Issue 5 Autumn 2014
MOSMANNOW NEWSLETTER Balmoral Seawall works complete
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Carers Group celebrates 10 Years W
Council Contractors have recently completed rectification works on the Balmoral Seawall. The works were identified following a condition audit on the wall in 2010. The audit showed significant deterioration on the wall, partially on the bridge to Rocky Island, and areas near the Bathers Pavilion. The Balmoral Seawall, constructed in about 1929, has undergone several repairs over the years including significant work after the 1974 storms that also severely damaged Balmoral Baths. In the latest repairs, various types of works were undertaken on the wall including replacement of reinforcement, renewal of concrete wall sections and crack sealing and injection. To complete the works and minimise damage associated with the harsh marine environment, a protective coating was applied with the final coat of paint.
On Wednesday 12 February, Mayor of Mosman, Cr Peter Abelson hosted a special morning tea to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Mosman Carers Group. The celebration was enjoyed by current members as well as some from the original group founded in 2004. Started in response to the need for a locally-based support group, the Mosman Carers Group meets weekly and has helped many carers, at a time when they are especially time poor, to access information, support and assistance. One carer said “I don't know how I would have coped without the Carers Group, the regular guest speakers, the support, friendship and understanding it provides has made a huge difference and the outings are a wonderful and often vital break.� For information about the group, please contact Liz Nagel, Carers Coordinator on 9978 4089.
Read about the colourful Rhinoceros sculpture at Mosman Square inside.
for the latest events in Mosman visit events.mosman.nsw.gov.au
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Geometric Rhinoceros
Mosman is currently home to a playful rhinoceros that adds a splash of colour to Mosman Square, with the vibrant geometric pattern attracting admiring comments from visitors and locals alike. Children from Mosman Occasional Care recently had a chance to get up close and personal with the bold new visitor – with squeals, laughter and smiles all round. The rhino is one of a herd of 125 painted sculptures dotted throughout Sydney as part of the Wild! Rhino Conservation Project by Taronga Zoo. The Mosman Rhino is sponsored by South African Tourism and is the inspiration of artist Adair Imrie, who writes “I am interested in exploring the natural world and geometry. A great deal of current research separates the scientific mind from the creative mind. I have set out to create a Rhino that unifies these apparent opposites of thought. This may metaphorically unify the community into action for these great mammals”. This unique conservation program hopes to raise awareness for the fight to save rhinoceroses from an epidemic of poaching, loss of habitat and possible extinction. People can learn more by visiting www.tarongawildrhinos.org.au. Mosman’s rhinoceros will remain in Mosman Square until 28 April 2014.
Recreation Needs Study Consultants have recently been appointed by Council to undertake the 2014 Mosman Recreational Needs Assessment. The 2014 study will focus on outdoor recreational facilities, with the aim of assessing current and future needs of residents and visitors and providing Council with a 10 year strategy for the planning, development, improvement and maintenance of these facilities. Over the life of the project there will be several ways for the community to get involved including: § § § §
Attending one of the proposed community forums Responding to an online survey Participating in a face to face survey Writing to Council with thoughts and views on the project
Keep an eye on Mosman Council's website for relevant times and dates. The previous Mosman Recreational Needs Assessment was undertaken in 2000. This study provided a broad overview of recreation participation and needs in Mosman and identified a number of planning and on-ground projects that have since been completed. These include: § Plans of Management for Clifton Gardens, Mosman Park,
Spit Reserve, and Rosherville Reserve
§ Provision of hard surface netball courts at Drill Hall Common § A sporting field improvement program including
floodlighting and subsurface drainage upgrades Playgrounds improvement program Construction of the Mosman Skate Park Provision of new aquatic facilities – Mosman Swim Centre Development and implementation of bike plans and pedestrian plans § Improvements to the provision of accessible facilities § § § §
Have you visited your Library lately? Call in and reconnect with Mosman Library, or visit the Library's webpage www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/library, Facebook www.facebook.com/mosmanlibrary, and events calendar events.mosman.nsw.gov.au/events/.
W Some TV channels are changing their frequency as the final step in the move to digital-only TV in Australia. You will need to retune your TV, settop box or digital recorder when these changes happen to find the channels that have moved. The retune date scheduled for Mosman is 18 March 2014. If you don't retune, you won't be able to receive all free-to-air digital channels. For more information about these changes and how to retune digital TV equipment visit www.digitalready.gov.au/retune or call the Digital Ready Information Line – 1800 20 10 13, 8am–10pm, 7 days a week
The Library provides something for everyone, with a great range of services, resources and programs for all ages, including author visits, regular children's, youth and seniors’ activities, free WIFI, eResources, technology centre, books, magazines, audiobooks, DVDs, and an extensive collection of unique photographs, books, archival material and online resources relating to Mosman's history. Did you receive an e-Reader for Christmas? eMagazines, eBooks and eAudiobooks are available for members to download, all free of charge. Visit the Library's eReading webpage for more details mosman.nsw.gov.au/library/ information/ebooks Students and researchers are also catered for, with access to online full text databases on a wide range of topics including health, business, literature, science, history and a collection of HSC resources. The Library's friendly, professional staff are keen to assist with information enquiries and to help you with your reading selections. Mosman Library is located next to the Council car park in The Crescent.
