Volume 6 Issue 4
Summer 2012/13
Winning Christmas window display — The Cheese Shop, 797 Military Road
Independent Mosman From the Mayor: The Future of Mosman The O’Farrell Government has an announced policy of fewer local government areas, albeit with no involuntary amalgamations. There are currently 152 local councils in NSW, 50 of which have populations below 10,000. Amalgamation is strongly supported by business and developer lobbies, such as the Sydney Business Chamber and the Urban Taskforce. In early 2012 the State government appointed the Independent Local Government Review Panel to review boundary changes for local government under the Chair Professor Graham Sansom. Professor Sansom had publicly advocated amalgamations in his co-authored paper “Consolidation in Local Government: A Fresh Look” published in 2011. In November 2012, the Panel published an interim report. Much of this report draws on Sansom’s 2011 paper. The premises of the report are that “the current system of local government is really in quite poor shape” and that “Local government in New South Wales must change.” The report is replete with generic rhetoric. The report claims that larger councils will enable cost savings, act more strategically and provide superior services. But very little evidence is cited. The Panel claims that its final report, due in July 2013, will consider various options but there can be little doubt of the enthusiasm of the Panel for amalgamations of councils. In several polls the Mosman community has affirmed its desire for independence by majorities well over 80 per cent. We are setting up a Committee for Independent Mosman to work for our continued independence. In the New Year we will hold a public meeting on the subject and develop a detailed submission to the Review Panel.
Mosman Mayor Peter Abelson, Councillors and staff wish everyone in Mosman the very best for Christmas and the festive season.
merrychristmas Apart from public holidays, the Council's offices, Art Gallery and Library will be open during normal hours over the festive season, with the exception of a 3pm closure on Friday 21, Monday 24 and Monday 31 December. Mosman Library will also close at 5.30pm rather than 9pm on Thursday 27 December and Mosman Occasional Care will be closed between 20 December and 15 January. The Mosman Rider will operate throughout the holidays, with the exception of Christmas Day. Waste collections will continue as normal. Rangers will also be working throughout the period and can be contacted on 9978 4000. For further information visit Council’s website.
www.mosman.nsw.gov.au
Bear Cottage Gift Appeal Council is still receiving gifts for the 2012 Christmas Gift Appeal, designed to bring some Christmas cheer to children at Bear Cottage, Manly. Bear Cottage provides vital care and respite for children facing terminal illness and their families. Why not help Council give these children some extra joy on Christmas morning! Gifts for children up to 18 years can be placed under the Christmas tree in Council's foyer until Wednesday 19 Dec.
Mosman Family Day Care
Council wins major award Mosman Council has been recognised for its leadership and innovation in community celebrations by being awarded the prize for best Festival at the 2012 NSW Local Government Arts & Cultural Awards. ‘This is an award for all the people of Mosman and to the many artists, community groups and businesses that made the Festival such a success’, said Festival Director, John Cheeseman. ‘The 2011 Festival was a celebration of what is best about Mosman – its sense of community, its celebration of place, and its creative spirit. We look forward to continuing to deliver community events and cultural programs that reflect these qualities and that are enjoyed by the whole Mosman community.’ Pictured is Festival Director John Cheeseman and Cr Leigh Vaughan, Great Lakes Council.
Mosman Family Day Care is set to begin a new era with a recent Council decision to partner with the highly-respected provider of children's services, The Infants' Home. The partnership arrangements will be in place early in the New Year and recruitment of additional Educators will be a priority so that the number of places available for children can be increased. Enquiries: Tania Burchell on 9978 4166.
Carols at the Rotunda Saturday 22 December, 7.45–9.15pm, Balmoral Bring a picnic rug and spend an evening under the stars at Balmoral Beach singing along to your favourite Christmas carols. Free shuttle bus via Spit Junction, Military Rd & Raglan St from 5.30pm. Organised by St Clements Church. Enquiries: office@stclementsmosman.org.au
International Exhibition Previously shown to great acclaim in Taichung City, Taiwan, Tradition and Transformation: Taiwan-Australia Watercolour Exhibition provides a rare opportunity to see the works of some of the world's most eminent watercolourists. This major collaborative international exhibition, curated by David van Nunen, President, Australian Watercolour Institute (AWI), and Professor Chin-Lung Huang, President, Taiwan International Watercolor Society (TIWS), is an important cultural exchange that aims to promote the relationship, and deepen the dialogue, between the two countries. The exhibition is on display at Mosman Art Gallery until Sunday 27 January 2013.
