The Beast's Monthly Mailbag

Burrows Park

Dear Beast - On November 14 last year, around a hundred Clovelly locals gathered at the Clovelly Bowling Club to discuss Randwick Council’s proposal to “upgrade” Burrows Park, on the northern headland of Clovelly Beach.

The meeting agreed that work is needed to improve the existing change rooms, toilets and storage facilities, and to provide a bubbler near the facilities building. All but two of the speakers were firmly opposed to other aspects of the plans displayed, especially plans to extend the size of the football field to “international” size to allow for senior NRL games and the proposed total expenditure$250,000 for a scoping study and $3 million for the work.

Understandably, Council required a formal consultation with the community. A survey was released, with responses due by May 29. However, the first question of the survey assumed that the respondent is generally in favour of the proposal. This is not the case.

The proposed extension of the football field would require the destruction of parts of the local vegetation, reduce the area of the lower southern section of the park and ultimately create traffic and parking problems even greater than those that already result from training and games by the various junior football clubs. The proposed changes would create a rugby league field capable of hosting first grade rugby league games.

The proposal is inappropriate to the existing nature and uses of Burrows Park - opportunities for quiet contemplation of the magnificent scenery, for passive relaxation, for picnics and the occasional wedding or kite-flying adventure, and for off-leash dog walking and play. The plan is over-ambitious, inappropriate and at odds with everything the community values about Burrows Park.

Sandra Alexander Clovelly

Waste Not, Want Not

Dear Beast - I am writing to express my outrage that Randwick Council is spending ratepayers’ money scoping a proposal to turn Burrows Park into an international-sized rugby league field.

It is a ridiculous proposal that no one I know supports, and I understand the Clovelly Eagles and other rugby clubs don’t support it either.

What about the fact there is only one road into the park and one road out? Where are people going to park? Is the Council proposing to use the Clovelly headland, which is currently used by coastal walkers and off-leash dog walkers, to build a parking station?

It will create traffic jams and destroy parts of the coastal vegetation, transforming Burrows from a quiet, local ground for young kids into something capable of hosting first grade rugby league matches.

Randwick Council should be spending money upgrading the current amenities in the park if they have money to spend.

I encourage everyone to have their say about this. Unfortunately submissions closed on May 29, but Council should still consider them after the closing date. Please visit www.yoursay.randwick.nsw.gov.au.

Carolyn Odgers Clovelly

Population Growth

I was surprised and very pleased to see an editorial with comment about the elephant in the room - population growth. I commend your bravery, very courageous publisher! I hope you don’t get a pile-on accusing you of being a NIMBY or a racist, even though, as you say, it will put downward pressure on wages, especially in the lower paid areas. Just after the wages commission gave a small wage boost to that area, this will take it away. And, at the other end, cashed up professional migrants will put upward pressure on housing costs and rent - the very reason Singapore has such hefty taxes on foreign purchases of land and apartments.

This is all true, but my worry is the impact on the built and natural environment. We can expect calls for the scrapping of height and coverage codes, and development on open space and natural habitat. The standard call from developers, who love nothing more than high immigration rates is, “We have to do this so we can house all these people.” Think 52-story buildings like the ones being proposed for Parramatta, and developments like Chatswood, Bondi Junction and Surfers ‘Paradise’ all the way along Sydney’s coast, so the rich can sit above it all and enjoy the view. And, no, there will not be any affordable housing.

The mining companies that want to develop open space and some of the last refuges of our native animals (see the current attempts to mine the habitat of endangered cockatoos in WA and Cape York, as well as multiple others) plead, “We need to mine, pollute and destroy these lands for lithium, nickel and bauxite so we can move to a carbon neutral economy so we can save the planet!” Does everyone see the irony in that? And, “We need to create jobs for all these people!” It’s always the same nonsense, “This will create jobs.” Adani loved that one.

Since successive governments have sold or closed down nearly every type of manufacturing or creative industry in the country, we now import nearly everything made, and export dirt from bloody big holes in the land (and our plastic waste to Third World countries), so increasing population is the only business they have left to create the never-ending growth that they seek. Corporations love it, developers think it’s Christmas. The health budget gets stretched, but they don’t care, they go to private doctors and hospitals. Further education gets more expensive, HECS rates go up as universities rely on paying overseas students because government budgets don’t cover tertiary education, and they have to make cuts to public school funding because there is “only so much money in the budget.” Anyone want to buy a submarine?

