North Sydney Sun March 2023

March 25 NSW state election

State Liberals under challenge

By Grahame Lynch

With less than two weeks to go before the March 25 NSW state election, local Liberal MPs are fighting a rearguard action to sure up their support base in the face of twin challenges from an ascendant Labor and the independent movement.

With NSW Labor placing well against the Coalition at a state-wide level in polls, there are strong expectations of swings to Willoughby candidate Sarah Griffin and North Shore candidate Godfrey Santer. Also presenting a strong challenge to the Liberal incumbents are high-profile Willoughby independent Larissa Penn and North Shore challengers Helen Conway and Victoria Walker. Adding to the contest is a spritely campaign

from the Greens’ James Mullan.

In North Shore, which covers the Mosman LGA and most of North Sydney LGA south of Falcon St and Military Road, sitting Liberal MP Felicity Wilson is defending a 61-39% margin.

As in 2019, Wilson is facing challengers from both independents and the Greens and Labor.

In that election, independent Carolyn Corrigan placed second with around 9,000 primaries but only scored about 6,000 preferences from the eliminated candidates to end up with 15,000 votes, way short of Wilson’s 21,000.

Teal-backed independent Helen Conway is regarded as the main challenger this time, but her immediate goal is to score more primaries than

Labor and the Greens, and attempt to score enough of their preferences to close the gap on the Liberals. Her task has been assisted by the decision of both the Greens and Labor to give her their second preference, and not without some rancour from party members in the case of the latter, who lament that the independent isn’t returning the favour and isn’t entitled to favouritism.

STRONG LABOR POLLING: Labor polled strongly in a published opinion survey late last year—at 29% of the vote—with an unnamed independent scoring 23%. A new Climate 200 poll, reported in the Daily Telegraph but unseen but the Sun, had Labor sliding back to 17% and the independent, now named as Conway, on

18%. Conway likely needs to lift to at least 6,000 votes or 12% behind Wilson’s primary, at worst, to be assured of enough preferences to overtake her, assuming she pulls ahead of Labor which is not a given. Another independent, Victoria Walker, is also running on a similar set of values and policies, which further complicates the picture for Conway’s trajectory.

Wilson has received a boost with the decision of intending independent candidate and former Mosman mayor Simon Menzies not to run.

Menzies had earlier indicated an intention to run on a pro-Beaches Link tunnel platform, in protest against the government’s decision to

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Cost of living a big issue in Willoughby electorate says MP

Willoughby state MP Tim James says voters are telling him that the cost of living is a big issue in the electorate as he faces a strong challenge from independent candidate Larissa Penn and Labor’s Sarah Griffin.

James told the Sun that “I’ve been out every day at bus stops, doorknocking, in the community and visiting businesses, and the issue raised most frequently is cost of living. Interest rate rises and inflation are placing considerable pressure on family budgets. I know many people are doing it tough at the moment. And everyone is busy so it’s not always apparent what people can do to meet these challenges

– this is no surprise but perhaps how much help is available for local people is a surprise.”

James said the NSW government has introduced 70 ways to save money via ServiceNSW pointing specifically to toll relief and child care help.

“We are about easing pressure and want to help all people in Willoughby. The Liberals and I have a positive, caring plan to invest in the quality infrastructure and services our community needs – new and upgraded schools, public transport such as the Sydney Metro and improved health services. None of this is possible without a credible economic plan to deliver

it,” he said.

Independent challenger Larissa Penn—who was only 3% off beating James at last year’s by-election, is picking up different signals from the electorate.

“The feedback I am receiving is that there has been a lot of “listening” but little to no action since the by-election. The community feels that nothing has changed which shows that their concerns are being heard and acted upon. I love our community and our environment. I love where I live and have spent the last 6 years fighting to protect it by advocating for more financially and environmentally sustainable

alternatives to those being pursued by the current state government at enormous cost. We are told we are being heard but in fact things are worse. The time for listening has passed. We need meaningful action now in the face of high impact toll roads, overdevelopment and degraded services,” Penn told the Sun.

Labor’s Sarah Griffin is also hearing about the cost of living and links it to a mood for change.

“We are detecting a solid mood for change in the electorate. However, I am surprised, in this long held Liberal

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Godfrey Santer

North Shore candidates from left: Felicity Wilson (MP, Lib), Godfrey Santer (Lab), Michael Antares (IMOP), Helen Conway (Ind), James Mullan (Green), Lachlan Comm ins (SAP), Victoria Walker (Ind)

W Willoughby candidates: Tim James (MP, Lib), Larissa Penn (Ind), Sarah Griffin (Lab), Edmund McGrath (Greens), Michael Want (SAP)

Liberal MPs under challenge

From

put its construction on hold.

This will sure up Wilson’s support in Mosman where the tunnel is popular and Menzies is well-known.

TIGHT IN WILLOUGHBY:

In Willoughby, Tim James is defending one of the Liberals’ most vulnerable seats with just a 5347% margin, following a massive swing of 20% against the party last year following the resignation of Gladys Berejiklian.

Independent Larissa Penn nearly ran James down last time but her path is made more complicated by the presence of a Labor candidate this time, who will

dilute the non-Liberal vote. Labor traditionally get a solid 15% vote in the seat, and within living memory, even won it during the Wranslide years of the late 1970s. This makes Penn’s task harder as many of the votes from eliminated candidates will exhaust and deny her preferences.

The Teals are standing out of Penn’s way, but some of the politically-experienced Real Independents’ group, who control North Sydney Council in alliance with Labor and the Sustainable Australia Party, are actively working to support her.

Across both seats it appears that cost of living is the biggest issue but that has not been re-

Willoughby contest

From Page 1

flected in the tenor of the campaigns against the incumbents, which have mostly focused on climate issues and integrity.

seat, how positive the response to our Labor campaign has been. Many people have come up to me and said how glad they are that I am running.”

Griffin added: “I think we are building on the strong performance of Catherine Renshaw in the Federal Election and a comprehensive and thoughtful policy offering that resonates with people.”

The Labor candidate said she had been shocked by the number of people who would have been considered quite comfortable a few years ago, who are struggling with renting. “There is a palpable fear of eviction. Labor’s rental package will outlaw no grounds eviction and establish a rental commission to advocate for renters to help alleviate the immediate fears and our program to increase the supply of affordable housing will assist in the longer term,” she said.

Meanwhile, the candidates also took the opportunity to clear up what they saw as misconceptions about their policy stances.

James said: “There’s been much misinformation about the Warringah Freeway Upgrade. This is an investment that will improve our daily lives for the better. There’s some disruption associated with any major project, but it is temporary and will ensure a net positive return to our community.”

He said that the freeway at Cammeray is the widest and busiest piece of road in Australia and the upgrade will detangle the lanes and reduce the merge points that cause bottlenecks and slow traffic flow. “It will deliver a continuous bus lane, bike lane, pedestrian lane and improved connections. I know there’s been impact at Cammeray Park and I’ve worked hard representing our concerns and achieving real improvements and acceleration to the rehabilitation of the site. The temporary construction site is just that –temporary. 1.8ha will be returned to us as public, open green space, the future of which will be consulted upon widely in our community. Trees are being replanted 2 for 1 and the Cammeray Golf Course is on track to reopen in the coming weeks, he said.

Labor’s Griffin also brought up the tunnels project, stating: “Labor’s position is that the Beaches Link will not go ahead, and we will preserve Flat Rock Gully. Secondly that the Western Harbor Tunnel will go ahead considering that contracts have been signed and work has begun. Where possible, changes will be made to improve the project within the constraints of the contracts.”

Griffin said there was disinformation and conspiracy theories circulated in local social media that Labor was complicit in the signing of the contracts for the Western Harbour Tunnel. “This is ludicrous. Labor chaired an upper house inquiry that recommended no contracts be signed before the election. The reality is, that no candidate can (guarantee changes) as we don’t know what the government committed the people of NSW to,” she said.

Penn told the Sun she would like to clarify she is not a “Teal’ candidate. “The teal candidates are running for election the first time after being identified as clean skins in their community and are being funded by Climate 200,” she said.

