Ku-ring-gai Update
July 2017
IN PERSON 818 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072 PHONE 02 9424 0000
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FROM THE MAYOR Welcome to the 2017-2018 issue of the Ku-ring-gai Update, our annual newsletter distributed to all Ku-ring-gai ratepayers. A significant event took place in March this year when Council won its court battle against a forced merger with Hornsby Shire. Three Court of Appeal judges found that Council, our community and the appointed Delegate were denied procedural fairness and the state government was ordered to pay our legal costs. The government still says it will push ahead with its plans to forcibly merge us with Hornsby Council. However the current merger proposal cannot proceed under the Court’s ruling. At the time of writing, it is unclear what the government intends to do about forced mergers in Sydney, with a number of other councils lodging legal appeals based on our court victory.
The budget seeks to maintain and improve services and infrastructure with $54 million set aside for capital works. See opposite for more details. Council elections were postponed last year due to the merger process, so they will take place on Saturday 9 September. For more information and how to find out which ward you’re in, go to page 7. Just two weeks after the Council elections, join us for jousting of a different kind at the spectacular St Ives Medieval Faire on 23-24 September at St Ives Showground. The joust is one of the largest ever staged in Australia and I almost had to shut my eyes when I watched the jousters battle ferociously last year! The Faire is an unforgettable experience and great fun for the whole family. Our website at kmc.nsw.gov.au contains a wealth of information for residents and you can even chat to us online during business hours. You can also sign up via our website for our free monthly e-news delivered to your inbox.
In the meantime, we are continuing with our business as usual approach. Our budget for the 2017-18 financial year is aligned to the three-year vision of delivering services and projects to residents. Jennifer Anderson, Mayor of Ku-ring-gai E mayor@kmc.nsw.gov.au F facebook.com/kcmayor P 9424 0709
FAST FACTS: IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS WE…
LOOKED AFTER
150 BUSHLAND RESERVES
GREW TO A POPULATION OF
122,859
174 parks and 200,000 street trees
of which 46% are couples with children, 25% couples without children and 16% people living alone
MOWED
208
PARKS AND SPORTSFIELDS
GRANTED CITIZENSHIP TO
895
PROVIDED VACATION CARE FOR
525
FAMILIES
NEW AUSTRALIANS
TOOK CARE OF PLAYGROUNDS
98
50 ovals, 33 netball courts, 72 tennis courts and 2 golf courses
IMMUNISED
268
BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN FREE OF CHARGE
50,000
WELCOMED PEOPLE TO OUR MAJOR EVENTS
GAVE OUT GRANTS WORTH
$228,186 TO COMMUNITY GROUPS
PROVIDED FAMILY DAY CARE FOR
148
PRE-SCHOOLERS
FIXED
400
POTHOLES EACH MONTH
YOUNG KU-RING-GAI We have a range of services and facilities for young residents aged 12-24. Drop by our youth centres in Gordon, St Ives or Turramurra to have a chat, study or just hang out. We also offer movies, skate comps, outings and dance events throughout the year. kmc.nsw.gov.au/youthevents
Family day care This year our family day carers were assessed in the top 20% across Australia. Our educators look after children aged 6 weeks to 5 years during weekdays in suburbs across Ku-ring-gai. Some after-hours care is available. Find out more at kmc.nsw.gov.au/familydaycare
Vacation care This year Ku-ring-gai Council’s vacation care service has two new centres at West Lindfield and St Ives. We offer school holiday care for 5 – 14 year olds with fun activities, sports and excursions. Find out more at kmc.nsw.gov.au/vacationcare
Fitz Recording Studio Looking for a local recording studio and rehearsal space? The Fitz Music Hub provides quality space for bands and artists to rehearse and record sounds. Once you have your rehearsals sorted, see your act come alive with the help of the Council’s youth services team. At Fitz Youth Centre, off Memorial Avenue, St Ives. Hire the studio on Fridays from 4pm-8pm during school terms. To book, call 9424 0981 or email youth@kmc.nsw.gov.au
St Ives Skate Park Jumps, ramps and rails for all levels of skater at St Ives Village Green, Memorial Avenue, St Ives next to the Fitz Youth Centre. The skate park hosts the annual Dropp’n Hammers Skate competition. kmc.nsw.gov.au.youthevents
KU-RING-GAI BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WE’RE IN BUSINESS! If you’re a Ku-ring-gai business-owner, why not sign up for our program of free workshops and networking events? In the past six months, we’ve welcomed nearly 400 local businesspeople to sessions on grant funding, small business administration, recruitment, commercialising ideas and using LinkedIn. We have a busy program for the rest of 2017 with our next large event, The Networking Masterclass, taking place on 15 August. Venue and registration details to be announced on our website at kmc.nsw.gov.au
Also, keep an eye out for our Small Business Roundtable program, which are monthly discussion-based events where businesses can connect and learn together. Keep up to date on all our events by subscribing to our business e-news at kmc.nsw.gov.au/business or call 9424 0757.
SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHTS AND PROJECTS More than 55 environmental events and workshops take place each year, covering energy, waste and water conservation, handmade products, grow-your-own workshops and guided bushwalks. Most events are free and suitable for all ages. Your Environmental Levy funds projects worth $2.5 million a year. kmc.nsw.gov.au/sustainableevents
630
35
VOLUNTEERS
CONTRIBUTING 12,800 HOURS TO BUSH REGENERATION & NATIVE BEE HIVE PROGRAMS
GREENSTYLE HOME SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSEMENTS DONE
15,600 Kg
46,200 L
LANDFILL WASTE DIVERTED VIA COMPOST REVOLUTION
WATER STORAGE THROUGH REBATES
Composting and worm farming workshop
Sustainable festive events October-December Workshops for a happy and sustainable festive season, from cloth-wrapping and soap-making to pet toys and restyling/ repurposing clothing. More details to come at kmc.nsw.gov.au/whatson
Give your vegetable garden a kick-start and learn how to convert food and garden waste into rich natural fertiliser. Tuesday 18 July, 10am -12pm. Venue to be advised. kmc.nsw.gov.au/whatson
Plastic free July We are encouraging residents to reduce their use of singleuse disposable plastic in July including bags, straws, cups and bottles. Take the challenge and use reusable shopping bags, a keep cup at the cafe and recycle wherever possible.
Intro to solar for homes Find out the latest information on solar with batteries for your home from expert Nigel Morris. Tuesday 29 August, 6pm - 9pm, Ku-ring-gai Council Chambers, 818 Pacific Highway Gordon.
SNAPPED! Ku-ring-gai’s native animals Ku-ring-gai Council is partnering with Wild Things NSW to find out exactly where Eastern Pygmy Possums and other native animals live. Last year monitoring of a Powerful Owl nest confirmed a successful fledgling in a reserve in the south-west of Ku-ring-gai. This is the first successful breeding recorded at this site since 2010. Visit kmc.nsw.gov.au/powerfulowls
1,000
BEEHIVES DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS
Illegal dumping blitz We have waste dumpers in our sights, with specialist investigators now targeting bushland behind houses, nature strips, roads and verges and clothing bins. Ku-ring-gai Council is also teaming up with the EPA to support the Report Illegal Dumping (RID) campaign. Help RID our area of dumped waste by reporting it to us on 9424 0000.
Turramurra Community Garden Open Day Explore the garden at 1328 Pacific Highway Turramurra on Saturday 2 September and stock up on organic seedlings ready for spring. Delicious jams, chutneys, honey and cakes are also on offer. Enjoy morning tea with volunteers and ask them your gardening questions. Find out more at tlcgarden.org.au
$54 MILLION FOR CAPITAL WORKS PLANNED This financial year, we’ll be investing in road upgrades, local centres, parks, playgrounds and sportsfields. The main highlights of the new budget are: • $16.6 million for roads • Nearly $10 million for upgraded parks and playgrounds at Gordon, Lindfield, St Ives Village Green and Turramurra • $3 million for sportsfields and facilities including Primula Oval, Lindfield; Norman Griffiths Oval, West Pymble; Stage 2 of the youth precinct at St Ives Village Green and Warrimoo Oval, St Ives Chase • Around $1 million for footpaths and $500,000 for drainage renewal • More work on the revitalisation of Lindfield centre, through the Village Green and Community Hub projects • Continued master planning for Turramurra Community Hub and the Gordon centre
WORKING FOR YOUR FUTURE Here are just some of the projects we’re already completed or are working on. For full details of these and other projects, visit kmc.nsw.gov.au/projects • Lindfield Village Green. A new park with outdoor dining and underground parking. Construction is planned to start early 2018. • Lindfield Village Hub will be a new library, community centre and other public spaces, plus shopping and living areas. To be built by 2020. • Turramurra Community Hub. A vibrant space for shopping, socialising, dining out and community events. To be built by 2021. • Princes Street shops, Turramurra. A $600,000 upgrade offering an expansive paved public area with outdoor dining. • New bicycle facilities incorporated into as St Ives Chase shops (Warrimoo Avenue), Lindfield Village Green, Lindfield Community Hub and Turramurra Community Hub.