mosman.nsw.gov.au A picture tells a thousand words
Local Government Reform update
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In the last edition of Mosman Now we reported that the Independent Local Government Review Panel had provided its final report and recommendations to the NSW Government. The three member panel was appointed by the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Don Page MP, in March 2012 to develop options to improve the strength and effectiveness of local government in NSW. During the term of its appointment the Panel has produced a number of papers that have challenged the way local government operates in NSW and generated a lot of debate, particularly in relation to proposals for structural reform, including Council amalgamations. The final report of the Independent Local Government Review Panel was released for public consultation by the Minister for Local Government in January this year. The deadline for public submissions on the report has recently been extended until 4 April 2014 and members of the community are encouraged to view its contents on the Division of Local Government website – www.dlg.nsw.gov.au If you were at Balmoral Beach mid-January you may have seen the 3D chalk drawings along The Esplanade, created by Artist Rudy Kistler. The drawings depicted marine and birdlife, including a dolphin, a cormorant, a squid, a fish and oysters. The 3D chalk drawings were amazing works of art – but also presented a strong message about the impacts of litter and the dangers birds and marine life face from discarded rubbish such as fishing line, plastic items and cigarette butts. If you're fishing or just taking a walk along the wharf or beach – please pick up any visible fishing line or plastic rubbish, 'Reel it in and put it in the bin'. If you're a smoker please be aware that dropping cigarette butts on the ground is littering and that all street drains lead to a waterway, so please 'Butt it and bin it'. If you want to take further action to assist in cleaning up the local environment why not register to participate in Clean Up Australia Day, Sunday 2 March 2014. For information visit events.mosman.nsw.gov.au
Mosman young people are ready to go! With National Youth Week on the horizon (Friday 4 – Sunday 13 April), it's an exciting time for young people in Mosman to get involved in the community through opportunities at Council's Youth Centre. There are many exciting plans for Youth Week, such as a mini-market and various activities for young people on Friday 11 April, hosted by Mosman's Youth Centre volunteering groups. Applications are now open for youth volunteering programs, including groups that focus on Music & Events, Sustainability and the Youth Centre. These groups are a great way for young people aged 14-21 to meet new faces, build fresh skills and do something positive for the community. The Music & Events volunteering group (Vocal Rewind) has recently secured funding to organise two gigs during Term 1 and 2 and will be looking for local bands to get involved. The Mosman Council Youth Forum is working hard on exciting projects to be launched later this year so keep an eye on the Mosman Youth Facebook page for updates. Shorefest, a free youth festival held in partnership with other councils from the North Shore, will take place at St Leonards Park, North Sydney on Saturday 5 April and will be headlined by the nationally acclaimed act Dream on Dreamer. Young people are involved in Shorefest in a variety of ways, such as poster design, event photography and assisting on the day. During the term, students in high school are also welcome to visit the Youth Centre after school where they can meet friends and use the free facilities including pool, table tennis, WIFI and music room. Go to the youth page on Mosman Council’s website or facebook.com/mosmanyouth. If you have specific questions, call Youth Services on 9978 4013.
Mosman Council has continued to be very actively involved in reviewing the progress of Panel deliberations including its final report to the NSW Government. At its February 2014 meeting, Council resolved to make a comprehensive submission on the final report, as well as a second report recently released in relation to a review of the NSW Local Government Act. Council maintains its strong opposition to the forced amalgamation of Mosman with any other local government area. Assisting Council over the past year has been the Committee for an Independent Mosman, which will also be providing a submission on the final report and continuing to support Mosman's future as an independently governed local area. Public submissions on the final report can be lodged on the website mentioned above or by regular mail to the Division of Local Government.
Did you know?
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An unbroken yellow line at the side of a road can be used to designate a 'No Stopping' zone without accompanying signage? The current Australian Road Rules state that a driver must not stop on a length of road to which a 'No Stopping' sign applies or at the side of a road marked with a continuous yellow line. Previously the use of a 'No Stopping' line to designate a 'No Stopping' zone was only permitted when at least two 'No Stopping' signs were installed at the beginning and end to define the length of the continuous line. In 2013 a Community Consultative Committee was established to provide advice and recommendations to Council to assist in improving the visual amenity of Mosman, particularly in relation to rationalisation and improvement of signage and advertising. Late last year the Committee considered replacing some of the existing 'No Stopping' signs with yellow lines and suggested to Council that existing 'No Stopping' signs at intersections be replaced with continuous yellow lines along the side of the road, where appropriate. This suggestion has since been adopted by Council. As situations arise, Council officers will determine if yellow lines can be used. However, there will still be some locations where it will be necessary to retain the 'No Stopping' signs (e.g. at school crossings).