“My campaign is old-school, grass roots, on the ground and supported by volunteers - more along that of Ted Mack, the grandfather of the Independent movement. Like me, Ted Mack started his time in politics standing up against local issues. From there he went into local, then state then federal politics - a well known story, although I have no ambitions beyond the electorate of Willoughby.”

Penn also noted that she had effectively represented the community in the four month gap between the departure of former member Gladys Berejiklian and the by-election to replace her. “I have spoken in Parliament, in budget estimates, in the media and at local forums representing the views of my community - I am truly ready to hit the ground running,” she said.

Oaks sold to mystery local buyer

Third.i, Phoenix sign Metro development treaty By Hannah Wilcox

Property development firm Third.i and real estate investment firm Phoenix Property Investors have acquired the last two of Sydney Metro’s Crows Nest over station development sites via private treaty with Sydney Metro and the NSW Government. New reports have placed the mooted value of the development at $1 billion.

The deal was brokered by Third.i’s Head of Acquisitions, Florian Caillon, and Sydney Metro’s commercial team.

The site is trategically located above the upcoming Crows Nest metro station, one of six new stations for Sydney Metro City & Southwest, slated to be operational by 2024 and will extend the metro rail from Chatswood through the Sydney CBD to Bankstown. The first site, Lot A, will feature a unique commercial and retail offering with a focus on health and wellness

in its design. Meanwhile, the second site, Lot B, will comprise a mixed-use space with ground-floor retail and a residential component, “solidifying Crows Nest as a top destination to live, work and play in Sydney’s Lower North Shore” according to Third.i.

Third.i’s co-founder & director of acquisitions, Bob Huxley said: “This will be a legacy development for Third.i, and we can’t wait to start working with all stakeholders to bring the Crows Nest over station development to life and add significant value to the Crows Nest community.”

This acquisition marks the fifth joint venture between Third.i and Phoenix Property Investors including the sale of the Balfour Place residential project in Lindfield and the Blue & William commercial precinct in North Sydney to Keppel REIT via Lendlease.

Neutral Bay’s The Oaks Hotel has been bought by a unnamed Mosman buyer with ties to the film industry seven months after being put up for sale with a $175m dollar price tag. The Thomas family put the muchloved Military Road institution up for sale in August last year after five decades of ownership.

David Thomas purchased the leasehold for the property for $250 000 in 1975 and later the freehold in 1990 for $12 million; and if it sold for last year’s asking price of $175 million it would’ve been the highest price ever paid for a pub in Australia.

General manager Andrew Thomas told the Australian Financial Review the price was well above the $120 million figure being speculated on the industry. “It’s not far away from the advertised price. Both parties are very happy with the deal,” he said.

The mystery around the exact price paid and the identity of the buyer should become available following the deal settlement within days.

JLL Hotel’s John Musca and Ben McDonald have confirmed the hotel has sold but declined to comment due to a strict confidentiality agreement. “[We] can confirm it has sold to a local family and long-time patrons of The Oaks,” the selling agents said.

The first hotel on the site was built in the 1880s, but the 2188-squaremetre property dates back to 1938 when it was built by beer brewing company Tooth & Co. It was bought by the Thomas family in 1975 and underwent extensive renovations in 2019; now includes Taffy’s Sports Bar, Alala’s Cocktail Bar, Bar and Grill Restaurant, the beer garden, a gaming room, function spaces and a bottleshop, and of course, its iconic 80-year -old English oak tree.

proven

New St Leonards Park playground targets older kids

By a staff reporter

A new playground aimed at older children has been officially launched alongside the existing one at St Leonards Park in North Sydney. The new playground was facilitated by $650K of state government funding.

NSW planning minister Anthony Roberts, North Shore state MP Felicity Wilson and North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker launched the playground at a ceremony yesterday afternoon.

Roberts told about 150 parents and children in attendance that: “Our public open spaces are at the heart of our communities and I think COVID reminded us of the importance of parks and open spaces. And that’s why the New South Wales Government launched the $250 million Public Spaces Legacy Program, which was the largest injection into this area in a generation, and that was about improving access to quality open space right across this great state.”

“The program is delivering more than 100 projects and today North Sydney bears the fruit.”

Wilson said: “When we think about our own children and when we think about their friends and their peers, we need these places.”

“I’m raising my kids in an apartment. We need the trees, the grass, the open space, and actually play and enjoy each other’s company. And one of the biggest pieces of feedback that we get in this area is having facilities for older kids. This is the kind of activity that we want to support in our areas by making sure that we’re funding

these types of infrastructure and equipment for all families, all ages, all ability levels and making sure it’s inclusive. The design is amazing.”

Baker said: “I’d like to acknowledge and thank Fiona Robey, the landscape architect, for helping us to create this park and JJ Landscapes, for going beyond our expectations in

delivering the park. This playground is a much, much needed addition to the existing playground for smaller children, but it’s not the park’s first playground for older children. Photo archives show that in the 1930s there are photographs of children of all ages playing on swings and seesaws that would not pass any risk assessment.”

Indicative design by Sydney Harbour High Line Association

In the end it’s just about money

A letter from North Sydney councillor Ian Mutton

North Sydney Council has repeatedly opposed Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW) proposal to build a linear cycle ramp through Bradfield Park and supported the community’s alternative fold back proposal.

TfNSW offered North Sydney Council $1.5 million, in return for Council’s consent for it to apply for Heritage Act approval of the linear ramp – the first step in the approval process.

North Sydney Council’s General Manager wrote on 24 February 2023: The offer of $1.5 million in contributions towards Bradfield Park South is not commensurate with the impact to the local amenity within the only completed section of Bradfield Park North and will not make any significant headway in the broader masterplan for the park. I am therefore unable to accept this contribution on behalf of the council and community.

The General Manager went on to advise the cost estimate for implementing that broader master plan is between $20.5 and $27.5m.

TfNSW increased its offer on 27 February 2023 by $1 million and added a threat to withdraw the offer if not accepted within a d ay.

On 27 February at a meeting of Councillors, a majority of six being: Real Independents’ Zoe Baker and MaryAnn Beregi; Sustainable Australia’s William Bourke and Georgia Lamb; and Labor’s Godfrey Santer and Shannon Welch voted in support of a resolution to accept TfNSW’s offer. The acceptance was conditional upon the payment of the $2.5 million.

The resolution put and passed was premised on a misunderstanding of the facts – the misunderstanding formed part of the resolution and reads:

THAT Council notes that amendments were made to the concept designs exhibited with the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) to address submissions made by Council, the community and advice from the Heritage Council to address concerns regarding heritage impacts on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the entrance to Milsons Point station.

The misunderstanding arises because the design exhibited in the REF did NOT take account of Council’s objections.

Here’s the proof: On 25 November 2022 the REF was published by Transport for NSW and exhibited for public comment.

On 19 December 2022 North Sydney Council made its submission in response to the REF which, in part, reads: The proposed linear overhead ramp coming off the existing cycleway south of the existing Bridge (cycleway) stairs and landing in the centre of Bradfield Park North, with associated on-ground and on- street cycle way works, will cause unacceptable impacts to the open space, heritage, and pedestrian environments of this section of Bradfield Park and Alfred Street South.

On 27 February 2023 Council took its decision.

On 1 March 2023 Minister Stokes in a letter copied to North Sydney Council wrote: I am aware that there was significant community interest expressed during the public exhibition of the Review of Environmental Factors in late 2022, which Transport for NSW is currently reviewing.

Council was wrong when it noted that amendments were made to the concept designs exhibited with the REF to address submissions made by Council. Wrong because, as Minister Stokes says, Transport for NSW is currently reviewing the REF. Council’s objections are not addressed in TfNSW’s REF.

Petition to Parliament - please sign: https://www.change.org/p/save-our-sydney-harbour-bridge-heritage?source_location=search Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/groups/cycleramp

Written and authorised by Ian Mutton

North Sydney Councillor, Chair of the Sydney Harbour Highline Inc, Wendy’s Secret Garden Inc 2 Dind St, Milsons Point

Ar sts’s impression of the linear design

Greens want restoration of Balmoral ferry service

By William Blue Greens candidate for North Shore James Mullan is advocating for an inter North Shore Ferry service and the return of the Balmoral Beach Ferry Service.

