Auctioneer Shane Withington will announce the auction results at 9.45am. Terms are Cash Only. Buyers must be present with proof of identity to collect their purchased item. Enquiries: Erica Goodsir, Tel: 9970 1108/0409 991 721. back to top The Carpark - a contributor's view: At present there are numerous dangerous pot holes in the "paving" of the car park, particularly at the Western entrance....These need urgent attention as sooner or later someone will be injured and I would not be surprised if this results in a massive law suit..... Surely this can be attended to immediately, particularly in the light that the revenue from the parking does not seem to be being returned to the maintenance of this area AUSTRALIA DAY CITIZENS OF THE YEAR Pittwater Mayor Patricia Giles will present Australia Day Citizen of the Year awards to two residents at the official ceremony at Pittwater’s Australia Day Breakfast at the Beach at Newport Beach on Friday, 26 January. The winner of the Australia Day 2001 Pittwater Citizen of the Year Award is Craig Goozee, of Avalon. Craig has worked tirelessly for two years to raise contributions to cancer research. After the death of his daughter Jessica of a rare bone cancer in June 1999, with family and friends Craig formed a charity called "A2B4C" - Avalon to Broadbeach for Cancer - to raise funds for cancer research. In early 1999 Craig undertook a solo surf ski journey from Avalon to Broadbeach in Queensland which raised over $150,000. This was divided between the Children's Cancer Institute, the Oncology Ward of Sydney Children's Hospital and Camp Quality for kids with cancer. Last March Craig completed a 5000km run, cycle and paddle from Albany, West Australia to Broken Bay, raising over $250,000. This was divided between the Children's Cancer Institute, Sydney Children's Hospital and the Starlight Children's Foundation. The winner of the Australia Day 2001 Pittwater Young Citizen of the Year Award is Harley Cross, of North Narrabeen. Although only 20 years old, Harley has already performed above 450 hours over five years in community service with St John Ambulance Australia's Manly-Warringah Division. These have embraced different types of duties, with most involving young people such as the peninsula Youthfest and Pittwater Youth Dances. Harley has already received an Award of Merit from St John Ambulance Australia as well as a Rotary Youth Leadership Award in 1999, and is currently studying nursing. He is regarded as an excellent leadership example for youth on the peninsula. Mayor Patricia Giles said: "We are delighted to give these two wonderful Pittwater residents the level of recognition they deserve for the outstanding community service they have provided both for cancer research and for the youth of Pittwater. They are fantastic representatives for Pittwater and we are all very proud of them." Mayor Giles will also present a Pittwater Medal to the 2001 Pittwater Australia Day Ambassador - Olympic Yachtsman Colin Beashel, of Avalon. Since 1980 Colin has competed in 5 Olympic Games and in 1986 was named Australia Yachtsman of the Year; in 1995 NSW Yachtsman of the Year; and in 1999 again named Yachtsman of the Year. (please see attached summary) Colin is a great ambassador for yachting, for Pittwater and for Australia. back to top The local guide As our newsletter continues to grow (now more than 310 readers) we are including some links to other nearby organisations and events that may be of interest. If you would like to contribute, please send a message to the electronic newsletter's editor. Local Real Estate Agents: Botham Real Estate Ferry Wharf Real Estate PMC Hill (subscribe to their newsletter here) Government Organisations: Local Pittwater Council, or email them by clicking here. State: John Brogden, Member for Pittwater, or email him by clicking here Federal: Bronwyn Bishop, Member for Mackellar, or email her by clicking here Local Transport: Buses and Ferries: Sydney Buses and Ferries Water Taxi: Pink Water Taxi Church Point Ferries (02) 9999-3492 Scotland Island Community Vehicle 1800-069-592 Land Taxi Manly Warringah Cabs (02) 9997-9111 Airlines, Buses and Railways Sydney Airport: Arrivals and Departures Qantas Information Ansett Information Impulse Airlines and Virgin Blue Airlines NSW Railway Timetables and Information. Sydney Buses information, click here. Tides for this week and month: Flinders University back to top Join the Scotland Island Residents Association You can now join SIRA by clicking here. Please print the page you see and return the completed form to SIRA at this address: The Treasurer, SIRA, PO Box 70, Church Point 2105. Please NO CASH. If you wish to pay in cash, contact the treasurer, Shirley Page on (02) 9997-1875 to arrange collection/delivery. Classifieds If you would like to advertise a service or product via this newsletter, and you live on the island, here is an opportunity not to be missed. Visit the Inbox of 300 readers by placing your advertisement here. The cost? Nil, nothing! Simply email the editor with your copy (50 words or less please) and it will be included in the next edition. The editor reserves the right to reject unsuitable text or material at his/her absolute discretion. It is, after all, free!. The editor can be emailed by clicking here. Archived Newsletters A complete set of all past electronic newsletters can be found and read by clicking here
	Spread the Word: The future of this newsletter is in your hands. More than 300 residents and friends read this electronic newsletter monthly. Please tell your friends and neighbours to subscribe. If you are particularly literate in matters computing, you might like to help them follow the very easy path to subscription. It is simple to join this newsletter. Simply click here to join (or leave), or go to following address: http://members.optushome.com.au/sira back to top Great Internet Sites to Visit:. View a great collection of dictionaries and encyclopaedias at this site Do you have a friend who is concerned about others prying at their computer files? They should get a copy of this great freeware, to be found by clicking here Used by the editor to great effect... Thinking about establishing a REAL online internet presence? By far the cheapest alternative in Australia is this site. Web hosting and a top level .com address for only $A135.00 per year. You fully maintain your own web pages (up to 50meg) Exceptional value. Finally: If you would like to contribute to this newsletter it is really simple. Just send an e-mail to the editor by clicking here. Type your short contribution (100 words 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 to your neighbours, it will appear next month.
	SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: To get on and off this newsletter -simply click here to join or leave. OR go to the site below: http://members.optushome.com.au/sira back to top
	If you have any comments about the design of this newsletter, please feel free to e-mail the designer by clicking here. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the Scotland Island Residents Association Committee.
	© Maskar Pty Ltd PO Box 296 Church Point NSW Australia 2105. Last updated:

Editorial

In this Issue:

Roads and Drainage

Emergency Water

Spread the Word:

Great Internet Sites to Visit:.

Finally:

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

© Maskar Pty Ltd PO Box 296 Church Point NSW Australia 2105. Last updated: