Time for clean change

In a recent letter to the North Shore Times a writer proposed using ‘electrical solar panels’ instead of combustible cladding on the walls of high rise buildings (see full letter below).

We posed the following questions about the proposal (and are eagerly awaiting a response):

• Is there independent authoritative research that proves using solar panel as wall cladding is safe for the occupants of the buildings?
• what is the relative cost for solar cladding compared to fire rated cladding?
• what is the fire rating of the cladding?
• who in Australia has certified the cladding?
• where is the cladding being used in Australia?
• what is the reflective index of the cladding compared to traditional cladding?
• what colours does the cladding come in?
• what studies have looked at and certified the cladding from an Electro Magnetic Radiation (EMR) perspective, noting that the panels could be installed quite close to humans in workplaces and bedrooms.
• is it safe for these locations?
• given that there may be sections of the walls that do not receive sunlight, are there matching non-solar panels available?
• what is the carbon efficiency of manufacturing the panels compared to traditional panels?
• are these panels manufactured in Australia?
• would it be more prudent to adopt the Precautionary Principle when considering this matter?

Time for clean change

Recent reports state many high rise buildings in Chatswood score very poorly (on) energy efficiency. At the same time, over 60 buildings within Willoughby LGA have been found to have combustible cladding.

Where removal of combustible cladding is required to reduce fire risk, an obvious solution would be to install solar cladding and other exterior building materials embedded with photovoltaic cells as used successfully in Europe, Brazil and the Middle East.

Innovative renewable energy technologies must be embraced, particularly as solar panel prices have fallen up to 90 per cent in recent years, and long term running costs using renewable energy will decrease. This in turn will help reduce carbon emissions and damaging effects from climate change. At the same time it would demonstrate confidence in the local renewable energy sector, rather than going off shore, and importantly contribute to local jobs.

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To become a member of CWWPA, direct deposit $20* with your name in the reference field to BSB: 032090 Acct: 548083 & complete our Membership Application. Renewing members $10. *Non-refundable and subject to meeting membership criteria.

We would like to provide you with an update regarding the issue of the proposed floodlights at OH Reid Reserve.

With the support of our three West Ward Councillors (Lynne Saville, Craig Campbell and Tony Mustaca) Mayor, GM and Council, a Citizens Panel has been formed to enable input from local residents and sporting associations regarding short and longer term use of the reserve. The Citizens Panel will provide input into an OH Reid Masterplan which will include the issue of potential floodlighting.

The Council recently called for ‘expressions of interest’ for nominees to the Panel. I am pleased to inform you that several local West Chatswood residents have been selected to join the panel – myself and Diana Pryde, included.

The Panel will have four meetings between Aug and Oct. with a OH Reid Masterplan going to Council late this year or early next year, for review and hopefully endorsement. Our first meeting occurred on Aug. 19 and was facilitated by professional external facilitators and attended by 10 panel members including – West Chatswood residents, representatives from various sporting groups and a representative from Chatswood High School.

Rest assured we will be consulting further with you as the development of the plan progresses to keep you informed and seek your feedback on various issues and contents of the plan. In the interim, if you have any questions please get back to either of us.

Regards

Phil Sharratt/Diana Pryde

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To become a member of CWWPA, direct deposit $20* with your name in the reference field to BSB: 032090 Acct: 548083 & complete our Membership Application. Renewing members $10. *Non-refundable and subject to meeting membership criteria.

After reviewing the Chines-government funded ‘Confucius’ culture and language program in  13 of its schools, the NSW Department of Education has decided to replace the program with its own language programs to teach Mandarin at the schools.

One of the affected schools is Chatswood Public School. The new Chinese language program will commence in 2020.

As a reason for canning the very popular program the Department cited concern that there were “a number of specific factors that could give rise to the perception that the Confucius Institute is or could be facilitating inappropriate foreign influence in the department” However, the Department did not actually discover any evidence of political influence being exercised.

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To become a member of CWWPA, direct deposit $20* with your name in the reference field to BSB: 032090 Acct: 548083 & complete our Membership Application. Renewing members $10. *Non-refundable and subject to meeting membership criteria.

The State government seems to have backed down on their insistence that local Councils fund expanded benefits to the state’s firemen. Firemen are to be automatically guaranteed workers compensation for a range of ailments without the need to prove these were job related.

In the past the bulk of the cost for running our emergency services was raised as part of our home insurance policies. Since not everyone takes out home insurance the government decided that the cost would be transferred to local Councils, coming from the rates. However, the government still insists that Council rates would be capped.