Currently, four ferry routes cover the area: with three from Taronga Zoo, Cremorne/Mosman and Neutral Bay/Kirribilli linking directly to Circular Quay, while Milsons Point/ McMahons Point are more interconnected, also serving routes heading west to Darling Harbour and beyond.

Mullan said: “I find it strange that you cannot catch a ferry from Neutral Bay to Mosman, or Kirribilli to Balmoral. You have to transfer at Circular Quay just to travel a few suburbs over.” Mullan’s proposed new service would stop at McMahons Point, Milsons Point, Neutral Bay, Cremorne Point, Mosman Bay, Taronga Zoo, Balmoral Beach and potentially onto Manly. “Imagine instead of having to drive Northsiders could jump on a ferry to get to Balmoral Beach. Everyone knows traffic and parking are a nightmare at our favourite North Shore beach,” he said.

Balmoral Beach has both historically and recently had a ferry service. In recent years there was a service operated by Fantasea which also stopped at Watsons Bay and Manly.

This service was suspended during the height of COVID-19 restrictions and has yet to return with Fantasea signalling they have no intention to return the service in the near future.

Balmoral’s first ferry service started in the 1830s, connecting the suburb to Balgowlah. There were other services connecting Manly and the Spit with Balmoral all the way up to the opening of the Spit Bridge in the 1930s which killed off Middle Harbour ferry transport. A brief attempt to resurrect a Balmoral ferry service in the summer months during the 1990s petered out.

“Preferably a Balmoral service would return to public operation. However, if Fantasea are willing to jump back in we would also welcome that. It was crucial in connecting our region to the east and northern beaches,” he said. Mullan said that it was unfortunate that Sydney Ferries operate a ferry called the Balmoral but do not actually go there.

Mullan said the local ferry services had returned to pre-COVID patronage levels. January usage for the Neutral Bay route exceeded 42,000 customers and Mosman Bay & Cremorne 31,000.

“When I talk to people on the street about more ferry services they are very keen. There is a will to use public transport more, especially ferries. But

services aren’t frequent enough, too expensive and don’t cover enough journeys.” Mullan told the Sun.

The Greens say they have made transport a top focus for the March State Election. They advocate for cycle ways on the Warringah Expressway, state funding for the West St bike lane project, fixing rail screeching noise on the North Shore line and the renationalisation of the bus network.

“The best way to alleviate traffic is to offer people options other than driving. Building more roads or tunnels does not fix traffic, it only encourages more commuters to drive and therefore worsens the problem,” Mullan said.

Mullan said the Greens also want to make public transport free.

“Making public transport free will encourage people to leave the car at home. Ferry fares are a deterrent for many people who want to use the services for their daily commute,” Mullan said.

North Shore MP Felicity Wilson said there had actually been two services to Balmoral in recent years: the Fantasea service referenced by Mullan and also a service operated by the NRMA’s My Fast Ferry. Both had been cancelled as a result of COVID and “like many things affected by the pandemic, they haven’t come back yet.” She said the services were typically only operated in summer and that the government would be happy to look at reviving the services in the future should demand and safety allow.

Conway pledges 5 point plan to fix Waverton rail noise

By Grahame Lynch

Independent candidate for North Shore Helen Conway has promised action on excessive noise on the Waverton and Wollstonecraft train lines should she be elected to office on March 25.

The noise issue has become a major election issue, with the Waverton Wollstonecraft Rail Noise Action Group claiming that hundreds of residents are affected by the screeching of trains as they navigate tight curves on the tracks.

Conway told a residents meeting this month that she will take five steps to stop the noise should she be elected.

“The first is to reinstate the original noise limits imposed as part of the 1997 Sydney Trains Environment Protection Authority licence as a requirement in the current Sydney Trains EPA licence,” she said.

“The second would be to introduce a proven and cost effective Slovenian lubrication system and reduce the noise to below European requirements. The third thing would be to commission a fully engineered train noise reduction design and require Sydney trains to implement that design. Fourthly, it’s really important, I think, to establish an independent noise monitoring body that will be required to monitor the train noise and report that publicly and also report to an independent steering committee. And finally, I’d like to see the

matter of train noise regulation referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment.”

Conway is a local Wollstonecraft resident and has been involved with the Action Group for some time, assisting it with strategy.

She said: “We had a Zoom meeting with the current MP many months ago and we explained very clearly what was needed to fix this problem. Promises were made to us about having a meeting with the EPA and with Sydney Trains. After that meeting, we followed up with a very detailed letter setting out what the outcomes were that we wanted and the precise actions we wanted the government to take. There was no confusion about what we wanted. It was all very clear. Apart from a very simple two line acknowledgment of that letter, nothing has happened. We were never contacted again. We never had another meeting. We were just treated with contempt. We were completely and utterly ignored.”

According to group co-convenor Brian McGlynn, a solution is ready to go. He said the Slovenian lubrication option from ELPA has been successfully deployed in 25 countries overseas. He told the Sun that ELPA has offered it for a free six month trial in Sydney, with lubricators to be deployed on each of the five problematic curves, but Sydney Trains had not taken up the offer.

He also told the Sun that no one in authority had ever “come out to measure the noise.” He said that the group had recorded decibel levels as high as 105dB at Wollstonecraft Station and 85-95dB at a house some twenty metres from the track, the levels of a “rock concert,” he said.

The problem was particularly acute in the “sleeping” hours of 10.30pm1am and 5-6am when trains were still active.

He said that while MP Felicity Wilson had taken an interest she had not achieved a positive outcome.

Wilson told the Sun that a fine imposed by the Environment Protection Authority on Sydney Trains had served to “refocus their efforts.”

“Sydney Trains is now undertaking a whole range of genuine actions to mitigate the noise problem,” she said.

“If it was an easy fix solution it

would have been done decades ago. We’re taking it incredibly seriously.”

“They are now doing things like raising all the sleepers, adjusting the cant (range of elevation) of the track, they’ve got the lubricants in … they’re making a range of fixes but my commitment is that I will explore every potential solution to that noise problem.”

Wilson also said that state treasurer Matt Kean and her had met with a representative of the action group recently to discuss the potential use of the ELPA lubricant.

“We hope to finalise action on that within days. A lot of work is already happening but we need to do everything we can do,” Wilson said.

“It’s a genuinely difficult challenge,” she admitted, pointing to what were some of the most extreme curves in the Sydney rail system.

Artists impression of the Victoria Cross development

Proposed development at 88 Walker St

Newlands (artist impression)

James Mullan

Helen Conway

By Grahame Lynch

North Sydney Council deputy mayor Godfrey Santer has launched his campaign as the Labor candidate for the seat of North Shore, saying he is the only “true progressive choice” and comparing his party favourably with the Greens and independents when it comes to who should replace the Liberals.

Speaking at the Kirribilli Hotel, Santer said that when talking with local voters, “what’s been made clear to us is that voters want change and most think that there will be a Labor government after the 25th of March.”

“But are they in this electorate, a traditional Liberal seat, prepared to vote Labor? Our challenge has been to demonstrate to traditional Liberal supporters disillusioned with the performance of that party that we are a viable alternative to Liberals and we have the right policies, not just to demonstrate that viability, but to show that we could and would improve their lives. What are the concerns? What’s the government’s record? Well, we all know about cost of living, how it's going up and it’s rising rapidly.”

“Wages are stagnant. The price of housing and rents are going through the roof. There are no cause terminations of rental agreements, health and

education workers can’t afford to live here where they work. And health and education are the two primary industries of this area.”

He lamented the lack of planning controls on residential developments has led to non-inclusion of infrastructure, inadequate public space and amenities such as schools and shops, exclusion of affordable housing and overshadowing of current residents properties.

“We’ve got privatisation, buses, ferries, maybe one day even the metro. We’ve all experienced the removal of bus routes, the non arriving buses and ferries and the long wait for the next bus thanks now to the departure of overworked and underpaid bus drivers who get $5 an hour more driving a garbage truck now they’re under these private contracts as bus drivers.”

