From the Mayor - Pittwater Council

THE PITTWATER REPORT
July - September 2008
News for all Pittwater residents and ratepayers
From the Mayor
One of the things that makes Pittwater an idyllic place to live is its sense of
community. Many artistic and creative people have chosen to make their
home here and this is reflected in the range of cultural events that are on offer
throughout the year.
Another great aspect of life in Pittwater is the service offered to the community
by our volunteers. A recent report on environmental volunteering put us ahead
of most other areas in Sydney when it came to the number of people working
pro bono for the environment on an ongoing basis. One of our challenges in
the future is to encourage more people to volunteer for other communitybased
activities.
Governor Phillip Park playground at Palm Beach is one of five playgrounds temporarily closed by the Council
after an unusual bacteria linked to a salmonella outbreak was detected in sand
Salmonella playground puzzle
A mysterious bacteria forced
the closure of some Pittwater
playgrounds but a plan to reopen
them is now underway.
Five playgrounds in Pittwater have
been closed since May by Pittwater
Council on the advice of Northern
Sydney Central Coast Health (NSCCH).
It follows a spike in the number
of gastro-enteritis cases in young
children caused by an unusual strain
of the salmonella bacteria.
The playgrounds are Winnerreremy
Bay at Mona Vale, Katoa Close at
Warriewood, Governor Phillip Park at
Palm Beach, Hitchcock Park at Avalon
and South Avalon Beach.
Up to May this year, 26 confirmed
cases of gastro-enteritis caused by
salmonella java were reported in
Pittwater, with the majority affecting
young children. In most of the cases,
a link to sand in the playgrounds was
established through testing by NSCCH.
Sand at other playgrounds and
beachside areas in Pittwater was also
tested and results were negative.
Although the search is continuing for
the source of the bacteria, General
Manager Mark Ferguson said that the
Council would remove sand from the
playgrounds and disinfect affected
areas, before replacing the sand with a
mixture of bark and sand.
In the meantime, work is beginning on
an upgrade of two playground areas in
Dunbar Park Avalon and Pittwater Park
next to the Palm Beach wharf. New
playground equipment will be in place
at Pittwater Park this month, while at
Dunbar Park, work is underway on
creating three separate playground
areas for different age ranges.
In this issue we highlight some of the events and services that make Pittwater
special and contribute to the feeling of being connected to one another in
the community. I hope you enjoy reading about them and if you think you can
make a difference to them as a volunteer, please get in touch with us.
David James
Inside
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5 & 6
Page 7 & 8
News in brief
Keep up to date with what matters in Pittwater
Hot topics
Sustainable living – two local residents tell
their story
Green Light
The latest on the local environment
Supporting & connecting our community
Bringing the community together through events
and services
What’s On and useful contacts
pittwater.nsw.gov.au

News in brief
Newport upgrade underway
Work has begun on the upgrade to Barrenjoey Road in Newport including
footpath widening, tree planting, new street furniture and a landscaped
median strip. The work will continue until its completion in early December
and residents should allow extra time for travel through Newport due to
changed traffic conditions. For more details on
the upgrade visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au
Robertson Road will be transformed into a pedestrian plaza as
part of the Newport upgrade
Voting in elections this September
Coastal Environment Centre goes solar!
Home sweet sustainable home
Ever dreamt of making your home environmentally friendly and cheaper to run as well Two local residents share their experiences.
The house that Graeme & Barbara built
About 8 years ago, Graeme and Barbara Jessup conceived the idea of a building a totally sustainable home. After inheriting a block of land in Mona Vale, the
couple set about designing the house with the assistance of architect John Choi. As Barbara explains, ‘we wanted to put into practice a long-held dream.’
The house was completed in March this year and fulfils all the design principles for sustainable
living. It’s oriented to the north to take advantage of all-year-round sun, has cross-ventilation
and no air-conditioning. Louvered windows can be adjusted for ventilation according to the
season and the home is built on a concrete slab which warms in winter and cools in summer. A
set of six solar panels power and heat the home and so far the Jessups say they haven’t had to
use a gas booster for their hot water or energy needs.
Council elections will be held on Saturday 13 September and those
eligible to vote must get their details on the electoral roll by 4 August
2008. Enrolment forms are available from any post office and must
be returned to the State Electoral Office. For more info about Council
elections visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au
The latest on Currawong
Pittwater Council and community representatives have presented their arguments
against the proposed Eco Villages development of more than 20 new houses at
Currawong to the independent panel set up by Planning Minister Frank Sartor. The
Council also supported the heritage listing of the entire Currawong site in line with the
recommendation of the NSW Heritage Council to the panel.
