20 COUNCIL NEWS
EASTERN SUBURBS Ed 40, April, 2022
Marjorie O'Neill MP MEMBER FOR COOGEE
Have your say on Double Bay
It is important for Council and the community to be able to influence how, where, and to what density new development occurs in future in Double Bay. Our Draft Double Bay Centre Planning and Urban Design Strategy aims to protect Double Bay’s village character, while providing a strengthened framework to guide future development in the Centre. It contains recommendations on protecting character and heritage, maintaining solar access to key public spaces, promoting walkability and creating a viable environment for local businesses to thrive. We want your feedback on this important document, and encourage you to make a submission by Friday May 6 at yoursay.woollahra.nsw.gov.au
Disability Action Plan
We are committed to supporting people with a disability who live, work and play in Woollahra, and our draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) details the steps that Council will take over the next four years to further support and improve inclusion for people with a disability. The DIAP focuses on promoting positive attitudes and behaviours, creating liveable communities and improving systems, processes, and employment opportunities. We would love to hear your feedback on the draft plan before April 8 via a short survey. Visit yoursay.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/diap to share your thoughts.
Bondi to Manly Ultra
The Bondi to Manly Ultra is an 80km run from Bondi Beach to Manly Beach on Saturday Nov 5. The run will follow the 80km Bondi to Manly walking track around Sydney Harbour, taking in the Woollahra LGA’s spectacular cliff tops at Watsons Bay, heading along the harbour foreshore through national parks and taking in iconic Australian landmarks and cultural sites along the way. All proceeds from the event will be reinvested into the track - improving it for the benefit of future generations. Tickets are on sale now. Visit bonditomanlyultra.com for more info.
Major makeover for council chambers
Councillors have agreed that the council complex on Bondi Road needs a $5.8 million refurbishment which will commence early next year.
The reason for the work? Waverley Council Chambers has reached its use-by date, with some parts of the building complex dating back to 1913. Most of the current structure was built in the 1960s and 1970s. “Many of the major building elements are old and coming to the end of useful life,” said a report tabled at a full meeting of Waverley Council. So the plan is to do a complete refit – electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, a new sloping roof to replace the leaking flat one, plus revamped, open plan workspaces. The report proposed a timetable where procurement commences in November and work gets underway in January 2023. Members of the public will be able to have their say about the project, with the refurbishment report about to be placed on public exhibition.
On your bike: Junction too cycle-friendly? Waverley Council is grappling with the problem of having made Bondi Junction a bit too cycle-friendly.
Council backs regulations to prohibit Matraville incinerator
Council will lodge a submission supporting the NSW EPA’s draft Energy from Waste regulations which will prohibit the building of an incinerator at the Opal Paper Mill in Matraville. Randwick Council and the local community have been opposing the Matraville incinerator because of the concern about burning waste near residential homes. The regulations will become law once they’re gazetted. Mayor Dylan Parker said the draft regulations were “a ray of hope for residents concerned about living next to a commercial incinerator spewing out emissions. The proposed Matraville incinerator has been a dark cloud hanging over our community for three years.” More information about Council’s stance on the incinerator plan can be found on its eastern suburbs incinerator webpage.
All go with FOGO
Councillors have agreed to maintain the supply of biodegradable bags to households for the FOGO green waste recycling scheme. A report tabled in council said that since its inception in March last year, Council has collected and composted 13,316 tonnes of FOGO material – almost twice the amount of organics collected the previous year. Councillors approved the option of bulk delivery of compostable caddy liners every six months and on request by residents for a further year.
Dog friendly beach
The northern end of Frenchmans Beach in La Perouse may be officially designated dog-friendly.
The mall has become a raceway for cyclists and there have been pedestrian safety problems elsewhere. “With the completion of the cycleway on Spring Street, pedestrians are often straying into the cycleway and into the path of cyclists,” Councillors Angela Burrill and Tony Kay said in a motion calling for improved safety for both pedestrians and bike-riders in the junction. They said the footpath and the cycleway on Spring Street should be clearly distinguishable from each other and that cyclists should be discouraged from using the mall.
Road closures due to Anzac march
Council has approved the closure of Ramsgate Ave and Campbell Pde in North Bondi between 4am and 8am on April 25. The closures will take place as North Bondi RSL Club holds a dawn service, Anzac Day march and wreath-laying ceremony.
Hello everyone! Growing up in the Eastern Suburbs I’ve spent my life appreciating all our coastal setting has to offer right on our doorstep. One of the key local issues I have been working on is the increasing number of inappropriate development plans that are threatening our beautiful seaside suburbs. The east is known for its history, character and the natural beauty the geography provides. The charm and heritage of our suburbs however, is being threatened by inappropriate and unsustainable over development. As such, it has never been more important to voice your concerns regarding development and planning and for us to ensure a genuine balance exists between local interests and broader societal needs. To ensure your voice is being heard, I invite everyone to come to our second online Community Town Hall meeting with Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, MP, to be held via zoom on Wednesday April 6 from 6pm-7pm. This meeting is a great way to shine a light on this important issue and for you to raise any concerns you may have regarding development in our area and what you would like to see changed. To register, please scan the QR code below or head to this link: https://marjorieoneill.com.au/community/communitytown-hall-meetings/ I look forward to seeing you there.
This follows a motion from Councillor Daniel Rosenfeld, who pointed out that Randwick is “one of the few coastal Councils in Sydney without a designated dog friendly beach.” He said that making the beach an off leash area should be subject to a number of conditions including signage saying that dog owners are required to clean up after their pets.
Keep off the synthetic grass!
OFFICE CONTACT DETAILS
A report by the NSW Chief Scientist on the health impacts of synthetic fields is due to be handed down in the middle of this year. A major problem is the way the artificial turf heats up. “While synthetic turf is playable after major rain events it can lose playing hours in summer due to extreme heat,” Deputy Mayor Kym Chapple (Greens) told Council. Particles could also leach into waterways.
You can also visit my website at marjorieoneill.com.au and while you’re there, be sure to sign up to my online community newsletter too!
Randwick Council has deferred the installation of synthetic turf at Coral Sea Park in Maroubra pending a report from the state government.
If you have any issues relating to the NSW Government, or you are not sure where to go to for help, please contact my office on (02) 9398 1822; coogee@parliament.nsw.gov.au or visit us at 15/53-55b Frenchmans Rd, Randwick.