Santer added: “After 12 years of government they’re tired and they’re panicking with last minute promises like the high line down near Wendy Whiteley Park, North Sydney Sydney Oval. In the last few weeks they’ve made promises they’ve had 12 years to deliver on and failed to do so.”

Commenting on his other rivals, he said of the independents: “Many if not most of their promises, for example on the environment, are taken straight

from our party’s manifesto. Imitation is a sincere form of flattery, but there’s one thing they’ll never be able to or have to implement, and that’s the actual delivery of policy in government.”

Of the Greens, he said: “To all those who would question our environmental credentials, I would point out that we are the only political entity which in government has introduced an effective carbon pricing scheme, which also in its first incarnation was voted

down by a party which claims to have protection of the environment and meaningful action against climate change as its reason for being.”

Santer said that Labor’s plan for the environment and climate change is “the only one which covers off all these issues.”

“And we’re the only party which can ensure they’re implemented in government rather than shouting from afar on the cross bench,” he said.

fair. Only a Labor Government will

system, stop the matter, I am on your side." Visit freshstartplan.com.au to learn more

it comes to the is VOTE [1]

health

North

The Sun Says…

So it’s time for the good citizens of the lower North Shore to vote on who will represent them in state parliament for the next four years.

Felicity Wilson is defending a 11% margin in North Shore.

In 2019, she scored more primary votes than Labor, Greens and the leading independent, Mosman mayor Carolyn Corrigan, put together and won every single booth in the electorate.

But there is an expectation this time in some quarters that the so-called Teal candidate, Helen Conway, will go one step further and pull back Wilson’s margin. It’s a difficult task, especially since the state Liberals have relatively strong credentials on climate and Wilson has been successful in securing funding for schools, parks and local infrastructure.

In Willoughby, newish MP Tim James is defending a narrow 53-47 margin over independent Larissa Penn who nearly upset him in last year’s by-election. But Labor sat out that poll and their presence this time will dilute the non-Liberal vote.

It’s also worth remembering that as recently as 2019, when Gladys Berejiklian was the member, the Liberals scored an impressive 71% of the vote.

As always, betting markets give us an informed view of where sentiment lies.

According to SportsBet, Helen Conway is rated at odds of 2.5: an implied 40% chance of winning. Larissa Penn is doing even better, at 2.4: an implied 42% probability of winning.

As always, exercise your vote wisely!

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Office address: Unit 704 6a Glen St

Milsons Point NSW Australia 2061

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URL: www.northsydneysun.com.au

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Minimum of 22,000 copies circulated to homes and businesses in the North Shore electorate. Printer statement available on demand

Why some North Shore progressives are holding their nose if the Teals win

North Shore independent Helen Conway was certainly not reluctant to respond when she was attacked by NSW Liberal minister Matt Kean for being a “fraud” who’s “teal t-shirts” should be smeared in “oil.”

Referring to Conway’s 12 year career as the company secretary and chief counsel of oil company Caltex between 1999 and 2011, Kean said: “What we know is that Helen Conway was a senior executive with Caltex and a key person steering the direction of big oil in NSW. So she practices one thing but preaches an entirely different thing. Rather than wearing a Tshirt she should perhaps wear a shirt that’s brown or black that better reflects her long association with big oil and fossil fuels,” Kean said.

Conway did not miss a beat in reply: “I‘m proud of my history working in the energy sector. This gives me the deep experience and insight required to help NSW navigate a clean energy transition.”

“Decarbonisation will be the single greatest challenge and opportunity facing our State. What we need is more people with energy experience in the Parliament of NSW - so that our government can make informed decisions about the energy transition, based on a deep understanding of what is a complex sector,” she added.

“My career is an example of the transition that is happening in Australia and the rest of the world, impacting jobs, industries, and regional communities. These comments are juvenile and are unbecoming of a Treasurer.”

INEPT: Kean’s criticisms were politically clumsy. They could easily be rejected as “violent” words against a successful woman, while also blind to the fact that his own colleague, Liberal MP Felicity Wilson, also worked for Caltex in media and government relations positions. She was in Conway’s own corporate division no less!

But this does not negate the reality that active political progressives and independents in North Shore have genuine doubts about whether someone like Conway, with her seriously impressive curriculum vitae, is just a little too much of the system to be an effective challenger to it.

Caltex was a serial polluter during the time she was there. The NSW Nature Conservation Council observed in 2014 that Caltex breached its pollution licence some 140 times in the proceeding 14 years.

“Each year, the Caltex Kurnell Refinery releases more than 6 million kilograms of pollution into the air and water,” the Council said that year.

The Council CEO at the time, Pepe Clarke, said Caltex was “a repeat offender, which appears to treat pollution penalties as a cost of doing business. Blaming the weather for an oil spill is a weak excuse… pollution con-

trol systems at the refinery should be built to cope with heavy rain events.”

NRMA: Conway, an accomplished legal practitioner, was no stranger to controversy. She was the company secretary and counsel at the National Roads and Motorists’ Association back in 1994 when it undertook an aborted attempt to demutualise or effectively convert members into shareholders—a de facto privatisation.

A vote on the move was challenged by dissenting directors, led by champion swimmer Dawn Fraser and broadcaster Jane Singleton. Their legal challenge to the vote went to the Federal Court, which ruled that the prospectus for the demutualisation was “misleading and deceptive.”

As its chief legal operative and corporate secretary, Conway was at the heart of the demutualisation campaign and, indeed, fronted the media on behalf of the association throughout the court challenge.

The NRMA was riven by conflicts between advocates of demutualisation, who Conway worked with, and status quo opponents who wanted to keep the traditional membership model. Suspicions and doubts about each others’ motivations were rife. FIASCO: These issues found their way into Federal Parliament. At an October 1995 sitting, then Labor MP Robert Brown said: “The people who currently run the NRMA in New South Wales were responsible for the issue of a prospectus to its two million members which the Federal Court found was misleading and deceptive. That corporate fiasco cost the members of the NRMA about $30 million.”

He continued: “The controllers of the NRMA are up to their shonky and dishonest tricks again,” alleging that an article in the NRMA’s Open Road magazine contained incorrect information which if followed would have caused opponents of demutualisation to vote informally. “Helen Conway, the NRMA secretary, authorised that grubby and dishonest report in Open Road,” he asserted in parliament.

Notably one of the biggest critics of the proposed demutualisation at the time was none other than former North Shore MP Ted Mack, who described the NRMA campaign as “bizarre.”

KEAN PICK: Even Conway’s current defence against Kean’s attack contained a detail which raised eyebrows among progressive rivals and activists in North Shore.

In her statement, she said: “Until recently, I was also a non-executive director of Endeavour Energy, a power distribution (poles and wires) operator, who are actively involved in re-

newable energy initiatives in NSW. If Matt Kean thought I was a fraud, why did he reappoint me to the board of Endeavour Energy in 2022?”

Their query in response being as follows: if Conway is so implacably critical of the state government’s integrity and climate credentials, why was she accepting government appointments as recently as last year?

One of the progressive grievances with Conway is that while she asks for, and is getting, the number two preference from Labor and Greens, she is not offering preferences in return. In her statement, she said: “Of the two candidates that can win in North Shore - I am the only candidate with a strong position on climate and protecting our environment.”

But as one rival observed to the Sun, Conway is mainly in that position because she is not swapping preferences, hindering the chances of Labor and the Greens. If Conway polls ahead of both of the Labor or Greens, she gets their preferences. But if she falls short, then in the absence of a how-tovote, her own voters’ preferences could exhaust or spray around, denying Labor the chance to challenge Wilson on 2PP.

Conway was only 1.3% ahead of Labor with less than 18% of the vote in a 600-participant Climate 200 survey released this month. But Labor’s Sussex St office has decided not to swap preferences with the Greens— which would maximise its own chances—but instead preference Conway.

Local branch members clearly feel differently about her, judging by some of their Facebook posts. One, Labor branch member Hugh Bartley, wrote “I’m sorry but this doesn’t pass the pub test” in reference to Conway’s quoted comments that she wasn’t “actually running the (Caltex) refinery,” as she was a lawyer.