The independent panel concluded a series of public hearings in June and is
assessing the development on behalf of the state government. It is now preparing
a recommendation on approval or refusal of the proposal for the NSW Planning
Minister Frank Sartor.
That sinking feeling
180 delegates at a recent Pittwater Council conference have called for state government action on rising
sea levels caused by climate change.
Mayor David James who chaired the conference said coastal councils in NSW needed a statewide
standard measurement to adopt for future planning controls in beachside and flood-prone areas. “We will
now work through the Sydney Coastal Councils Group to lobby the state government for more action on
this issue.”
Mayor David James at the Coastal Environment Centre while solar panels are installed
Pittwater Council’s Coastal Environment Centre at Narrabeen has installed
seven solar panels after successfully applying for a federal government
rebate of nearly $8000.
The panels will supply the Centre with around 30% of its energy needs and
save approximately $500 on annual power bills.
A garden filled with carefully selected native plants contains a 15,000 litre rainwater tank and
even has a solar-powered recycled water feature. Barbara Jessup says she and her husband
are delighted with their new home. “It’s beautifully designed and although it hasn’t been cheap
to build, the fact that we are saving so much on our energy, water and heating bills is very
satisfying.”
Barbara and Graeme recently joined a sustainability program coordinated by Warringah and
Pittwater Councils to spread the word on sustainable living. Visit www.choiropiha.com to find
out more about how the Jessups’ house was designed.
Let the sun shine
The Jessups’ house uses cross-ventilation and louvered windows instead of air
conditioning
TAFE teacher and local resident Bill Holland converted his home to run on solar power – and is now on a mission to persuade others to do the same. Bill and
his family first became interested in solar power a few years ago. Son Amnon took up the challenge initially, converting his bedroom to run his PC and other
appliances off a solar panel and a car battery.
In 2005 Bill and wife Chrissy decided to take the plunge and completely power their home using solar panels. Says Bill, “the whole house is grid-connect, which
means we get reimbursed on our energy bills and we haven’t had to pay for electricity for more than 16 months. Our electricity bills used to be $700 a quarter.”
According to Bill, 28 solar panels were installed at a cost of $32,000, minus the previous government rebate of $8000. However, he says costs have dropped
since then. “If you did the same system now, it would cost you $26,000. And if you only have a one or two person household, you could power your home on a
1 kilowatt system which would cost $12,000 and could be paid off in five years.”
Bill says he’s disappointed and perplexed by the federal government’s recent decision to axe the $8000 rebate for high-income households but is hopeful
the decision won’t put people off solar power. “Once the panels are installed they’re virtually maintenance free and the savings on energy bills can be really
dramatic.”
Bill has also negotiated a deal where a panel supplier will install a 1kw system for $4500 after the Commonwealth $8000 rebate and in addition donate a
panel to Pittwater High School’s solar panel project. To find out more email Bill at wfholland@optusnet.com.au
2 pittwater.nsw.gov.au 3

Green Light
The latest on the local environment
From the garden to the table
Gardening expert Paula Granelli explains the ancient practice of permaculture - growing your own food using a ‘no-dig’ system of raised
garden beds.
According to Paula, permaculture is based on the idea of sustaining oneself on an eco-system which is not destructive to the earth. “It’s a form of gardening that
uses no chemicals or pesticides and allows people with even limited outdoor space such as a balcony to grow their own food,” she explains.
On a practical level, permaculture means building garden beds from a combination of hay, compost and
manure, instead of digging a hole. The beds can be enclosed or open and are replenished by simply
adding more compost or hay. For unit-dwellers pots, planters and even polystyrene boxes can be used.
The results can be impressive. Paula recently assisted a local resident to turn their backyard into a
permaculture paradise, growing fruit and vegetables ranging from mangoes and limes to zucchinis
and beans. She also runs courses on permaculture at local education centres such as the Coastal
Environment Centre at Narrabeen.
Paula says that the preferred method of growing plants the permaculture way is from seed. “Choose
‘heritage’ or ‘heirloom’ seeds as these aren’t genetically modified,” she says. Seeds can be bought
online or at local nurseries.
For more info and to see examples of permaculture gardens visit www.permup.com. The next
permaculture course at the Coastal Environment Centre is on Sunday 17 August 1-3pm. To reserve a place phone 9970 1675.