Naturally, Councils objected, citing that they would need to cut other services.

In an apparent back-flip, the state government will cover the cost of the new benefits for the next year.

It is still open as to how the benefits will be funded in subsequent years.

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To become a member of CWWPA, direct deposit $20* with your name in the reference field to BSB: 032090 Acct: 548083 & complete our Membership Application. Renewing members $10. *Non-refundable and subject to meeting membership criteria.

Council recently floated the idea of having new shopping precincts within the Ward on the western side of the highway. Three possible locations were suggested. The results of the consultation was:

Council’s Management Team – Suggest and Spend our Rates

There is a move by the NSW Government to change the way Council rates are levied,

Currently, rates are based on what is known as the unimproved capital value of the property. The new proposal would see rates levied on the capital improvement value (CIV or market value). This would mean that a more valuable property would be hit with higher rates.

There is no suggestion that the total cap on Council rates would be removed. So there would be winners and losers if the market value is used. Commercial premises, shopping centres and luxury homes would pay an increased amount. Small residential units and houses would likely pay less.

There are cases for an against the system of raising rates. Rates are used to provide services. So, some argue that those services such as waste collection, roads and footpaths costs the same if they are in front of a luxury house or not. That being the case, we should all pay the same.

Others argue that the more affluent in society should underwrite the costs of providing services thus providing financial relief to those with lower financial assets.

This debate has been ongoing for some years.

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To become a member of CWWPA, direct deposit $20* with your name in the reference field to BSB: 032090 Acct: 548083 & complete our Membership Application. Renewing members $10. *Non-refundable and subject to meeting membership criteria.

You’re invited to attend the first of Willoughby City Council’s new Community Information Seminars – the innovative new way Council is engaging with the community. Chaired by Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney, the seminars are a forum to hear about significant issues and projects.

Monday 26 August, 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Council Chambers, Level 6, 31 Victor Street
Chatswood

Planning made easy: Presented by Greg McDonald, Director Planning and Infrastructure, Willoughby City Council

Take a walk through the complex maze known as the NSW planning system. We’ll explain the legislation and how Council manages the planning process, from city plans and zoning through to lodging a development application.

Sydney Metro Update 

The presentation will cover – an update on the Sydney Metro North West; a progress update on the Sydney City & Southwest project and much more.

Everyone welcome – no need to RSVP

For more information about Council’s new Community Information Seminars visit http://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/council-meetings/community-information-seminars/

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To become a member of CWWPA, direct deposit $20* with your name in the reference field to BSB: 032090 Acct: 548083 & complete our Membership Application. Renewing members $10. *Non-refundable and subject to meeting membership criteria.

Mrs Ilma Woodward (now Mrs Ilma Stokes) was Principal of Chatswood High in the
1970s for six years. She was the school’s third Principal and its first female Principal and also the first female Principal of a co-ed high school in NAW. Ilma turned 100 on the 23rd June, 2019.

At 100 years young Ilma is still sprightly, quick-witted and keen for a chat about anything and everything, from horse racing to history.

Forty years after she retired from teaching and her role as the head of Chatswood High School, Mrs Woodward remains passionate about the importance of teaching.

‘When people think about schools, they usually think about the students,’ she says.

‘But the teachers are very important too. I had a reputation for looking after the teachers and for supporting them to try new things in the classroom.’

While these days women principals are a common occurrence, back when Mrs Woodward was appointed to the job it was much less common.

‘I didn’t think too much about it at the time – you just got on with the job,’ she says.

Mrs Woodward’s success began much earlier when she was granted a scholarship to attend university.

She studied hard and received the university medal.

Soon after she got her first teaching job at Wentworth in the state’s far southwest.

‘When I finished my degree, they said, “Where would you like to teach,” and I said, “As far away from the city as I can get,”’ and that’s where they sent me,’ she says.

She went on to teach in Yass, Nowra, Sutherland, Hornsby, and Maitland, before being promoted to principal of Picton High and eventually Chatswood High.

It was while Ilma was working at Sutherland High that she met Lionel Woodward, a lecturer in French at Sydney University.

After Lionel died, some years later, Ilma married George Stokes, part of the well-known Stokes family of Mullumbimby.

Sources: CHA Newsletter, personal recollections, Paul Bibby – EchoNet Daily

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To become a member of CWWPA, direct deposit $20* with your name in the reference field to BSB: 032090 Acct: 548083 & complete our Membership Application. Renewing members $10. *Non-refundable and subject to meeting membership criteria.