Another, Labor member Annika Rees, said: “Helen Conway worked for Caltex until the early 2010s. The harms of fossil fuels were well known by then. Her sudden political ambition hardly constitutes a transition that reflects Australia’s trajectory. She has not explained how her insight will help us transition faster.”

For her part, Conway sees Kean’s jibes as a justification for why she needs to be elected. She said: “It is exactly this behaviour that people are sick and tired of.”

She continued: “The Liberal Party still hasn’t learnt that dirty tactics by politicians are what is driving the momentum for change in our state. It is why communities are embracing independents who are focused on collaboration and constructive participation.”

Independent candidate for North Shore Helen Conway says her background in the energy industry equips her to help transition the economy to renewables. But critics from the progressive wings of major parties question whether she took the payday of Big Oil for a little too long. Report by Grahame Lynch

Diary of a political candidate

North Shore independent candidate Victoria Walker shares with us her musings on how she came to enter the state election race. We publish this not as advocacy for her candidacy but for the insights it provides into the modern political process.

On 18 November last year, uncertain but resolved, I registered to stand as an independent for the lower house on 25 March. Though fairly definite about my platform and what I wanted to achieve, I had really no clear idea of how to go about getting there.

The first puzzle was how to launch a campaign. When I noticed Elizabeth Farrelly advertising her launch for a Legislative Council seat as an independent, I headed to the Rocks to check it out.

A lot of people were strolling nonchalantly around the park opposite the Abraham Mott Hall. A pair of men in sharp dark suits sat on one park bench, keeping half-closed eyes on the door. When someone called time, the doors opened and the bunny was away. Crowds appeared from every quarter, we were signed in and soon seated facing the stage.

A host of speakers demanded all sort of actions, then Quentin Dempster conducted a faux 7.30 Report interview with Ms Farrelly, probing her on her reasons for standing. Soon after the party started, with the audience invited to help themselves to the food and drink loaded on tables around the walls, and a jolly time was had by all.

What a great idea I thought, and I set off to find halls for hire in my electorate. No easy task, my local Councils appeared to be totally opposed to hosting political meetings on their premises or displaying posters advertising them on their noticeboards.

I discreetly enquired about the cost of hiring a small upstairs room in a local community centre and learnt I was required to insure a two hour event for $20 million public liability, incroyable!

This must explain, I reasoned, why campaigns taking off in local electorates all seemed to be launched outdoors, even those by local bands of teals, with plenty of brass. Last May, our federal electorate sent a teal off to Canberra, thanks, we are assured, to the efforts of two teal PR persons, who discovered, launched and trained her rigorously for the job.

Her two handlers, flushed with success, were armed with their list of local, enthusiastic teal supporters and considerable teal funds left over from the federal campaign. They decided to give it another burl and put out calls for women interested to stand in any of the three State electorates within the Federal seat they had bagged. They advertised launches in two electorates and curious, I went to both.

The first was held in a grassy park on a sunny afternoon, with a table piled high with T-shirts and corflutes and a register to take down the details of interested parties. Everyone, even passerbys walking their dogs, was handed a teal t-shirt with Vote 1, the candidate’s name, motto and QR code emblazoned on it, and invited to try it on. If it fitted, they were to keep it, if not, try another!

They milled around in their new garb, reading each other’s mottos. Doubtless, the candidate was a clear choice for something, no one knew quite what, and no one at the tables was saying. After a time the numbers were sufficient to record, they were herded up a nearby hill, placed in formation, a few tall corflutes were handed out. The PR directors instructed everyone to take a selfie and send it to all their Facebook friends. They were readied for a group photo: the cameraman took up his position at the bottom of the hill, the PR ladies instructed everyone to cheer, to shout the candidate’s name, wave their hands, raise their arms and corflutes.

And that was it, they had done all that was necessary and could go. Campaign HQ had their contact details & would let them know when they were next required. No mention of any purpose or a policy, they had their Tshirts, they would make NSW great again! I recalled Uncle Mungo’s quote from the author of Treasure Island: Politics is perhaps the only profession for which no preparation is thought necessary.

The second teal launch I observed was held in a nearby electorate on a windy day, a week before Christmas. Once more, people drifted in, were kitted up in the second candidate’s Tshirt, same colour but a different motto, this one signalled the candidate was a virtuous woman rather than a good choice.

The PR people lined up a small windswept group for the obligatory photo, with eyes on Twitter or another site of influence. No mention of any policy or commitment from them or the candidate, the photo was what counted, bunched up on a couple of steps, smiling, waving, positive, proud to identify with anything. It all seemed very American, an Antipodean Trump rally. I pondered if this was how the brownshirts of the 1930s were mustered, then the black, the yellow, the red shirts.

For my campaign, I decided, I’m wont be tickling up a crowd, dressing them in uniform and packing them off

back home. My launch needs something seeking attention and getting it! A procession down the main street of the electorate, with trumpets, big animals and plenty of big ideas!

I headed back to the drawing board and called on the best advice I could think of. It was late when I heard back from Uncle Mungo: I note with interest your plans for your election campaign and of course wish you all the best; but with all the goodwill in the world, I feel they may be just a touch extravagant. I have no desire to be a wet blanket, but perhaps you should

reconsider your idea for a gala opening in which you ride down the main street on a highly decorated circus elephant while the local high school band attempts the grand march from Aida. You are correct in assuming that such an event would attract attention – from the police, among others, but it really seems a little flamboyant for the first-timer.

Chastened, I reverted to pen and paper, remembering the secret ballot and that who you vote for is your own and no one else’s business; and hoping for the best.

Where to find a copy of the Sun

Neutral Bay Community Centre

190-192 Military Road, Neutral Bay

Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre 16-18 Fitzroy St

Nimba Bakery 4 Ennis Rd, Milsons Point

James Milson Village 4 Clark Rd, North Sydney

Kirribilli Hotel 35-37 Broughton St, Milsons Point

The Flying Bear 76 McDougall St, Kirribilli

Altitude Cafe Shop 3/48 Alfred St S, Milsons Point

Rustic Charm Cafe 2/102 Alfred St S, Milsons Point

Latitude Cafe 55 Lavender St, Milsons Point

Kirribilli Club 11 Harbourview Cres, Lavender Bay

Blues Point Hotel 116 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point

Waverton Community Bookshelf 94A Bay Rd, Waverton

1st Sipzz Cafe 157 Walker St, North Sydney

North Sydney Council Chambers 200 Miller St

Stanton Library 234 Miller St, North Sydney

North Sydney Community Centre 220 Miller St

Crows Nest Community Centre 2 Ernest Pl, Crows Nest

North Sydney Indoor Sport Centre 36 Hume St, Crows Nest

Bean Drinking Shop 1/13 Ernest Pl, Crows Nest

Fresh Crows Nest Cafe 13 Ernest St, Crows Nest

Woolworths Crows Nest 10 Falcon St, Crows Nest

Galleria Cafe 66 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards

Norths Cammeray 12 Abbott St, Cammeray

Orpheum Theatre 380 Military Rd, Cremorne

Cremorne Paradise SP Cafe 7/332 Military Rd

Bridgepoint Shopping Centre 1/3 Brady St. Mosman

Mosman Library 605 Military Rd

Mosman Council Chambers 573 Military Rd

Felicity Wilson

Victoria Walker. Photo by Sam Rutherford

What’s in the Berrys Bay masterplan COMMUNITY

By Hannah Wilcox

The final master plan for the controversial Berrys Bay foreshore site has been released, which will see old dormant industrial land split into three community-centred precincts.

Comprising the former BP site, Woodley’s Boatyard and the quarantine boat depot, the Waverton waterfront will be transformed into foreshore parklands and public spaces.

Plans for the new foreshore parkland at Berrys Bay have been “shaped by the community” and provide a “vision to transform the former industrial land of [the site] into usable public open space”, according to the master plan overview.

Transport for NSW prepared the project with aims to “complete the missing link in foreshore access on the Peninsula” as well as “reconnect the community and visitors to the Bay’s histories, foreshore lands and waters”.

“The NSW Government is committed to improving public open space and plans to deliver a new foreshore park at Berrys Bay, much earlier than planned, for the benefit of the local community”, the overview reads.