This local backyard boasts an array of fruit and veggies grown the
permaculture way
Supporting & connecting our community
In this second of a series of feature articles on Pittwater’s 2020 strategy for the future, we look at how you can be involved in activities to
help us meet the goals of Supporting & Connecting our Community.
Key social goals for Pittwater by 2020
• A 10% increase in the proportion of residents who feel that they
belong to their local community
• A 30% increase in the participation of residents in community
events & activities
• A 20% increase in volunteering
• An 80% resident satisfaction level with the range and quality of
community & cultural facilities and events
• An 80% resident satisfaction level with the range and quality of
recreational facilities and events
• 80% of residents feel safe in the community
The journey begins in 2008-2009
• Produce a design for a new skate park at Mona Vale
• Complete and open the Newport Community Centre
• Develop a recognition program for outstanding members of the
community
• Develop ways to increase the level of volunteering
• Provide an integrated childcare service for the 0-5 age group
• Provide community events that celebrate diversity and where we
live
• Coordinate an annual events calendar for Pittwater
• Finalise new facilities for Church Point and Bilarong Reserves
• Help community members apply for a range of environmental
grants
Your environmental levy at work
Pittwater’s ratepayers currently pay a 5% environmental and
infrastructure levy that helps fund numerous projects. Here’s a
rundown of how the money’s been spent this financial year - and
what’s ahead.
Part of the new sea wall at Church Point
Improvements in 2007-2008
• Road resurfacing in Avalon, Bayview, Bilgola Plateau, Clareville, Elanora
Heights, Palm Beach, Warriewood, Whale Beach - $416,818
• New footpaths and pedestrian crossings in Mona Vale, North Avalon, North
Narrabeen and Newport - $592,412
• Rainwater tanks and irrigation, seawalls and erosion control at Bilgola
Beach, Careel Bay, Church Point, Bayview and Mona Vale - $671,931
• Bushfire risk management and walking tracks in Newport and Warriewood -
$222,669
Coming up in 2008-2009
• Road resurfacing - $517,000
• New footpaths and pedestrian crossings - $250,000
• Open space improvements and rainwater tank installation at Avalon Golf
Course, Lake Park Narrabeen, Careel Bay and Hitchcock Park at Avalon -
$390,000
• Further repairs to Church Point seawall - $30,000
• Walking tracks and erosion control - $250,000
For full details on levy spending and projects visit
www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/environment
• An 80% resident satisfaction level with access to health services
The arts
ArtZpace
A designated space each year set
aside for professional and emerging
young artists at Avalon Recreation
Centre. Artists can display and
sell their work using professional
hanging space. In 2009 ArtZpace
will be between 10 January and 16
January featuring the work of ten
artists and sculptors. For enquiries
about ArtZpace phone 9970 1111.
Barrenjoey Music Room
On weekends at Barrenjoey High
School North Avalon, the Music
Room is a concert of high-quality,
live music for the whole community.
Music styles vary from classical,
jazz to roots and blues, a capella
and gospel. The concert features
soloists, ensembles and bands and
often impromptu performances as
musicians mingle together. Phone
9918 8811 for info on the next
concert.
Author Talks
One evening every month leading
authors speak about their work at
Mona Vale library. Each author talk is
followed by a question and answer
session, book signing and light
refreshments. For more info about
forthcoming talks phone 9970 1605.
Pittwater Camera Club
The Club meets weekly at Bayview
and has regular photography
competitions, lectures and social
events, as well as weekends away.
New members are welcome; visit
www.pittwatercameraclub.org for
more info.
For older residents
Narrabeen Seniors Group
Mahjong, table tennis, indoor bowls,
music and dancing are just a few
of the activities held at Nelson
Heather Centre, cnr Jacksons Road,
Narrabeen. For more info about the
group contact June on 9913 8821.
Avalon Active Seniors
At the other end of Pittwater, Avalon
Active Seniors are based in the
Avalon Recreation Centre and offer
art classes, bushwalking, discussion
groups and ballroom dancing.
Contact Jan on 9918 7624 to find
out more.
4 pittwater.nsw.gov.au 5

Supporting & connecting our community
For younger residents
Artfest & Art in the Park
With this year’s theme ‘My Space’,
Artfest is for pre-schoolers to senior
students and is open for entries
until early September, culminating
in an exhibition at Avalon Recreation
Centre between 26 September and
1 October 2008. Another festival
highlight is the Art in the Park
experience, where young artists can
work alongside professional artists
to create artworks in Dunbar Park,
Avalon on 27 September. Visit www.
pittwaterartfest.com.au for more
info.
