Dear Editor,

I have taken a photograph from my car on my way to work on 28 Oct at 8.55 am which clearly shows the queue of cars trying to get to Centennial Ave lights from other parts of our suburb in order to turn west. I have sent it to the Council. I feel sorry for our fellow residents in Coolaroo Rd. Is there any way I can post this photo on this web site?

This would not happen if all these cars could turn right from Beaconsfield Rd to Mowbray.

Thanks to all those that attended the JRPP meeting on the 23^rd October and especially to those that spoke. It was a curious meeting that seemed to focus more on whether the community feedback was relevant to a planning decision rather than actually listening to the feedback. See the attached notification of the panel’s decision. I note that they make specific reference to the bush fire concerns that were raised.

My interpretation of the recommendation means that, if the Minister agrees, the land will be zoned R3 Medium Density, limited to 60 dwellings of minimum lot size of 220 square metres and 12 metre height restriction which is about 3 storeys. The zoning still allows for adaptive reuse of the existing building but the current concept plans from the developer suggest terraced-style townhouses. Compared to the original proposal for 6 storey apartment blocks of up to 250 dwellings, this is appears to be somewhat of a compromise although not the preferred outcome.

It’s unclear what the developer will do next. If they submit a Development Application, our focus will move to details ensuring the community’s views are heard on issues such as overshadowing etc.

Drop me an email if you have any questions or concerns and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Thanks again for all your support.

Resident’s Consultative Committee

There is quite a deal of confusion about who controls Fixed Speed Camera. Some people thinks it is RMS(RTA). Others think the Police.

The reality is that Fixed Speed Cameras are managed by the Centre for Road Safety. This is a unity of the NSW Department of Transport under the direction of Minister Gladys Berijiklian.

The Centre for Road Safety has an interesting website: Centre for Road Safety

On the Centre’s site you can nominate a site for a speed camera.

You may {or may not} be aware that part of The Concourse project was to reinstate the Wurlitzer Organ that came from the old Acadia Theatre. The organ had been installed in the old Town Hall. In fact, this project had a budget in excess of half a million dollars.

We asked Clr. Saville to get us an update on progress (the organ should have been operational when The Concourse was opened). Clr. Saville has reported as follows:

“I have been advised as follows because of slowness of the contractors, the health of one contractor and access to the building. Council is working through a new project plan to complete the installation and will report back in the New Year”.

Moves are afoot at Willoughby Council to introduce significantly more paid parking meters in residential areas of the city. .

Along with parking meters comes increased fines.

A recent article in The Daily Telegraph listed Willoughby Council in 6th spot (out of the 42 Sydney Councils) for parking fine revenue.

The downside of this initiative is having parking meters in residential areas. The upside (unless you are one fined) is more revenue for Council to spend on public services

There will be a future article outlining the proposed changes to parking across Willoughby.

Councillor L Saville has indicated her intention to move the following Notice of Motion.

THAT Willoughby city Council holds a Renewable Energy Scoping meeting, and that it invites a consultant/specialist in renewable energy related to Local Government.

Amongst reasons given in support of this motion are that with advances in technology, there may be further opportunities to advance renewable energy initiatives locally. Leichhardt has set a target of becoming 100% renewable by 2025.

The General Manager’s position on the motion is: Council has already committed to a renewable energy target of 20% by 2020 as resolved at the meeting of 20 February 2012. That target was determined after careful consideration of the practicalities of implementing the target as well as the state of technology and market conditions for energy costs. A progress report was presented to Council on 17 June 2013 (both reports attached). In that latest report Council is making significant progress in the implementation of renewable energy.

Indeed, other Councils, including Leichhardt, have approached our staff to learn about our successes and experiences.
At this stage a Renewable Energy Scoping meeting is not necessary, however, the Sustainable Environment Branch will continue to report to Council on any advances into the future

.OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION
That Council not proceed with the proposal for a scoping meeting.

Some time ago, after extensive analysis, Council decided to proceed with the closure of Spring St due to the number of accidents (including pedestrian) at Victoria Avenue.

Staff have now refined the design to maintain the four disabled parking spaces. The amended proposal also retains the 3 existing loading zone spaces, 2 motorcycle parking bays and 2 No Parking zones. The number of 1/2P spaces is increased from 11 to 14 spaces which addresses concerns raised originally by shopkeepers in regard to a lack of short term parking.
Further consultation has not been undertaken with the shopkeepers. The design being recommended to Council in this report has not changed from the concept which received the support of the shopkeepers /. landowners and which was originally adopted by Council.

OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION
That:
1. The amended parking arrangements in Spring Street be approved as per details on the tabled plan.
2. That the pedestrian refuge in Spring Street be removed and replaced by a marked foot crossing

For many years Council has been trying to restrict brothels to Industrial Areas. However they are also allowed in Business Zones. After investigating the situation further, Council has decided to PROHIBIT any new brothels in Industrial Zones.

The Detailed Report can be read here.

We recently ran a short report outlining Council’s strong financial results.

A full copy of the report can be found here.