Locals will have access to a new open-space area which includes sprawling native foliage, walking tracks and slipways with spectacular Sydney Harbour views.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the final master plan transforms the former industrial land of Berrys Bay into a stunning foreshore open space that everyone can enjoy.

“The master plan unearths one of Sydney Harbour’s hidden gems and reconnects the community with local bushland, water and history,” Ward said. “This will complete the missing link to foreshore access along this stretch of the harbour with new connected pathways around the bay under a revitalised larger green canopy.”

The key design changes will see the evolution of a working waterfront into foreshore parklands that families, visitors, boaters and kayakers can enjoy, Ward, the Minister for Metropolitan Roads, said.

“The Berrys Bay plans include upgrading the jetty at Woodley’s Shed and new slipways that improve access to the bay for boaters and kayakers.”

“Parents will soon be able to take their children to play at the local beach, explore native bushland, or picnic in the stunning recreation areas, without impacting the family budget”, Ward said.

The bay has seen controversy over the past few years, starting in March 2019 when a development proposal was lodged by the Noakes boatyard to construct a Floating Dry Dock. The

$5.75 million proposition was to service commercial vessels up to 1000 tons in weight.

It was presented before the Land and Environment Court but was refused in September 2020.

More recently, there has been lengthy discussion about the bay’s role in the construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel.

In 2020, the NSW Government released plans detailing the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade, with Berrys Bay set to be turned into a temporary construction site.

The four-and-a-half year project would see excavation of the tunnels both towards the harbour and back towards the Warringah Freeway.

In December last year, plans to lay massive tubes on the harbour floor for the new crossing were ditched in favour of digging a deeper tunnel after Transport NSW allocated the second and final stage of the project to Acciona Construction Australia.

The company is set to use Tunnel Boring Machines to drill in and under the rock face to construct a section of the tunnels under Sydney Harbour, meaning Berrys Bay will no longer need to be converted into a temporary construction site - allowing development of the new foreshore park to begin a lot sooner.

The new plan has led to Mayor Zoe Baker seeking reassessment.

“A full and comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement is urgently required .. The Government has awarded a $4.24 billion contract to ACCIONA to bore the tunnel under the seabed, following concerns that the planned Immersed Tube Tunnel would stir up toxic sediment and kill marine life”, Baker said.

“While it is gratifying that reason has finally prevailed, and Berrys Bay appears to have a reprieve, we know from experience that the devil is in the details and once again none has been provided.”

A NEW DESIGN: Nevertheless, North Shore MP Felicity Wilson said the next step in the development of the Berrys Bay master plan is a detailed design, where there will be further opportunities for input from the local community.

“Berrys Bay is going to be the next great public parkland on Sydney’s harbour foreshore, and I am excited that we have been able to secure this huge win for our local area,” Wilson said.

“I want to thank the community for their comprehensive insights and feedback, which has helped us to create a plan that will revitalise and return this foreshore to our community, while recognising our local First Na-

tions history and the heritage of the working harbour.”

“I am thrilled that this vision will be realised even sooner than previously promised– for all of our local community to enjoy and experience.”

On February 13 a motion was passed by North Sydney Council calling for the NSW government to transfer ownership of the site before the state election; in addition to seeking a commitment from the leader of the opposition that if elected, the transfer would still go ahead.

“For at least three decades, council and the community we represent, has been calling on the State Government to transfer ownership, care and control of the foreshore lands at Berrys Bay, Waverton to Council in order to ensure public access to the public foreshore in perpetuity”, Baker said.

“The time for action and to deliver ownership of the land to the community is now.” She was concerned the government had yet to “provide certainty to the community that the project will be delivered nor that the land will be transferred to Council after the

election.”

But MP Wilson said the Balls Head Road site is a “huge win for our local community” and she has “engaged closely with the local Council and community to deliver this outcome for them.”

“The site has been dormant for many years and will now be returned to the community to provide more than two square kilometres of extra open space for public recreation.”

“The NSW Government has stipulated that the Council must reserve the property grounds for community open space for at least 15 years as part of the conditions of the transaction”, she added.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government has worked closely with North Sydney Council and the Berrys Bay Community and Stakeholder Working Group since early 2021 in the development of the final master” plan.

Construction on the 1.9 hectares of land making up the Berrys Bay site is expected to start later this year with the foreshore parkland set to open in 2024.

Ar sts impression of the new space

The shift to thrift in North Sydney

By Hannah Wilcox

With sustainability listed as one of its eight core values, North Sydney has a range of initiatives in place to promote green living.

North Sydney Council currently has a range of volunteer programs running within the area including Bushcare, Adopt-a-Plot, Wildlife Watch, Native Havens, Streets Alive, community gardens and Harbourcare. In saying that, practicing sustainable habits or introducing lifestyle changes can be difficult to maintain in the midst of the current cost-of-living crisis. Below, the Sun has compiled a list of services and organisations available in the North Sydney area that can help you reduce, reuse and recycle.

Recycle

Firstly, the Northern Sydney Community Recycling Centre (NSCRC) is a North Sydney Council operated collection point for household waste and other unusable goods.

Opened in 2017, NSCRC aims to keep potentially hazardous waste out of landfill, help improve recycling rates and contribute to saving water, energy, and other valuable natural resources.

Currently, the centre collects the following free of charge: Paint, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, motor and other oils, fluorescent, halogen and LED globes and tubes, electronic waste, household batteries, lead acid batteries, smoke detectors, mobile phones, X-ray films and printer cartridges. Household quantities and maximum limits of each product can be found on their website.

It is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 8am – 2pm and Saturday and Sunday, 8am – 4pm at 8 Waltham Road Artarmon.

Similarly, the Bower Reuse & Repair Centre offers free collection for residents looking to get rid of unwanted household items in the North Sydney Council area.

They accept household furniture, bikes, some electronic appliances and building materials, bric-a-brac, kitchenware and books and can also advise other charities and organisations who will accept other goods such as large and bulky items, mattresses, bulky whitegoods, clothing and textiles.

Items are then either resold back to the community at a low cost, with funds going back into the centre, or donated to people in need via Bower’s House to Home program.

The centre itself is located out-ofarea in the Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville.

Reuse

Why buy when you can borrow? The Sydney Library of Things (TSLoT) is a not-for-profit service that provides the local community with access to a collection of common items available for short-term loan from the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton.

Open every Saturday from 9am12pm, TSLoT aims to reduce waste and build a more connected and sustainable community by making common items more accessible to borrowsaving money, saving resources and saving space in homes.

“We’re like a normal library but with things instead of books”, their website reads, “we hope that by encouraging people to borrow instead of buying or throwing away their unwanted items, together we can create a better connected, more sustainable and stronger community”.

The library currently has over 250 items that can be borrowed for a period of two weeks, TSLoT Co-Founder and President Dr Carol Skyring told the Sun.

“These range from kitchen items such as a bread maker and a food dehydrator, to household tools such as high pressure water washers and power tools, through to camping gear, party items and a sewing machine.”

“Borrowing seldom used items

saves households money and contributes to the circular economy by reducing the demand for newly manufactured items”, she said, as “accepting donated items from householders reduces waste by ensuring that items that are no longer needed don’t end up in landfill.”

As it is membership based, anyone over 18 interested in joining only pays for their membership not for borrowing individual items.

Members can borrow up to 5 items, for a loan period of 2 weeks and items can be renewed for a further two weeks if they haven't been reserved by others.

The prices start from $30 for a quarterly membership, $50 sixmonthly and $85 for the year with discounted concession rates available also.

All membership fees go to maintaining the library, tools, insurance and building the collection.

The idea for the library was born after local resident and Lane Cove Councillor Bridget Kennedy noticed everyone in her street owned various household items, many of which were only used a few times a year.

“She researched and visited several tool libraries and wanted to expand this notion into a library that lent many and varied objects. Bridget reached out to the local community to see if there was interest and put a proposal together to North Sydney Council which was very supportive”, Dr Skyring said.

Kennedy then co-opted Carol Skyring & Jacky Barker to work with her to establish TSLoT at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability.

After calling for donations of items, and volunteers to take on the various roles needed to run the Library, it opened on 27 November 2022.”