24/7 Film Festival
The Festival is designed for those
aged 12-24 years to unleash their
creative talents through the art of
film. The festival is made up of
film workshops throughout August
each year, and then a fast-paced
team or individual entry competition
where entrants are given the
challenge of making a film of up
to 7 minutes in just 24 hours. The
Festival concludes with showings
at various cinemas on the northern
beaches and in Mosman throughout
September. Visit www.myspace.
com/247youthfilmfestival for full
details.
A helping hand
Northside Community Connect
The local coordinators for meals on
wheels, assistance with gardening
for housebound residents and other
community services, Northside
Community Connect also recruit
volunteers. For more info phone
9931 7777 or email victoriam@
northsideconnect.com.au
Bushcare
More than 20 Bushcare volunteer
groups help transform areas of
Pittwater by pulling out weeds and
replanting natives. Each group
usually meets monthly and even
just an hour’s help is welcomed.
Visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/
environment to find out where the
nearest group is to you or phone
9970 1111.
Peninsula Toy Factory
Do you have toys your kids have
outgrown Every Wednesday
morning at Ingleside volunteers
take old and broken toys and renew
them for disadvantaged children.
The ‘toy factory’ is currently looking
for an extra volunteer with electrical
know-how – as well as donated
toys. Donations can be left at
libraries in Pittwater or at Kimbriki
waste facility. For more info contact
John Seaton on 9918 0424.
For dog lovers
Dog Day by the Bay
The ultimate event for dog
owners and dog lovers held every
September at Rowland Reserve,
Bayview. There are obedience and
agility demonstrations, product and
info stalls, talks by dog experts and
competitions with generous prizes.
Stall holder bookings are now
open for this year’s event on 28
September 2008; visit www.
pittwater.nsw.gov.au to book online,
or phone 9970 1194.
Scotland Island Dog Race
This quirky event is held every
year on Christmas Eve and had its
beginnings in the early 70s, when
the dogs of two offshore residents
raced each other for a bottle of beer
and a can of dog food across a 500
metre stretch of water between
Scotland Island and Church Point.
Nowadays the event attracts nearly
30 dogs and more than 2000
spectators. For more info email
paul@paulpurvis.net
For everyone
Narrabeen Car Boot Sale
Open to anyone with a car or small
trailer, the car boot sale is in the
grounds of Narrabeen Sports High
off Pittwater Road. Food and drinks
on sale, plus everything you can fit
in the back of a car! On between
7.30am and 3.30pm on the last
Sunday of February, May, August
and November each year. Selling
space costs $35 for a car and $40
for a trailer; for bookings and info
contact 0434 928 028.
Australia Day at Newport Beach
Pittwater’s celebration of Australia
Day is on 26 January every year
between 7am and 10.30am
at Newport Beach. Share in a
traditional BBQ breakfast, citizenship
ceremony, Australia Day award
presentation and activities including
thong-throwing, face-painting and a
bush band.
Visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au for
more info from November onwards.
What’s on in Pittwater
JULY
18 &19 – Elanora Players presents the
comedy Love Begins at Fifty, Elanora
Community Centre, 49A Kalang Road,
Elanora. Bookings: 9982 7364 or elanora.
bookings@bigpond.com
21 – Aboriginal support group meeting
from 7.30pm at Nelson Heather Centre,
cnr Jacksons Road North Narrabeen.
Enquiries: 9913 7940
21 – Pittwater Camera Club photography
competition at 1842 Pittwater Road,
Bayview. New members and visitors
welcome. Enquiries: 9918 8220 or
sueklev@yahoo.com.au
26 – Rugby at Pittwater Park between
Warringah and Penrith. Kick-off at 3pm
27 – Bird watching between 9.30-
11.30am at Red Hill, home of quails,
finches and honeyeaters. Enquiries: 9970
6905
31 – Citizenship
ceremony at Mona
Vale Memorial Hall
from 6pm. Enquiries:
Dept of Immigration
131 800
Coming up – sustainable living
workshops
AUGUST
Want to do your bit for the environment but don’t know where to start Free
workshops on sustainable living are being held later this year. Choose from:
1 Oct – Composting & worm farming
Bring the whole family for this fun hands-on workshop.
23 Oct – Eco-gardening
Plenty of tips on low maintenance gardening and saving water.