MosmanNow is available throughout Mosman as a printed edition. It is also published electronically in PDF and Digital Edition. Links to additional content may be found online via the ‘w’ tiles.
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©2014 Mosman Municipal Council This publication is written by Council staff and authorised for distribution by Veronica Lee – General Manager
mosman.nsw.gov.au Spit Junction NSW 2088 9978 4000 fax 9978 4132 council@mosman.nsw.gov.au
What’s On
Connect with us
Don't miss out on the many fun and interesting events taking place in Mosman over the next few months. Here is a sample of what's on offer – visit events.mosman.nsw.gov.au for more.
Small Biz Bus returns to Mosman Friday 21 March, 9am–3pm 856 Military Road (opposite Mosman High School) Are you looking for advice on how to start or grow your own small business? Take advantage of the business advisers who will be visiting Mosman again on the Small Biz Bus. The Small Biz Bus, a NSW Government initiative, will be parked outside 856 Military Road (between the Commonwealth Bank and Mosman Post Office (opposite Mosman High School). You can book a business advisory session in advance by calling 1300 134 359 or visiting www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au
The Amazing Spit Sunday 30 March, 9am–3pm Grab the family and head outside for a day of challenges, activities and adventure. This free Amazing Race style event will lead teams across Mosman from The Spit to Balmoral and beyond. The challenge is to do this using only sustainable methods of transport. Registration essential at events.mosman.nsw.gov.au or phone 9978 4043. Visit Council's website for further details.
Mosman Youth Art Prize Entries are now being accepted for the Mosman Youth Art Prize, now in its 27th year. In 2014 the Youth Art Prize will run from Saturday 29 March – Sunday 20 April, and is open to all young people aged 12–21 years. The Prize is recognised as one of the richest Youth Art Prizes in Australia, with over $14,000 in cash prizes, scholarships and art materials on offer this year. Entries can be submitted online up until the receipting day on 18 March 2014 – for more information and to lodge your entry visit mosmanartgallery.org.au
Save the Date Mosman Address 2014 - Dr John Yu AC Friday 9 May, 7pm for 7.30pm The Grand Hall, Mosman Art Gallery & Community Centre This year’s Mosman Address will be presented by Dr John Yu AC, a former Australian of the Year and distinguished paediatrician with a career spanning many years as Head of Medicine at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children and his later appointment as CEO, where he was instrumental in the hospital's relocation to Westmead. An expert on the decorative arts of South East Asia, Dr Yu's vision was to create a best practice paediatric hospital that integrated art, design and high-quality medical care. The Mosman Address is a fundraising dinner presented by the Mosman Public Art Trust in association with Mosman Council to raise funds for public art projects in Mosman. Tickets $150 per person. Enquiries: 9978 4050
events.mosman.nsw.gov.au
There’s no s such thing a y ir a f o o p g o the D Throughout January, Council staff surveyed Mosman's off-leash parks, placing yellow and white flags in the ground where dog poo was found. This is part of the responsible pet ownership campaign, reminding residents and visitors to pick up after their dog, because 'there’s no such thing as the dog poo fairy'. Fortunately many dog owners in the community do the right thing but the evidence shows there are still some that do not clean up after their dogs in public places – a requirement under the Companion Animals Act. A comparison of the reserves surveyed identified Rawson Park as having the greatest amount of dog poo.
Rawson Park 52 flags Sirius Park 37 flags Reid Park 17 flags Spit West Reserve 7 flags Clifton Gardens Reserve 7 flags Rosherville Reserve 6 flags POOch Pouches are available free from Council for dog owners. The POOch Pouch stores bags and attaches to your dog's lead so bags are always accessible. If you would like a POOch Pouch please contact Council on 9978 4043 (one per dog per household). For further information about responsible pet ownership and the ‘dog poo fairy’ campaign please visit mosman.nsw.gov.au
Changes to State planning policy The State government has made significant changes to its planning policy known as the Codes SEPP which allows a range of development as exempt or complying. Complying development includes works such as new houses and alterations and additions. Most of Mosman is excluded from these types of development, however, there are areas in which the Codes do apply. The changes commenced on 22 February 2014 and include: § New complying development codes for new industrial buildings and additions to existing commercial and industrial buildings § Amendments to existing complying development controls relating to privacy screens, tree removal, excavation, side boundary setbacks, detached studios, homes businesses and strata subdivision § A new advertising and signage exempt development code § Additional development types in the General Exempt Development Code (outdoor dining, charity bins and sculptures and artworks) § Changes to where exempt and complying development can be carried out, including partial affectations for properties in the Scenic Protection Area. The amending legislation – State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) Amendment (Commercial and Industrial Development and Other Matters) 2013 – amounts to 216 pages and can be accessed at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/exemptandcomplyingpolicy