Pittwater Life October 2017 Issue

Editorial
Consultation the buzzword
Pittwater Life went to print
the night before the vote
by the 15 new councillors to
determine the first Mayor of
our new Northern Beaches
Council, so we were unable
to garner a message from the
successful individual about his
or her plans for the future.
But we did approach key
individuals to try to get a handle
on how the former Pittwater
Council region might exert
influence on the machinations
of the new Council.
The key phrase we kept
hearing was “better community
consultation”. Which, given
that the protest over our
Council’s amalgamation hinged
greatly on a perceived lack of
community consultation, is
indeed encouraging.
Although, whether or not
that is followed through, is
quite another thing. It’s up to
us, the ratepayers, to keep the
administration accountable.
The run-up to the Council
election was dogged by fears
that party politics would
hijack our local government
but the result was anything
but that. The Liberals had five
councillors elected, the Your
Northern Beaches Independent
team six, plus three unaligned
independents and a Greens.
That’s a pretty good balance
and one that augurs well for
robust debate and some good
outcomes.
(More on the new councillors
and their vision on page 6.)
* * *
Iconic local institution
The Royal Prince Alfred
Yacht Club celebrates its
sesquicentenary this month.
But would you believe it?
It’s also a big year for one
of their passionate sailors
who celebrates 40 years as a
member.
Bill Buckle, 91, he of
significant motor industry
renown, is our ‘Life Stories’
focus this month (p28). What a
life, and what a story!
– Nigel Wall
The Local Voice Since 1991
OCTOBER 2017 3