ellence in exc loc r fo
rnment ove g al
2014 WIN
NER
St Ives Chase photo by Annette Scholtz
IN PERSON 818 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072 PHONE 02 9424 0000 EMAIL kmc@kmc.nsw.gov.au STAY UPDATED - SIGN UP TO OUR ENEWS kmc.nsw.gov.au/subscribe
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from the
mayor
“Ku-ring-gai really does have something
for everyone…”
Welcome to our annual newsletter for Kuring-gai residents – I hope you like the new design.
our community arts centre in Roseville, or one of our many lowcost keep fit classes, Ku-ring-gai really does have something for everyone.
Amid all the talk of council mergers, I’m personally proud to be heading up such a financially strong and progressive organisation. Last year Ku-ring-gai Council was rewarded with the highest award in NSW local government – the AR Bluett Award.
Inside this newsletter you’ll find a rundown of key projects we’re working on, plus a wrap-up of all our major events coming up over the next 12 months.
Ku-ring-gai Council has made tough decisions over the last decade that have turned around its past poor financial position. So much so, that we now meet all financial criteria required by the State Government to stand alone and are ranked as one of the state’s strongest councils by the NSW Treasury Corporation. Very few councils can match that performance. Over the next five years we will spend $123 million upgrading local roads, footpaths, drainage and other essential community infrastructure.
If you have any questions about anything in the newsletter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Why not consider signing up for our monthly e-news too!
s Jennifer Anderson, Mayor of Ku-ring-gai E mayor@kmc.nsw.gov.au | F facebook.com/kcmayor | P 9424 0709
St Ives Vilage Green photo by Claudio Brand
Our financial strength means we can offer an impressive level of service to our 121,000 residents. Whether it’s an art class at
Some of these projects are being actively shaped through you – our ratepayers. Community consultation is important to us and helps guide all our thinking on Ku-ring-gai’s future.
828 PACIFIC HIGHWAY COUNCIL MERGERS & KU-RING-GAI As you’d be aware, the state government is looking at reducing NSW councils through mergers, if councils can’t demonstrate sufficient strength to stand alone. During May and June, Ku-ring-gai Council asked ratepayers their opinion of two options – whether to merge with Hornsby Shire Council or stand alone. Over 2000 residents responded to a survey and just over 400 were randomly phone polled by an independent research company. The results are in – 77% of survey respondents were against merging with Hornsby and 23% were in favour. Those who were phone polled showed a similar preference, with 79% against the proposed merger and 21% in favour. We have submitted a proposal to the state government to stand alone, based on our financial strength, population size and ability to provide for our residents now and in the future. The Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) will now assess all council submissions which were due on 30 June. The state government is expected to announce a decision on council mergers by October this year.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/fitforthefuture
The Council has decided to postpone indefinitely the planned relocation of its administration centre to 828 Pacific Highway Gordon. The Council fully owns the building and this will be leased to commercial tenants, resulting in further income for infrastructure. Mayor Jennifer Anderson said the decision had been made so Ku-ring-gai could meet the state government’s requirements to remain a stand alone council within the two year deadline.
CAPITAL WORKS what we’ve spent and delivered last financial
LOCAL ROADS
$8 million
year
Ph oto by A aron Siow
WAHROONGA PARK PLAYGROUND
$515,000 NORTH TURRAMURRA RECREATION AREA
$3.5 million ot ob yA ure lie
Ph
GOLDEN JUBILEE OVAL UPGRADE
Ken ned y
$794,000
UPGRADED FOOTPATHS
KENT OVAL CAR PARK
$760,000
$106,000
ALLAN SMALL OVAL CAR PARK
$260,000
GAI COU G-
AWARDS WON
IL NC
KU-R IN
Ph
ot ob yK ay Wa tson
me vern nt go l a
ellence in exc loc for
2014 - 2015 AR BLUETT MEMORIAL AWARD NSW Best performing urban council in 2014
2014 WIN
lgnsw.org.au GOLD AUSTRALASIAN REPORTING AWARD 2015 Gold Award for annual report 2013/2014 arawards.com.au NSW BEST COMMUNITY EVENT IN 2014 St Ives Medieval Faire; Parks & Leisure Australia parksandleisure.com.au
NER
PLANNING INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA AWARDS 2014 HIGH COMMENDATION Open Space Strategy Design guide to residential apartment building planning.org.au
Thanks to everyone who gave feedback on our proposed plans to activate Lindfield - Lindfield Village Green and Lindfield Community Hub. Activate Lindfield will make the centre more attractive and strengthen and support our small business community. LINDFIELD VILLAGE GREEN (THE EAST SIDE) - a unique outdoor space for the community to meet, play and relax. INDFIELD COMMUNITY HUB (THE WEST SIDE) - a vibrant multi-purpose L space with a new library, community centre, park and town square. We’re reviewing your feedback and working with our urban designers to finalise designs for both sites. We look forward to sharing these with the community soon, when you will once again have the opportunity to have your say. kmc.nsw.gov.au/activatelindfield