More Information: Credit criteria, fees and charges apply. RAMS home loans are not available for foreign borrowers residing outside Australia. Offer is current as at 1 March 2023 and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. For new refinance applications received between 1 March 2023 and 31 August 2023. Settle by 30 November 2023. Min Loan $250k per property refinanced. Offer available on the Essential Home Loan, Full Feature and Fixed rate home loan products (excludes Line of Credit) Owner Occupier with Principal and Interest repayments and Investment Loans. Only 1 rebate per settled application with the predominant purpose is refinance will be paid regardless of the number of loans involved. This offer is not available in conjunction with the New Purchase Buyer $1,000 Rebate. Excludes Line of Credit Loans, switches and refinances of home loans within the Westpac Group which include St. George, Westpac, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA. Offer not available for Owner Occupier Interest Only loans or residential lending originated under family or company trusts. Not available to company and trust borrowers. The offer is limited to one rebate per eligible application. Split loans are counted as one settled home loan regardless of the number of splits. Rebate will be automatically deposited into the home loan account within 60 days after settlement. If the home loan has a fixed interest rate, the rebate will count towards the prepayment threshold. Tax consequences may arise from this promotion for investors and customers should seek independent advice on any taxation matters.

And I have heard the statement so many times since the 1980s, when we were sold globalisation and high population growth: “We need to bring in skilled migrants for the short-term until we train our own.” Well, that’s 40 years ago and it seems we still can’t train anyone.

This is the oldest and arguably driest land mass on the planet, with some of the most unique and amazing animals. When will we understand that we are only custodians of this land? It’s not ours to damage so much that it won’t recover. You don’t need to look after country; if you leave it alone it will look after itself. It did just that for over 50 million years.

Les Randwick

World Class Wastage

Sydney has its Opera House; now, Bronte might compete with an extravagant and architecturally egotistical surf club.

In October 2022 a Development Application for a replacement Bronte Surf Life Saving Club clubhouse was lodged with Waverley Council. Those expensive architect drawn plans resulted in such an outcry that they were abandoned. It is difficult to understand how they could have been considered even remotely acceptable.

Then, in April 2023, after another plan that was so monstrous it wasn’t even publicly released, even more plans emerged. This plan, designed by a member of the surf club, was promoted by the surf club and received general community acceptance. Importantly, it preserved The Cubes for our surfing community and those younger than me, and was ultimately approved by Council.

Additionally, senior members of Bronte Boardriders Club viewed the design and gave it their cautious endorsement, stating that it was clearly better than any other design previously presented, despite still maintaining the position that a surf club building on a small beach like Bronte does not need to be so big and so expensive to build. I agree with that view.

Hallelujah! A consensus! But then something happened.

After external architects had a look at the design, we were informed to the effect that the contracted design team had been expanded to include a specialist planning consultant and an internationally acclaimed architecture firm, and expectations are now that “the building would be of a ‘world class’ design that sets a new benchmark for coastal architecture.”

I fear that important features underpinning the consensus will be scrapped, despite Club President Basil Scafiddi having happily told us that “we instigated a new design which was greatly accepted by the members and very importantly by the community and was then adopted by Waverley Council.”

How much more will this cost? I suspect that, so far, at least some $650,000 has already been committed for architects’ fees alone.

Why a club with, in reality, about 600 members, needs a building of “‘world class’ design that sets a new benchmark for coastal architecture” at considerable public expense is questionable. Also, I wonder why an additional architecture firm and specialist planning consultant are needed? What is wrong with the architect that produced the April 2023 plan, which was acceptable to the club, the community and Council, being asked to deal with any outstanding issues?

It would be a gross breach of faith if the next expensive proposal departs from those aspects of the April 2023 design, which underpinned the acquiescence of those of the community and of Bronte Boardriders who were consulted and given assurances.