Dr Skyring said along with becoming a member of TSLoT, and borrowing instead of buying, the library is just one of many evolving sustainable initiatives.

“A broad definition of sustainability is using the Earth’s resources to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs”, she said.

For those who love to shop, there are plenty of second-hand clothing options available to save both the planet and money. In Neutral Bay, the Precious Finds Preloved Fashion offers a collection of good-quality preloved and new clothing. VENLA Resell + Relove in Mosman provides a sustainable way to shop for secondhand designer clothes and accessories, whilst Studio61 in North Sydney is a preloved designer boutique which sources and sells unique fashion pieces.

Reduce

‘Toss it? No way!’ is the motto of the Sydney North Repair Cafe which opened in 2016. Located on Longueville Road in Lane Cove, the cafe is a group of local volunteers passionate about breaking the cycle of buy, use, toss it out.

Open 2-4pm every first and second Sunday of the month items such as jewellery, ceramics, shoes, toys, clothes, zips, bags, umbrellas, small woodwork repairs, and household battery-operated and electrical items can be brought in and repaired.

Similarly, an initiative to reduce waste was launched by North Sydney Council’s Better Business Partnership (BBP) mid-last year following the news that 2.7 million disposable cups are being discarded across Australia every day.

Partnered with Green Caffeen, customers who use the app to purchase a takeaway coffee are eligible to receive a free coffee.

It was launched at the Foliage Cafe in North Sydney, with the offer available at other cafes in the area such as the Best Bagel Co in Cremorne and The Coal Loader Cafe in Waverton.

Independent candidate clarifies her timing

Thanks for the coverage of my campaign in your February issue.

Here is some info from the Electoral Commission website that should settle rumours whirling about, that I registered to take on Ms Conway, or cruel her chances, not so.

Dates North Shore candidates registered to stand for March 25 election:

* Felicity Wilson on 4 October 2022

* Victoria Walker on 18 November

2022

* Godfrey Santer on 25 November

2022

* Helen Conway on 13 December 2022

* James Mullan on 10 January 2023

Victoria Walker, McMahons Pt

The Milsons Pt bike ramp saga continues

People are amazed at the lineal ramp proposal when shown.

I can assure you Cr Mutton and virtually all of the local residents are NOT anti-cyclists. Cyclists have been using the bridge in ever-decreasing numbers for many years and are no problem to locals and other traffic. .

The statement that TfNSW has diligently consulted with all interested members of the community first is absolute rubbish. I don’t know of anyone in the community that has been consulted by TfNSW.

Geoff Pritchard Milsons Point

Firstly I wonder how many cyclists have actually written to complain about the stairs up to the bridge. If fitness is their aim, then pushing a bike up a ramp should simply offer a challenge rather then impediment. I think if you asked them, they would prefer to keep the status quo than introduce assorted other users, who will slow their current, rocket trajectories. I would love to see a poll of actual current cyclists regarding these changes.

I see the cycle-way will be encouraging disability vehicles, learnerriders, children on bikes, etc. As a witness to the generally impatient behaviour of the current cyclists (who appear to me to have decreased no-

ticeably) and who has had the ‘bird’ flipped at me regularly as a motorist, agree with Alex Van Gent that it will create a dangerous situation for all involved. I certainly would not allow my child to cycle among the intimidating, manic speedsters that fly through Milsons Point, particularly in peak hour.

Why not install an elevator, such as we mere mortals have been given on the pedestrian side of the bridge; or is cyclist time more important than ours?

Or why not just let them roll the bikes up/ down the centre concrete ramp as they do all over Europe, since it appears we are trying to emulate those cycle-loving countries.

As a footnote, I have been complaining for years about no longer being able to walk along the western side of the bridge. It would create a better, circular, tourist route and is a much better option in the mornings when the eastern side is unbearably hot, with no protection. Perhaps the western side can be opened during offpeak hours with a lane for the cyclists, as they do in Europe cities on almost every footpath. We already share paths with cyclists – so why not share one, or even both, sides of the bridge?

Mara Scotton Milsons Point

Praise for High Line

Congratulations and kudos to Cr Ian Mutton, Sydney Harbour High Line Association and North Sydney Council for their success in enabling Premier Dom Perrottet and Member for North Shore Ms Felicity Wilson MP, to announce plans to bring the splendid Lavender Bay High Line project to fruition.

As with its iconic inspiration in Paris, the 4.5km La Promenade Plantée high line, our Lavender Bay High Line will be another perfect option for cyclists and pedestrians to share their enjoyment of Sydney.

Fergus Maclagan, Milsons Point

Praise for Helen Conway

We could not wish for a more experienced, competent, hardworking representative of our community than Helen Conway for North Shore. She is the only one that has the skills and knowledge to actually make the transition to renewables.

Kate Evers via Facebook

Bus troubles

Privatise and destroy a service then run around looking for bandaids that cost taxpayers more. Maybe keep public services in public hands. Run those services properly. It what a government is meant to do.

Nicole Antonini, via Facebook

WORDSTEP

Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step.

SPOTS

QUICK CROSSWORD

CHEWY

There may be more than one possible answer.

WORD FIND No. 025

Very

9-LETTER WORD

025

ACT ADELAIDE BASS BRADMAN CANBERRA CAPE YORK COASTAL DARWIN DESERT INDIAN OCEAN MATILDAS NSW PERTH QUEENSLAND SYDNEY TASMAN VICTORIA YARRA

ACROSS 1 Lead 5 US state 6 On a single occasion 7 Impoverished DOWN 1 Henhouse 2 “This isn’t good” (2,2) 3 Peurto — 4 Person who gets stuff done HA PP EN ED SP RI NG Y A E M R N A PH I LA BO RI OU SL Y N N O E G T OF F PE DE ST RI AN T U O Y O A L A IS LA M CR UM BL ED S E U T M V EM ER GI NG IN TR O D A R R W N S C OR GA NI SI NG US A L N P T N T EL IZ AB ET HA N AL G E T E A M N OB RI EN DR AG GI NG

4 Which 1969 novel has the subtitle The Children’s Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death?

5 Dean Moriarty and Carlo Marx are characters from which classic 1957 novel?

L T A A D

New Middle Eastern, Seafood, Mediterranean and Asian Fusion

“My dad’s always been in the industry with food, so now he said it’s time to open my own and see where it goes. Me and my dad are here everyday. Wetobviously have employees here that help us, and my mum comes in whenever we need some extra help”, Pardi said.

Jijos Grill is known for its Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine inspired meals, with Pardi recommending the shawarmas as the “top thing on the menu.”

“[We have] the lamb and the chicken [shawarmas]. For me, it’s the chicken because I’m obsessed with chicken but everyone’s been loving it”, she said.

“Everything is really nice … for example, the burgers are so juicy and flavourful”, she added.

Jijos Grill, Crows Nest

Pardi Bojkian and her father George always had a dream to own their own restaurant, and three months ago their dream became a reality when Jijos Grill opened its doors.

Originally from Syria, the family left the country because of the threat

of war and came to Australian shores around eight years ago.

George has worked in restaurants but it has never been his main job, rather working in a store making jewellery. But he has always had a passion to share his Armenian culture through food and so the family called the restaurant ‘Jijos’ – his nickname.

A recommendation for any plantbased locals out there is the mujaddara or itch.

“Itch is an Armenian dish, there’s no other restaurants that have it. It’s like bulgur pilaf which is like wheat, some tomato paste, onions” she said, whilst “Mujaddara is a rice and lentil dish with fried onion that you have served with salad and some pickles.”

Another much-loved item on the menu is the cheese fingers - pastry filled with cheese and parsley - which Pardi says “hits different”.

Coined an eatery offering “good vibes and great food”, Jijos Grill’s fivestar reviews seem to speak for themselves.

Petermen Seafood, St Leonards

A seafood new restaurant has made its mark on St Leonards, bringing a sophisticated take to some much-loved platters.

Chefs Josh and Julie Niland, owners of the Saint Peter ensemble, opened the doors to Petermen on February 23.