5 – Line dancing at Nelson Heather Centre
7-9pm. Enquiries: 9981 1212
14 – Animal Liberation meeting at North
Narrabeen Community Centre, 2-10
Woorarra Avenue, North Narrabeen from
7pm. Enquiries: 9262 3221
24 – Avalon Buddhist Group meditates at
Avalon Recreation Centre between 3pm
and 4pm. Enquiries: 0427 569 974
24 – Annual Pub-to-Pub Fun Run from
Dee Why Beach to the Newport Arms from
8am. Please note no entries on the day;
pre-register at www.pub2pub.com.au
25 – Free workshop for parents/guardians
of learner drivers, 6.30-8.30pm at Mona
Vale. Learn how to plan driving lessons,
deal with problems on the road and give
feedback. Bookings essential: 9970 1194
29-31 – Lifeline Giant Book Sale at the
Ted Blackwood Centre, cnr Jacksons &
Boondah Roads, Warriewood. Thousands
of books to choose from! Enquiries: 9949
5522
19 Nov – Natural cleaning
Practical help on how to reduce
chemical use when cleaning your
home.
3 Dec – Recycling
Learn how to reduce your impact
on the environment at home and
at work.
Bookings are essential for all workshops: Phone 9970 1194 or book online at www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/environment
SEPTEMBER
12 – Deadline for entries to the annual
Artfest competition for children from preschool
to 18 years. This year’s theme is
‘My Space’. Enquiries: 9973 2345 or visit
www.pittwaterartfest.com.au
13 - Free child restraint checking day
by an RTA approved fitter. Bookings are
essential: phone 9970 1194.
14 – Sustainable House Day. See how you
can transform where you live by visiting
some sustainable homes. For locations of
open homes on the northern beaches visit
www.solarhouseday.com
19 – Art demonstration hosted by North
Shore Art Society at Nelson Heather
Centre, cnr Jacksons Road Narrabeen from
10am. Enjoy morning tea while you watch
an artist at work. Enquiries: 9979 2453
28 – Dog Day by the Bay, Rowland
Reserve, Bayview 10am-3pm. Events,
stalls, competitions and activities for
dog-owners and their pets, plus heaps of
prizes! Enquiries: 9970 1226 (insert pic)
26 – Artfest begins with the opening of
exhibited entries at Avalon Recreation
Centre, 59A Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon.
Plus Art in the Park on 27 September. Visit
www.pittwaterartfest.com.au for full details
Photography by Tanya Carmont, Mia Dalby-Ball, Steve Lawler, Jan Hawthorn and Sharon Kinnison, Kylie Llewellyn, Choi Ropiha Architects and members of the Pittwater Camera Club
6 pittwater.nsw.gov.au 7

Pittwater Councillors
Mayor: David James
Deputy Mayor: Patricia Giles OAM
Northern Ward (Palm Beach, Whale Beach, Avalon, Careel
Bay, Bilgola, Clareville, Coasters Retreat, Mackerel Beach)
Handy contacts this spring
September/October vacation care
9970 1241 or vacation_care@pittwater.nsw.gov.au
Wet weather sportsfield hotline
9970 1236 (24 hours)
Library home delivery service
8977 3333
Bob Grace
Ph: 9974 5399
Alex McTaggart
Ph: 9918 8431
Natalie Stevens
Ph: 0415 221 239
Meals-on-wheels
9970 8399
Central Ward (Newport, Scotland Island, Church Point,
Lovett Bay, Elvina Bay, Towlers Bay, Mona Vale, Bayview)
Rex Butler
Ph: 9970 1104
Patricia Giles OAM
Ph: 9979 1331
Note: Councillor Ian
Treharne has retired.
Central Ward residents
will be represented by
Crs Giles and Butler
pending the outcome
of Council elections in
September 2008.
Southern Ward (Warriewood, Ingleside, Elanora Heights,
North Narrabeen)
Pittwater Council
Customer Service Centres:
1 Park Street, Mona Vale Mon-Thurs 8.00am-5.30pm
Fri 8.00am-5.00pm
59a Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Mon-Thurs 8.30am-5.30pm
Friday 8.30am-5.00pm
Ph: 9970 1111 (24 hours)
Fax: 9970 7150
Email: Pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au
Mail: PO Box 882 Mona Vale NSW 1660
Lynne Czinner
Ph: 9997 1723
Julie Hegarty
Ph: 0400 341 168
David James
Ph: 9913 3063
Or email Councillors any time at Pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au
Council meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month
from 6.30pm at Mona Vale Memorial Hall, Park Street, Mona
Vale. For requests to speak at meetings contact 9970 1111.
Agendas are available from the Friday prior to each meeting
at www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au
This newsletter is printed on 100% recycled paper and uses soy-based inks