Greg Maidment Bronte

Charing Cross

Dear Sir - The points made by Mora Main in The Beast (Charing Cross Heritage, Letters, The Beast, May 2023) concerning Waverley Council’s proposed Charing Cross changes are valid. There is simply no need to tamper with the road lane widths as the existing footpath widths are perfectly adequate for the demand (existing and projected). The existing geometry has served the centre well as it permits both access and throughput in a classic high street environment. Reducing road lane widths here can have unintended adverse consequences, especially for the intensive bus services that operate through the Cross on a daily basis. The Cross works well just as it is. There is no need for any major road or footpath works. Save the money and use it elsewhere.

Robert Mills Randwick

Sandstone Steps Wreckstoration

Waverley Council repaired, or rather wrecked, sandstone steps on the coastal walk, Bondi, in the vicinity of the backyards of 64 and 66 Fletcher Street (photo below). The beautiful, possibly heritage listed sandstone steps, were wornout and needed repair, but slapping them with concrete completely destroyed their appearance.

I hope this is a temporary fix and that the steps will be properly restored to their sandstone glory, and that any other similar sandstone works by the Council will be made using sandstone and not concrete.

Darius Bronte

safety of users of our Coastal Walk and secondly to keep the walkway open for public enjoyment. The repair works to the sandstone stairs are a temporary make-safe solution only to keep this part of the walkway open until a permanent solution can be arranged.

Our Assest Team is auditing repairs to sandstone stairways at several locations along the coastal walk and will be seeking quotes from qualified professional stone masons to undertake permanent repairs. We ask for the community’s patience as we go through this process.

Waverley Council

Bus Shelters

Dear Mr Hutton - The topic of the JCDecaux-type bus shelter has been debated on a number of occasions in the last five years at Bronte Precinct. It is fair to say that the consensus of opinion is that they are “not fit for purpose”. As Nita succinctly points out (Bus Shelters, Letters, The Beast, May 2023), “… they DO NOT protect us from the baking sun, or the pouring rain or the chilly winds.”

As part of the debate of my motion on this topic at Monday evening’s meeting, it was revealed that decisions on matters such as bus shelters are made by officers under “delegated authority”. Councillors attending the Precinct meeting informed those present that this results in Councillors having little input into the decision process or outcome.

No doubt the relevant Council officers made their bus shelter decision based on established criteria such as cost. However, is this just another case of knowing the cost of everything and the value of nothing? Nita asserted, “… because these people do not travel on the buses at all in the Eastern Suburbs.” There appears to be validity in this assertion.

What commuter values waiting for a bus in a shelter that is not fit for purpose? What will be the long-term impact by commuters on their transport choices? Was this a criteria included by Council officers?

So, what were all of the criteria employed by these Council officers operating under “delegated authority”? What was the outcome of their deliberations against each of the criteria? Could The Beast pose these questions to Waverley Council? A little transparency would be nice.

Yours faithfully, Michael

Donnan Bronte

Gimme Shelter

In reply to Nita Marusich, North Bondi: Yes, I agree. A couple of years ago I wrote to Waverley Council with a comparison (made on one day of rain) of the old and the new bus shelters. Unfortunately I can’t find a copy of my letter, but the gist of it was that the old wooden shelters kept the rain off and the shiny new ones did not.

In fact, the seats in the new one on Birrell Street were full of water, and rain was driving into the ‘shelter’, which prompted me to walk in the rain to find better shelter, which I did across the park on Bondi Road - in the old structure near Paul Street, which was completely dry.

I was making a plea to keep the old wooden shelters and not replace them with useless new ones. The old ones are better designed, with large roofs that keep the rain off. The new ones have small roofs that are pretty much open to the elements; how can that be better design? And I think the old ones look nicer anyway!

I agree with all you have said about the uselessness of the new shelters. Please, could whoever approved this ‘upgrade’ actually come and try out a shelter - in rain, wind and baking sun? They don’t work!

Jennifer Waverley

Objections to Building and Extensions on Coogee Bay Site

I would like to formally state my objections to planning permission for the Coogee Bay site, referred to above. To consider this is an example of pure greed from all involved, with absolutely no thought or regard for the Coogee Bay community. I have been a resident of Coogee for more than 12 years and am one of many who can see the hugely negative impact this will have.