A PLACE TO PLAY The 2016 Census shows more young families are moving to Ku-ring-gai. We’re making sure they have the spaces they need to enjoy life here.
North Turramurra Recreation Area 361 Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra Choose between golf, picnic areas, walking trails and multi-use sportsfields: • 18-hole championship golf course • Three new sportsfields and practice areas with floodlighting • Floodlit cricket pitch and practice nets • New car parking areas
Golden Jubilee Field Esk Street Wahroonga Golden Jubilee Field has soccer fields, baseball diamonds, a mountain bike park, a BBQ and a playground. The new playground has: • A ‘Tiny Town’ of buildings • A junior cycle track • Four-way rocker and swings
Cameron Park
• A climbing frame with a baseball theme
5 Eastern Road Turramurra In February 2017 Cameron Park’s play facilities, bike path and sculptures were renovated to fit in with the extended park, which includes: • Open grassy areas and shade trees • Large paved area with outdoor table tennis table and picnic facilities • New toilets, seating, fencing, pathways and lighting
Lapwing Reserve 18 Carcoola Road St Ives Opened in January 2017 with an extra 2,000sqm of parkland. Lapwing Park includes: • An open play area • New slides, swings, see-saw, roundabout, spinner and playhouse
Koola Park
• A drinking fountain, seating and picnic shelter
26A Koola Avenue East Killara
• Full fencing with accessible gates plus shade cloths
Construction of the upgraded park is almost complete, which includes: • An additional fourth field • Floodlighting, landscaping and improved fencing • A shared pathway and outdoor exercise equipment Construction of car parks and drop-off area will begin later this year, subject to funding.
Gordon Golf Course 2 Lynne Ridge Avenue Gordon Discover the friendliest club on the North Shore! Gordon Golf Course appeals to both beginners and experienced players and club members receive excellent benefits. Gordon Golf Course is much more than a place to putt or tee off. Visit The Bunker - a dining experience for a weekend breakfast, daily lunch or Friday night dinner. We also offer a well-equipped conference or meeting room, making it the perfect venue for your next social or corporate event! Smoking is banned in outdoor public spaces such as playgrounds, sports fields and parks. Please observe the no smoking rule while you’re enjoying Ku-ring-gai’s open spaces.
Visit gordongolfcourse.com.au for more information, including bookings and venue hire.
KU-RING-GAI CALENDAR
National Tree Day 30 July 2017
National Ride2Work Day breakfast
18 October 2017
Sign up to our e-news kmc.nsw.gov.au/subscribe
Dogs Day Out March 2018
Loyal Henry Park 10am—1pm
Gordon Recreational Reserve
St Ives Showground
Bring the family, plant a tree and enjoy a free sausage sizzle on us!
65 Werona Avenue, Gordon Commuters cycling to the city and elsewhere are invited to drop by for a free breakfast and bike checks between 6.30am and 8.30am at Gordon Recreational Reserve.