Summer Reading in Mosman Mosman Library is once again running its popular summer reading programs which will give readers of all ages the perfect excuse to relax with a good book. For the kids the Treasure Trove Summer Reading Program, which is aimed at independent school age readers up to the age of 12, offers a fun and motivating way for children to engage with reading over the school holidays. Treasure Trove runs from Monday 10 December 2012 to Thursday 31 January 2013. Children over 12 years of age are encouraged to sign up to Reading Rave – the summer reading program especially tailored to young adults. There are fantastic prizes to be won including the latest iPod touch for those who read over 60 hours during the summer holidays. Reading Rave runs from Wednesday 5 December 2012 to Friday 1 February 2013. Finally our Read Review & Win Adult Summer Reading Program guarantees that it's not just the kids having fun these holidays. Adults can be a part of the action with great weekly prize giveaways for entering a book review of their choice. Review cards are available at the library desk or reviews can be posted online at www.mosmanreader.net. The program runs from Wednesday 2 January 2012 to Friday 8 February 2013. For further information visit the website at www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/library
Benefit through Fridge Buyback Men’s Shed Opens After years in the planning and building, the Mosman Men's Shed has finally opened for business. The Shed will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am – 4pm, but closed over Christmas. For enquiries, please contact Michael Standley at mosmanmensshed@gmail.com.
You could be saving money on power bills and helping to save the environment with Fridge Buyback. Old fridges and freezers are some of the biggest energy users in the home, costing an average of $300 a year to operate. Fridge Buyback has already saved Mosman residents over $80,000 on their power bills each year. Plus, an estimated 2,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions has been avoided and over 24 tonnes of metal has been recycled. Fridge Buyback collects old energy-guzzling upright freezers, as well as the old fridges in people’s garages. If all Mosman residents gave up their second fridges and freezers we could collectively save around $500,000 every year! Second fridges or upright freezers must be in regular use, built before 1996 and 200 litres or greater in size to qualify. A $35 rebate is paid for collection from homes with six steps or less. Collection is free, using professional removalists. Ring 1800 708 401 now to make a booking or see www.fridgebuyback.com.au.
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Local Feral Rabbit Control Recent media reports have focused on Council’s use of the Pindone bait to control the feral rabbit population. Rabbits have detrimental impacts on many of Australia’s native flora and fauna including loss of habitat for native animals. Rabbits also damage parks and sporting fields digging holes damaging turf cover. Pindone bait has been used for several years by many local, State and Commonwealth authorities and is approved through the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Its use is strictly controlled and it does not affect possums. Council’s recent baiting program was carried out in accordance with the standard procedures adopted by the Sydney North Urban Feral Animal Action Group - a group of local land managers including National Parks & Wildlife, the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Department of Defence, Taronga Zoo and 10 other Councils in the Sydney Northern Region. The program is supported by the Cumberland Livestock Health and Pest Authority which is responsible to the Minister for Primary Industries. Council is mindful of community sentiment on this issue and will be carefully considering the results of its recent baiting program, together with a trapping program carried out at Curraghbeena Park and other alternatives when determining future control measures.
‘Walk Mosman’ iPhone App Walk Mosman showcases seven amazing walks around Mosman. You can complete a single walk or join the walks together to complete a loop of the entire suburb – it’s up to you. Along the way you will find points of interest where you can learn interesting facts about Mosman’s wildlife, heritage, Aboriginal sites, bushland, coastal features and more. All the walks are accessible by public transport or Mosman’s free community bus, the Mosman Rider. So download Walk Mosman today and be on your way! Download free from iTunes App Store
Green Light for Pearl Bay Trial Despite some setbacks over the last few months, the trial closure of the Pearl Bay Avenue rat run will now go ahead. With the concurrence of all northern beaches Councils and sign-off from Roads & Maritime Services (RMS), the trial is scheduled to start on Tuesday 29 January 2013 in conjunction with the new school year. The trial, which will prevent south-bound traffic turning right from Spit Road into Pearl Bay Avenue, will run until Wednesday 31 July. Signage alerting drivers will be installed at The Spit, with a ‘No Right Hand Turn’ sign installed on the immediate approach to Pearl Bay Avenue. Mosman Council will be actively seeking feedback during the trial period. A meeting will be held between the RMS and Councils midway through the trial to make an interim assessment, with a further decision to be made about longer term arrangements at the end of the trial in July. Residents are encouraged to provide their comments once the trial commences – either by mail or via Council’s website.