The 60-seat restaurant and bar at 66 Chandos Street is the couple’s sixth venue but their first in Sydney’s north. Petermen caters for a middle of the line dining experience, sitting between the duo’s sleek “fin-to-scale” eatery Saint Peter in Paddington and the more laid back takeaway of Rose Bay’s Charcoal Fish.

“It allows us to showcase a broader spectrum of Australian seafood that goes beyond the very focused offering of Saint Peter and the primarily casual offering of Charcoal Fish,” Josh Niland told the Daily Telegraph.

“Also, this space is far bigger than Saint Peter which allows us the freedom to cook larger cuts of fish that are more conducive to sharing.”

Niland said St Leonards was the obvious location for Petermen.

“Living locally on the lower north

shore, Julie and I know how deprived the area is of restaurant options,” he said.

“We also love the space positioned on the corner of Chandos and Darvall Streets with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows and open kitchen.”

In a social media post, the Nilands said the idea behind Petermen was to “champion the growers and producers that seek to elevate the standard and change the culture of how we consume food”.

"Petermen's menu will highlight the very best of Australian seafood and vegetables,” a post by the couple to social media read.

It is Niland’s first venue to offer a la carte dining, with a range of raw, preserved or charcoal-grilled dishes to choose from.

All dishes are created to share, with the dinner menu including a succulent

Mooloolaba yellowfin tuna chateaubriand, Coffs Harbour line caught hapuka green curry or a Manjimup Marron with curry butter and fried bread.

For any drink connoisseurs out there, 2021 Bartender of the Year Evean Stroeve will be working his magic on the taps. He can craft up delicious refreshments such as a whisky highball with mango, vanilla, blood lime, milk and soda or a house Negroni with yuzu, coconut and koji.

As well as evening sit-ins, Petermen is open for Sunday brunch offering a lavish spread of breakfast favourites including the fan-favourite St Helens long spine sea urchin crumpet.

“I think there’s at least one customer every week at Saint Peter that mentions the crumpet!” Josh (pictured) said.

“Sydney loves brunch and we are excited to reintroduce Sydney to our very favourite dishes that helped Saint Peter in its early days.”

The venue was designed by Julie Niland and boasts a stylish, minimalistic interior with a marble bar, timber tables and chairs, crockery by Bendigo Pottery and original artwork by Aus-

tralian artist Ken Done.

The restaurant’s name, Petermen, is a nod to 1400s colloquial term for fisherman in the tradition of their patron Saint Peter.

St Siandra, Mosman

Due to open in March is the North Shore’s own little slice of the Mediterranean.

St Siandra is a multi-level beachfront restaurant complete with access to a private beachfront at The Spit, named after a Middle Harbour-based yacht which won the Sydney to Hobart yacht race double in the 1950s and 60s.

Fittingly, the Lower Parriwi Road venue will have access to two private moorings for diners arriving by private boat or water taxi.

Sam McCallum, former head chef of contemporary Surry Hills’ restaurant Nomad, will be serving up dishes celebrating local seafood with a Mediterranean flair.

There will be luxurious platters of

food such as Moreton Bay Bugs, woodfired flatbread with smoked garlic chickpea hummus or skewered Skull Island tiger prawns available for diners.

The restaurant will be open for lunch on Wednesday to Sundays and evenings for Thursday to Saturday sittings as well as serving breakfast on weekends.

Drinks wise, the venue will have spritz on tap, glasses of European vino and signature cocktails named after famous local yachts available.

A hole-in-the-wall cabinet will serve coffee and takeaway food every day of the week. St Siandra was set to open on March 9.

Mani, Milsons Point

Mani Restaurant is a new project from the owners of Sidando Café in Milsons Point which reinvents authentic Chinese and Asian cuisine to create something billed as an unique and exquisite, Asian fusion dining experience.

Named after the Sanskrit word for

WHAT’S ON

Friday March 17th, 8pm

Celtic Beat - Legends of Ireland

Venue: Norths Cammeray

A nostalgic journey back to the homeland of Ireland, showcasing traditional Irish instruments such as fiddle and bodhran. ‘

Sunday March 19th, 11am

Concert and Cake Sundays: A Sandy Sydney Carnival of the Animals

Venue: The Independent Theatre, North Sydney

An unforgettable concert showing off the exceptional talent of Australia’s hottest rising stars and one international marimba sensation as they take us on a whimsical journey culminating with The Carnival of the Animals.

March 19th - March 29th

Philip Quast: The Road I Took

Venue: Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli

What a chance to see musical theatre royalty Philip Quast in the intimacy of the Ensemble Theatre. Audiences will be treated to stories, thoughts and events that helped shape the country boy turned international performer’s life.

Thursday 6th April, 7pm

Kirribilli Club Comedy Night

Venue: Kirribilli Club

Watch stand-up comedians perform against the backdrop of our iconic Sydney Harbour. The lineup includes MC Peter Meisel (USA), Ruven Govender (sold out Edinburgh fringe), Jack Wright (Sydney comedy festival), Sian Symth (Brisbane comedy festival) and Sam Kissajukian (Sydney fringe best comedy award).

Saturday 8th April, 1pm

Basement Jaxx

Venue: Greenwood Hotel

The BRIT award-winning electronic duo Basement Jaxx return to Australia in 2023, bringing their dance floor classics to the Greenwood Courtyard.

Saturday 15th April, 7pm

South Asian Music Fest

Venue: Big Top, Milsons Point

A South Asian musical journey is coming to the Big Top in Luna Park, featuring Raju Lama from Mongolian Heart and Neeraj Shridhar from Bombay Vikings.

NORTH SYDNEY RESIDENTS have been alerted that the Medibank x parkrun Road Trip will be making a stop at St Leonards Park on Saturday, 18th March at 8am. The event is part of a six-month national community tour that aims to encourage Australians to get active and connect with their local communities through physical activity, including volunteering.

The Medibank Live Better Lounge, which features umbrellas, seating, massages, giveaways, and refreshments for parkrun participants, will be set up at the St Leonards Park location. Whether you identify as a runner or not, parkrun is for everyone. The event has become increasingly popular among walkers, with approximately 13% of Aussies who take part in parkrun doing so as walkers..

“flawless jewel”, Mani Restaurant is devoted to providing distinguished customer service paired with unique dishes made from the most fresh and premium ingredients.

Mani’s head chef Yuri began his culinary career at Pudong Shangri-la in Shanghai China, honing cooking techniques from around the world whilst mastering the use of traditional Chinese ingredients. That experience and passion for creative food making, using widely sourced premium ingredients, ensures every dish transcends the traditional, and delivers an exceptional culinary journey.

The restaurant has a seating capacity of 60 people with coming outdoor seating, and a private room which accommodates up to 7 guests.

The décor is elegant with shades of jade that pay homage to the restaurant’s inspiration and background. Customers are treated to a bright and immaculate environment whilst at night the dim lights provide a relaxing restaurant bar vibe.

New anthology from Stanton writers

Seven North Shore writers have contributed 17 stories to a new 276-page anthology entitled Standing Out or Fitting In. The anthology reveals 17 diverse characters finding the right balance between personal expression and conforming with social conventions.

The stories in this collection feature fictional characters who try to live life on their own terms while still meeting social expectations. Like most people, they want to fulfil their dreams, yet also make a difference in the lives of the people they care about.

These stories explore the tension between becoming our best self while also fitting in. In these stories, the characters straddle vastly divergent expectations: from an architect who moonlights as a lighting designer using materials sourced from junk yards; to a retired international drug smuggler living incognito in Artarmon; to a transgender woman reconnecting with her traditional, migrant father; and a shepherdess in Dalmatia who changes her destiny after her father takes her out of school; to a young woman struggling with her family history and genetic misfortune.

The 276-page anthology is available in selected local bookstores including Novella in Wahroonga. RRP $25. The anthology is also available on Amazon for $25.

The Stanton Library Writers Group is based at Stanton Library, North Sydney. Since 2014, they have met each month and shared their work to improve their craft for publication. The group writes and reviews short fiction, creative non-fiction, flash fiction, personal essays and poems. Standing Out or Fitting In is the group’s second anthology. In 2017, they published Pieces of North Shore, which is available on Amazon.

Launch night at Mani

Mayor Zoe Baker (centre) with six of the writers