The key reasons for my objections:

● The proposed height exceeds the current limit for the foreshore zone. On top of this legality, it will stand out and be an eyesore in Coogee. It will look out of place and ruin the picturesque scene that is currently, and could continue to be, Coogee Beach.

● The artistic representation does not clearly show all wings and levels of the proposed buildingan instant sign of deception and intention to change.

● Proposal of demolition of three buildings has not considered nor provided a plan for re-housing current residents. Nor have I seen data to confirm their age, and may be pushing elderly people out of the homes they have owned for most of their lives.

● There will be a removal of eight trees, some of which are 100 years old and of significant heritage value. Again, removal of these creates more of an eyesore along the main Coogee strip.

●The SEE refers to a threefold increase in size of the gaming room but with no increase in machines. This increase will make the gaming room more attractive to gamblers coming in from external suburbs and will impact the type of people hanging around the area, particularly at night, causing significant risk to everyone but particularly females.

● The traffic study does not include data from the summer months. Again, another sign of clear deception and proof of intention moving forward. For the Council to approve this knowing that it is based on dishonourable data gives a clear idea of the integrity and the the ethics from those who approve.

● The new food and retail outlets will impact local business owners. On top of that, the Miami style retail centre will remove charm from the area and Coogee will begin to look as tacky as Bondi currently does.

● There will be unacceptable noise and air pollution to the community while this goes on.

The Council should consider this application for the deceptive trash that it is and put the needs of the community first, as opposed to lining the pockets of another greedy investor.

Laura Coogee

Toll Charges

On each occasion over two recent months when obliged to travel the M5 to the Wild West, I found ex- cessive deductions from my E-Toll account when my standard size station wagon was charged triple the normal rates in being recorded as a heavy vehicle. Enquiries resulted in suggestions that (a) I was tail-gating an oversize truck or towing a trailer (no to both), and (b) “Sometimes roof racks cause an incorrect reading.”

Drivers required to go beyond the civilised East and traverse these increasingly ubiquitous payroutes are thus advised to regularly check their E-Toll accounts as errors are invariably in favour of the toll operators, there being no record of a B-Double semi being charged sedan rates.

John Murray Coogee

I Support the Dive Wreck

Hi James - I’d just like to express my support for the dive wreck plans off Coogee. As John Rowe has said, such articial reefs improve biodiversity and have not had adverse environment impacts when the ships are appropriately decommissioned. From an economics perspective, the project stacks up too, with the costs of decomissioning more than offset by the boost to the local economy from recreational diving.

As a long time recreational diver and snorkeller, and a Coogee resident, I look forward to exploring the wonderous world of an undersea shipwreck in my backyard.

Russell Standish Coogee

Sinking Ship Off Coogee

James - Thank you for the piece about creating a new marine habitat off the Coogee coast (Plan to Create Diving Haven by Sinking Ship Off Coogee, Anthony Maguire, The Beast, June 2023). These carefully chosen wreck sites offer so much more to the environment than simply an interesting site for divers.

When a ship sinks (deliberately or not) in an area where there is not much natural structure, it becomes a garden in the desert for marine flora and fauna. A great example is SS Yongala, which sank to a barren sea floor south of Townsville in 1911. All these years later, the Yongala is regarded as

JANACZEWSKA

a marine reserve and dive site of world significance.

With a bit of political foresight and local determination Coogee could have a sunken treasure housing marine life and driving tourism for many generations to come.

Cameron Williams Coogee

Wreck Dive Site

Yes to Randwick Councillors: vote to approve the wreck dive proposed by Gordons Bay Scuba Diving Club. I’ve logged more than 400 dives including those of planes, ships and tanks around the world. I intend to snorkel above the wreck once it’s down there. Maybe for my 80th birthday in 2027. Please, Randwick Council, make it happen.

Pat Woolley Publicist

for the World Record Dive at Gordons Bay, 1996 ¢

Please send your feedback to letters@thebeast.com.au and include your name and suburb. We try and publish as many as possible, but nothing too crazy please.