There was a plan to build

COUNCIL Round-Up

for purpose comment. The bridge is fit for purpose, structurally sound and there is no concern over its longevity. It requires maintenance and modification to allow for increased bicycle, pedestrian and mobility scooter use. https://www.nbnnews.com. au/2020/05/24/singing-bridge-out-of-tunewith-cyclists/

By Cr Len ROBERTS

I HAVE had people ask me questions about various matters. I thought I would share them with you.

1. The singing Bridge is 50 years old and not fit for purpose.

It is actually only 42 years old and has not been maintained for 14 years and the PA has been lobbying for maintenance in that time. We seem to have broken through and expect Council to announce soon the results of an investigation and the advice form the Traffic Committee. Council is exploring all options including additions. NBN did a wonderful factual story on the matter and I paste the link below. The journalist is from this town and was in attendance at the official opening of the bridge. I must disagree re not fit

2. The Community Hall is 50 years old and not fit for purpose.

The community hall is fit for purpose and a recent building report shows it to be well suited for the future. There will be need from time to time for routine maintenance and if necessary adjustment to AV for users. The removal of the old demountable and construction of a new state of art meeting room and adjustment of Carparking is what we have been lobbying for and now have the concept design and expect construction to start shortly. file:///E:/Downloads/Hawks-Nest-ComHall-Concept-Design-Plan-V2.pdf

3. The Coles/PUMA intersection - a very serious accident waiting to happen.

That is a matter that has been raised on many occasions but the traffic committee, consisting of police, RMS engineers and state member representation (council provides secretariat services) does not agree. There is nothing the community or the council can do but keep lobbying. The situation will improve if the continuation of Spinifex Avenue goes ahead.

4. The swimming pool is not fit for purpose.

The swimming pool is extremely well used and fit for purpose. It may not be Olympic size or heated all year round but it is still fit for use as a small outdoor swimming pool. It doe srequire routine maintenance from time to time and such maintenance was allowed to slip over the past couple of years. The community has been agitating for a hydrotherapy pool, but a report has found that it is not the way to go. It suggests a new pool to be built as soon as possible which would be heated all year round, but in the meantime refurbishment and upgrade of the facilities is warranted. Council is looking at creating a user reference group, but Covid shutdown has postponed the creation of the group.

5. There was $80K allocated for a feasibility study for a cycle track to be built alongside the bridge.

I have been a a councillor for some time but that is news to me. I know nothing about it. I do know that consideration is being given to the park near the Lion’s lookout to include a bicycle track.

6. There was a plan to build a comprehensive community centre on the vacant plot opposite the ferry landing in Tea Gardens.

R U OK? is calling on Australians to include staying connected in their daily routine as they deal with the lasting impact of the Coronavirus.

Please email len@myallcoast.net. au if you have questions you would like me to answer.

Staying connected as a daily routine

Katherine Newton says the virus has affected everyone in some way and we all need to actively seek ways to connect, and in some cases reconnect, with those in our world who might be struggling.

“The pandemic has inspired some wonderful examples of how caring our community can be and we need to hold on to that because that sense of genuine care and concern can be life changing for those grappling with the impact of recent events. "Some people find change pretty scary,” said Ms Newton. “Many might be feeling disconnected from day to day life, have new financial and employment pressures, added family stressors, be physically unwell, or experiencing heightened levels of anxiety.

“Everyone deals differently with increasing and sometimes unrelenting pressure. While I might be coping well, but some of those around me might not be,” Ms Newton explained. Life might not be the same as it was before and we might need to live with some ongoing restrictions and physically distancing.

“But there is always something we can do and that is look out for each other.

“We want to bring everyone through and social connection is critical in ensuring we do. We want those who are well and able to make it part of their daily routine.

“In the morning think about who in your world might be struggling and make a plan to reach out to them and ask ‘Are you okay?’.

R U OK? is calling on Australians to include staying connected in their daily routine as they deal with the lasting impact of the Coronavirus.

“That simple question and a conversation has the power to change someone’s life for the better.”

To Stay Connected: ● Create a list: Think about who in your world, personal or professional, near or far who might be struggling. ● Dedicate the time: Make ‘time to ask’ as part of your daily routine. ● Choose your channel: Communicate in way that works for you both: make a phone call, send an SMS, video call, email or, if you can meet in person you might want to chat over the fence, go for a walk together or catch up for a cuppa.

I am afraid that is an urban myth. The land opposite the ferry landing is private. If the reference is to land in Myall Street it has been earmarked and has been for some time, as a carpark. The carpark was used for event parking. The plans have been completed and we are hoping council will commence construction soon. I am on council’s back about this.

7. There was a plan to build a relief road through the industrial estate to service Palm Lake etc..

That is simply not correct. Council had no plans to build a relief road. When the land in question was owned by the original developer, the proposal included a continuation of Spinifex avenue through to Myall Way at the existing roundabout. (which also solves the Coles intersection) It was on private land and dependent on development going ahead. As you may know the original developer was not able to proceed and sold the land to 3 different owners. Council is in discussion with the owner of the land through which the Spinifex extension was to occur to get a positive outcome to have the extension built sooner than later.

COVID-19 has forced all of us on a journey with three distinct phases from the initial Anxiety and Fear through to Exhaustion and on to Hope and Acceptance.

Rachel Clements, Director of Psychological Services, Centre for Corporate Health is an R U OK? Ambassador and says staying connected can help us transition through the phases. "If you notice a change in someone don’t brush it aside or avoid the conversation because you aren’t sure what to say. Reaching out early can stop small things from becoming bigger issues," said Ms Clements.

“Ask ‘are you okay’, and look after each other. There is another period of transition still to come as we adjust back to ‘normal’ life. It might be of lower intensity but we might again have to navigate anxiety. languish and exhaustion.

“It’s important we all do what we can to support our friends, family and colleagues to manage the ups and downs that life is throwing at us.”

“We accept there are things people can’t do but let’s focus on what we can do. We can make every day the day to ask ‘Are you okay?’. We can be a listening ear and a (virtual) shoulder to lean on,” said Ms Newton. “Let’s make time to look out for one another, be kind and stay connected.”

If you need guidance on how to support someone, visit ruok.org.au

If you need support or know someone who does, visit ruok.org.au/findhelp for professional support services and self-care tools.

...in the community HUNTER QUARRIES Hunter Quarries is dedicated to supporting the local community wherever possible and has a long and proud history of doing so.

Hunter Quarries are proud supporters of: Hunter Medical Research Institute Bulahdelah Soccer Club. Bulahdelah Show. Bulahdelah Golf Club. Tea Gardens Baptist Church. Karuah Pre-School. Karuah Primary School. East Gresford Showground. The Crime Prevention Review. Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) The 43rd & 44th Solo Hunter region local Government Golf Day. Myall Coast News of the area Karuah Bowling Club. Bulahdelah Soccer Club. Karuah Golf Club. Bulahdelah Show. Bundabah Tennis Club. Clarencetown Football Club. Bulahdelah Golf Club. Tea Gardens Baptist Church. Karuah Pre-School. Karuah Primary School. ADDRESS: Just off the Pacific Highway Andersite Road Karuah NSW 2324.

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