According to Mayor Reilly, the likelihood of  a future line line from Chatswood to the northern beaches is remote. Commenting on the State Government’s plans for massive development over railway lines and stations, Mayor Reilly pointed out that at Chatswood there would be a major problem as the recent high rise development around the station has three floors of parking underground. Reilly also pointed out that an enclosure containing the railway lines was only wide enough for four tracks.

Mayor Reilly also pointed out the new bus interchange at Chatswood Station is already over capacity.He questioned where extra bus services could be accommodated.

The Federal Opposition have announced that they will not fund transport projects in NSW. Only roads and motorways will be funded. This means that major transport projects such as the Epping to Parramatta rail link will not be funded.

NSW Transport Minister Berejicklian is reported as saying that she welcomed the announcement. However there is $18M in current projects that now will not receive funding.

Federal Labour says it supports national funding for urban public transport projects.

The referendum designed to give Local Government financial certainty has been postponed. Evidently, the earliest the referendum could be held was September 14. .

Direct federal funding to local government has delivered safer roads, upgraded public amenities and better playgrounds and parks. However, it is at risk due to two court cases that found direct funding to be unconstitutional.

When the constitution was written federal funding for local government projects wasn’t mentioned, which means today billions of dollars in federal funding for community projects could technically be legally challenged.

The referendum, unlike many, looked likely to be passed as it had bipartisan support.

If you happen to be speaking with candidates for the upcoming election on 7th September, ask them what they intend to do about the referendum

Lake Macquarie Mayor Jodie Harrison said the way in which the constitution was worded meant it was crucial for the referendum to be passed.

“When our constitution was written 112 years ago, federal funding for local government projects wasn’t mentioned, which means today billions of dollars in federal funding for community projects could technically be legally challenged.”

A bill to hold the referendum cleared Parliament on June 24, with only seven Coalition senators voting against it.

The new planning system will radically alter how residents are informed and engage with planning for change in their local area.

At the moment residents are informed about 80% of development applications. Under the new laws this will drop to around 20%.

The government is saying that residents will have the opportunity to engage with the strategic planning for their local area, but this is exactly the same as now.

Basically, it appears that the government is trying to exclude residents and their opinions. All in the name of economic development and urban consolidation.

The new planning laws are likely to go before parliament shortly.

How will Willoughby Council raise enough money to cover its unfunded asset liabilities? 

State Electoral boundary interim win for West Ward locals: The western boundary for the State Electorate of Willoughby has been returned to the logical Willoughby City Council boundary in the interim map released recently by the State Electorate Commission. This means Mowbray Road (not Epping Road) will be the southern boundary, Lane Cove River will be the western boundary and Blue Gun Creek/Boundary Rd the northern boundary. Several local residents, the Willoughby Watch Editorial Committee and the Progress Association were among groups that wrote to the redistribution Commissioners pointing out that the previous western boundary along Greville Street (north and south sections) meant that about 100 houses near the entry to the Chatswood Golf Course were in the Lane Cove electorate, despite the residents community of interest with the rest of Willoughby electorate. The final boundaries are expected to be confirmed in September.

Perhaps one could be forgiven if they have trouble trying to understand actions of Willoughby Council. You always hear that Council is made up of community independents and that their first priority is for residents and ratepayers. Yet there have been two occurrences recently where Council seems to have put money at the top of their priorities.

On the old Albert Avenue car park near the railway station where Council reversed its former decision of opposition to the development when offered a $12 million incentive the Meriton Apartments to allow massive over-development of the site. Council however may stand to get nothing if Meriton don’t fully get their own way.

The second case at point is in relation to the Channel Nine redevelopment site in Artarmon. Council has been leading the charge  about a lack of community consultation. Then it is revealed that Council are prepared to sell Council land to the developer.

According to Council General Manager, Nick Tobin,

“We’re still opposed to the Nine development as it stands.But we understand something had to happen (with Scott St). The only property (it) serves is Channel 9 so it was silly not to include it into their site.If the department approves something we don’t like, we’ll at least get more value from it.”