New life is coming to Ku-ring-gai through these exciting projects
coming soon to Ku-ring-gai
Activate Turramurra We’re looking at creating a vibrant space in the heart of Turramurra for residents and visitors to shop, dine, and socialise. G ordon Cultural and Civic Hub We’re exploring opportunities for a cultural and civic hub as part of a redeveloped Gordon Town Centre, focusing on the cultural and artistic needs of the community. U pgrade of the War Memorial at Lofberg Oval Bicentennial Park, West Pymble U pgrade of the two playgrounds at Bicentennial Park, West Pymble New youth activities area at Turramurra Memorial Park New park and playground for Carcoola Road, St Ives U pgrade of The Mall Playground and neighbourhood shops on Warrimoo ave, St Ives Upgrade of playground at Golden Jubilee Field, Wahroonga Upgrade of playground on Park Ave, Roseville
TEE OFF AT TURRAMURRA Nine holes of the new 18 hole course at North Turramurra Golf Course are now ready for play and to celebrate, the course is offering unlimited play on weekdays for just $13! Golf lessons and tours of the new course are also available with our resident golf pro; to book phone 9144 5110. The upgrade to the golf course and new sportsfields are part of the North Turramurra Recreation Area at Curagul Road North Turramurra. It’s one of the Council’s biggest recreation projects, which will see six new golf holes and three new turf fields added for a variety of sports. The Recreation Area will be complete in 2016. www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/ntra
It’s still early days for some of these projects, but keep an eye out over the next year for these and opportunities to have your say. kmc.nsw.gov.au/projects
YOUR RECENT FEEDBACK Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent consultations on: arian Street Theatre and live theatre needs M in Ku-ring-gai ordon Golf Course and a new regional park G and recreation space We appreciate your feedback on these two important issues, which was collected through surveys, public discussion groups and online forums. The feedback received is being collated for Council reports due later this year. haveyoursaykuringgai.com.au
Jubes, Wahroonga photo by Lina Hayes
40
your environmental levy at work
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND TALKS
1,100 HECTARES
ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERS
9.3km
Ku-ring-gai ratepayers pay a 5% environmental levy for projects and services to protect the local environment. It raises about $1.7 million per year. Projects are based on five key themes - energy, water, transport, community education and biodiversity.
700
BUSHLAND PROTECTION FOR
CYCLING TRACK
115 million litres
52kW
SOLAR ENERGY GENERATED
DRINKING WATER SAVED
$ $ $
kmc.nsw.gov.au/elevy
350
SUPPORT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SMALL GRANTS SCHEME FOR RESIDENTS
kmc.nsw.gov.au/sustainability lovinglivingkuringgai KRGCouncilSusty
sustainable
sustainability@kmc.nsw.gov.au
events
2
STINGLESS NATIVE BEEHIVES
COMMUNITY GARDENS
HAVE A TREE-RIFFIC DAY Give back to the environment this National Tree Day on Sunday 26 July! Have fun planting a tree and help keep Ku-ring-gai green. Check our website for more details on selected planting sites on the day. kmc.nsw.gov.au/nationaltreeday
SPEED DATE A SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT Are you building, renovating or upgrading your home or garden? Get advice and tips from Australia’s leading green home experts at our special event at Ku-ring-gai Town Hall on Saturday 17 October, 2pm – 4pm.
HOME GROWN AND DELICIOUS! Gain satisfaction from growing your own food. Learn how to create an edible garden at our special workshop on Saturday 15 August at the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden. Hints and tips for big backyards and small balconies. kmc.nsw.gov.au/sustainabilityevents
Wildflower & Garden Festival 2014 photo by Kay Watson
WILDFLOWER ART & GARDEN FESTIVAL The Festival is on Sunday 30 August at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden 420 Mona Vale Road St Ives. This year’s festival brings you a sculpture walk, arts and craft stalls, horticultural talks, native plant sales, music and dance. Keep the kids entertained with an outdoor adventure trail and pond dip netting. Delicious food and drinks also on offer! kmc.nsw.gov.au/wildflowers
kmc.nsw.gov.au/sustainability
BACK TO THE 50s Our Back to the 50s Festival is at the St Ives Showground on Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August. Immerse yourself in classic movies, markets, fashion and beauty parades, dance workshops, hula hoop lessons, American diner food, classic cars and motorbikes. Prizes to be won for best dressed on the day! kmc.nsw.gov.au/backtofifties
LET KIDS BE KIDS! That’s the motto for Bush Kids, our nature based program held at the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden every school holidays. Bush Kids offers simple and fun hands-on activities for kids who love the outdoors and getting their hands dirty.