Managing Mosman's Trees Council has recently resolved to enter into a new contract for management of local street trees and trees in major parks. The tree management regime involves a proactive program of identifying potential problems, pruning, removing deadwood and ensuring proper clearances for traffic, pedestrians and buildings. The program helps minimise any risks associated with the area's beautiful green canopy and keeps trees in good health. All trees are inspected annually and works programmed year-round. Significantly, Council is NOT responsible for the lopping of trees around overhead power lines. This is carried out by Ausgrid and Council has regularly been in contact with the energy provider to convey community concerns about some less-than-sympathetic lopping carried out in the past.
Out & About celebrations a hit! This year's Out and About celebrations were very popular, with the community enjoying quality entertainment in a variety of locations around Mosman. Favourites were the Children's Fair, the Big Lunch and Pet's Day Out , while the new series of twilight concerts at Balmoral were a big success.
Mosman News
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NOTES FOR WALKING
MDA
MOSMAN DESIGN A WARDS
THIS IS OUR CITY IN WONDER.
Several new events have been commissioned for Mosman as part of the 2013 Sydney Festival. Notes for Walking is an exciting and innovative locative media (smart-phone based) artwork project taking place at Middle Head and Mosman Art Gallery. The project will be trialled during December with an official launch as part of the Sydney Festival in early January. Chronometer involves the rediscovery of an extraordinary electronic music work by British composer Sir Harrison Birtwistle. Hear the piece while lounging on a beanbag and enjoying the stunning view from Georges Heights Lookout. For details go to the Festival website www.sydneyfestival.org.au
Voting in People’s Choice Award Opens January Nominations have now closed for the 2013 Mosman Design Awards. Voting for the People's Choice Award opens on 21 January for a month. Images of all the nominations can be viewed on the Awards website and you can also read what the architects have to say about their designs. Get involved and cast your vote at www.mosmandesignawards.com.au by 22 February. The winner of the People's Choice Award and awards decided by the judges will be announced on Monday 11 March, 2013 at Mosman Art Gallery.
Mosman’s retailers are again getting into the Christmas spirit, decorating their display windows and providing quality local shopping in the lead-up to Christmas. Council, together with Mosman Chamber of Commerce and BNI Balmoral, has been encouraging and rewarding these decorating efforts through its annual Window Decoration Competition. Earlier this month a judging panel led by Mayor Peter Abelson awarded 1st, 2nd & 3rd prize in this year’s competition to The Cheese Shop (pictured Page 1), Papaya and Floriade respectively. Generous sponsorship for the competition was received from the Chamber, Rudolphs Christmas – Mosman and the Mosman Daily. We encourage you to support our retailers and make the most of the great variety on offer in Mosman.
Proposal for off-leash dog exercise area eastern end of Clifton Gardens Beach Council at its meeting on 13 November 2012 received a petition signed by 902 people requesting extension of the areas for unleashed dogs to include the eastern end of Clifton Gardens beach – east of the jetty to Sydney Harbour Federation Trust property at Chowder Bay. The request is to apply only on weekdays before 9.00am and after 4.00pm. Prior to Council considering the proposal the views of
Civic Centre, Mosman Square Mosman NSW 2088
residents are being sought. Submissions can be made via the submission form on Council’s website or in writing to the General, Manager at the Civic Centre, Mosman Square, Mosman by Wednesday 23 January 2013. Visit www.mosman.nsw.gov.au for information on Council’s current policy along with detailed maps.
tel 9978 4000 fax 9978 4132 email council@mosman.nsw.gov.au web www.mosman.nsw.gov.au
©2012 Mosman Municipal Council. All information correct at time of printing.
Improving Communication Mayor Peter Abelson is issuing a regular occasional newsletter on issues and information relevant to Mosman. Should you wish to receive this electronic update please advise your email address to s.jackson@mosman.nsw.gov.au
This publication is written by Council staff and authorised for distribution by VHR May – General Manager.
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