Bring your pooch to this animal-loving event with quirky competitions, training performances and more. Get tips from a behaviourist, and talk to the teams from animal rescue and welfare societies. Vets will also be there to talk about pet health matters.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/nationaltreeday
kmc.nsw.gov.au/ride2work
kmc.nsw.gov.au/dogsday
Wildflower Art and Garden Festival
27 August 2017 Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden Revel in spring wildflowers while enjoying talks by horticultural experts, native plant sales, wildflower displays, guided walks, children’s craft workshops, food stalls and more. Don’t miss the Festival Sculpture Walk. kmc.nsw.gov.au/wildflowers
Twilight in the Park October 2017 Wahroonga Park Enjoy a picnic under the stars and live music at our free concert in the park. Suitable for all ages. kmc.nsw.gov.au/twilight
NSW Seniors Festival March 2018 Various venues Our Seniors Festival offers an array of free and low-cost events for the over 55s. Special Mayoral Awards are presented to outstanding members of the community. kmc.nsw.gov.au/seniorsfestival
Local government elections 9 September 2017 Various venues Vote for your Councillors at polling booths across Ku-ring-gai. Ratepayers will elect two Councillors to represent each of the five wards: Comenarra; Gordon; Roseville; St Ives and Wahroonga. kmc.nsw.gov.au/elections
Wahroonga Food + Wine Festival 29 October 2017
Festival on the Green 6 May 2018
Coonanbarra Road, Wahroonga
St Ives Village Green
Meet celebrity chefs, take part in masterclasses and wine tastings, and explore different food stalls at this action-packed food festival.
With 20,000 people flocking to this event every year, the free festival is fun for both kids and adults. Live performances, TV stars, competitions, giveaways, food stalls and much more.
wahroongafoodandwinefestival.com.au
kmc.nsw.gov.au/festival
St Ives Medieval Faire 23-24 September 2017 St Ives Showground The Faire is a two-day action-packed event about all things medieval. As well as the spectacular joust – one of the largest ever staged in Australia – the Faire also boasts a medieval village, live birds of prey, archery, battles and a market full of authentic crafts. stivesmedievalfaire.com.au
Australia Day 26 January 2018 Bicentennial Park, West Pymble Celebrate what’s great about Australia and living in Ku-ring-gai. Music, food, citizenship ceremonies, pool party and more! kmc.nsw.gov.au/australiaday
Aussie Night Markets All year St Ives Showground 5pm—10pm Over 40 stalls and food trucks are at the Showground every Friday night with markets, live music and kids’ activities. aussienightmarkets.com.au
COUNCIL ELECTIONS
SENIORS IN ACTION
DID YOU KNOW
Council elections across NSW will take place on Saturday 9 September 2017. Ku-ring-gai residents and ratepayers will elect two Councillors to represent each of the five wards: Comenarra, Gordon, Roseville, St Ives, Wahroonga. To find out which ward you are in, visit kmc.nsw.gov.au/elections and type in your address. Voting in council elections is compulsory for all residents over the age of 18. You must be enrolled to vote by 31 July if you’re not already listed on the electoral roll. If you wish to stand as a candidate, visit elections.nsw.gov.au for more info.
ACTIVATE KU-RING-GAI Artist impressions of Turramurra Community Hub
Discover our Seniors in Action program which offers an array of seminars, classes and excursions. Our activities promote health and wellbeing as well as discussions and workshops on social issues relevant to over 55s.
You can chat with us online between 8.30am and 5pm weekdays via our website kmc.nsw.gov.au
Advance notice My Fair Lady at the Capitol Theatre Tuesday 3 October, 11am - 5pm Don’t miss the magical 60th anniversary performance of this beloved musical, directed by Dame Julie Andrews. You will have time for a light lunch before the performance at 1pm. If you’re over 55 and would like info about other events and activities we offer, get in touch with our aged services team by calling 9424 0836.
Bookings kmc.nsw.gov.au/seniors Locked Bag 1006 Gordon NSW 2072 ouncil Chambers C 818 Pacific Highway Gordon
Activate Ku-ring-gai is an award-winning program of urban renewal and transformation Ku-ring-gai Council is spearheading in major centres. Currently there are three projects underway: Activate Lindfield, Activate Turramurra and Activate Gordon. The three hubs will deliver new local parks, shopping and residential buildings and public plazas in areas where the population is increasing. Located in leafy areas and close to train stations, these community hubs embrace sustainability, technology and design. New libraries, community centres, shops, dining options and residential housing will appeal to our growing community. To find out more visit kmc.nsw.gov.au/activate
P R O U D LY P R E S E N T E D B Y K U - R I N G - G A I C O U N C I L
23 & 24 september st ives showground
450 Mona Vale Road . stivesmedievalfaire.com.au
WATERLESS PRINTING ON 100% RECYCLED PAPER