ROM 6 WF EEKS 5 YEA TO RS
kmc.nsw.gov.au/bushkids
GET CREATIVE AT KU-RING-GAI ART CENTRE It’s never too late to pick up a paintbrush! Taught by industry professionals, the Ku-ring-gai Art Centre at Roseville offers a variety of visual art, creative writing and guitar classes for all levels. The light airy studios provide a stimulating, encouraging and friendly working atmosphere. kmc.nsw.gov.au/artcentre
SPECIAL OFFER
before 16 August Book your tickets discount !* to receive a 20% code: MEDIEVAL Use this promo
NEED CHILDCARE? We have good news! Spaces are available for children aged six weeks to five years of age at Council’s Thomas Carlyle Children’s Centre in East Lindfield. The popular child care centre provides quality long day and occasional care in a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment. kmc.nsw.gov.au/tccc
SATURDAY 19 & SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER ST IVES SHOWGROUND
ENJOY A MEDIEVAL EXPERIENCE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD AT THE ST IVES MEDIEVAL FAIRE! Due to popular demand the event will once again bring you the world’s best jousters, reenactments of battle scenes, live birds of prey, a medieval village and much more!
, BE QUICK S T E K IC T D E l R, 6PM. LIMIT E B Ives Medieva M E P E S part of the St 9 as 1 t T as S fe l A ur va E yo ie e mptuous med l late. Tantalis r from 6pm til Join us for a su rtained US MEDIEVAL F y 19 Septembe hile being ente
PL
*Applies to Medieval Faire tickets only
da val feast, w Faire on Satur live music. course medie ere th a ith rs, jesters and w le gg ju e fir g tastebuds in rformers includ by medieval pe
kmc.nsw.gov.au/whatson
Ku-ring-gai major events
26 JULY
31 JULY & 1 AUGUST
30 AUGUST
26 JULY Cats and Wildlife Expo
Back to the 50s
Where: Animal Welfare League, Ingleside
Where: St Ives Showground
Wildflower Art and Garden Festival
A must for cat-owners – heaps of stalls and advice on looking after your pet and protecting native wildlife by preventing roaming at night.
Flash cars, dance workshops, fashion parades, fairy floss and a Sock Hop where you can bop til you drop! kmc.nsw.gov.au/backtofifties
kmc.nsw.gov.au/expo
Where: Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden An annual event showcasing spring wildflowers, guided walks, artisans stalls, a sculpture walk and children’s entertainment. kmc.nsw.gov.au/wildflowers
19-20 SEPTEMBER
17 OCTOBER
26 JANUARY
St Ives Medieval Faire
Twilight in the Park
Australia Day
Where: St Ives Showground
Where: Wahroonga Park
Where: Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
Step back in time with spectacular medieval jousting, birds of prey and costumed battles.
Enjoy a picnic under the stars while you listen to the legends of Motown plus Beatles classics. Featuring two fabulously talented bands The Beatnix and The Diamonds!
Celebrate what’s great about Australia and living in Ku-ring-gai. Music, food, citizenship ceremony, pool party and more!
stivesmedievalfaire.com.au
kmc.nsw.gov.au/australiaday
kmc.nsw.gov.au/twilight
TEAR THIS PAGE OFF AND POP IT ON YOUR FRIDGE SO YOU DONT MISS OUT ON OUR EVENTS!
kmc.nsw.gov.au/whatson
FREE PASS! Let Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre help you reach your health and fitness goals! A a special offer to the Ku-ring-gai community! Get one free trial visit to the Ku-ring-gai Fitness & Aquatic Centre at West Pymble. To be used before 31 December 2015; Just quote promo code NOTICE2015.
www.ymcansw.org.au
Limit one voucher per person. Terms and conditions may apply.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/capture
#capturekuringgai
Photos by Madeleine Coulson, Glen Leo,Catherine Dowd and Kay Watson
The Ku-ring-gai photography competition is coming in September - keep an eye out on our website for more details.
WATERLESS PRINTING ON 100% RECYCLED PAPER
RECYCLE
RIGHT IN KU-RING-GAI
ONLY place these items in yellow-lidded MIXED Recycling Bins
Glass bottles and jars
kmc.nsw.gov.au/recycleright
Aluminium and steel cans
Plastic bottles and containers
NEVER bin plastic bags