The Weekly Times - TWT - 4th July 2018

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4 THE WEEKLY TIMES Wednesday 4 July, 2018 Help needed for drought stricken farmers Dear Sir, Don’t doubt the drought! Imagine your lawns, our parks, our playing fields without a blade of grass, and without the availability of water. This is the scene that our country friends are exposed to day after day, month after month. However, this is only the tip of the drought “iceberg”. Then reality bites! Their stock is in very poor health, barely able to stand. The sale price is worthless, and then ultimately and tragically there is no choice but to destroy their livestock. Recently the Premier and Deputy Premier visited a property at Dubbo sifting drought stained dirt through their hands in front of the media. The response by the State Government for the drought relief was short, unresearched, and lacked compassion for the suffering which exist in the bush. It included a fifty thousand dollar seven year LOAN!!!!, support for innovation for farming, and…… wait for this…..guidance for the preparation for impending drought. Clearly this proposal was developed by bureaucrats in Macquarie Street! If our Local Member, Mr Anthony Roberts (a Minister in the Government) actually agrees and supports this nonsense, then he and his cabinet colleagues need to confront the real issues facing the farmers and their suffering. Not just a “fly in and fly out” visit expressing the governments so called understanding and sympathy to the bush. The key support the farmers need is a subsidy program so feed and hay can be transported to the farm gate. Due to the lack of available feed most need to be obtained from WA. The cost of feeding farm stock is prohibitive. The State Government has a subsidy based program for our public transport system for 85 percent. Where is the subsidies support for our farmers and their transport costs? Having grown up in North Western NSW I have experienced and witnessed the devastation, the suffering, and the anguish of a prolonged drought. The wider affect the drought has on a town’s community is severe and in some cases HUNTER’S HILL COUNCIL HUNTER’S HILL COUNCIL NOTIFICATION OF DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION In accordance with the provisions of Part 6.1 Notification Policy of Hunters Hill Consolidated Development Control Plan 2013, notice is hereby given that Council is in receipt of the following Section 4.55 Application modifying the previous Development Application and Development Application. DA No. Site Proposal Contact 2016-111-3 28 Mary Street Hunters Hill 2018-1050 60 Woolwich Road Hunters Hill Letters to the Editor permanent. So I say to Anthony Roberts and his government, be careful not to take the country vote for granted. Remember the Orange bielection of 2016. PETER THOMAS Gladesville Rational thoughts or ‘racist rants’ Dear Sir, I thought I’d move from looking at Mr Ikonomou’s racist rant (don’t you just love that phrase?) as if it held any historical or factual evidence to the language he uses. (Year 9 English would love this!) For a start, we PC fairies actually live at the “bottom” of the garden - a misquote from a poem originally by Rose Fyleman (Try Google, gentle reader. Be warned - she’s also an “other.”) None of us, by the way, are in the habit of ignoring crime, density of population or the other ills of modernity. We just don’t blame any particular group. Mr I, as I now fondly think of him (well, it is always “me, me, me” isn’t it?) uses the classic terms of the racist, so he cannot be pinned down to justify what he says. Let’s see: “billions of dollars of Chinese money (some undoubtedly corrupt)” - does he mean the money is corrupt, the Chinese who invest it are corrupt or does the word “undoubtedly” give him away - he does not actually know? Actually, if we look at Australian history we’d understand that in the past it was British money and then American money that bought up our assets - think General Motors Holden (how long was it actually an Australian car?); British Tobacco - we’ve smoked ourselves to death ever since - what say you about corruption? More people die from nicotine than ice, Mr I, terrible as the latter is. High rise may be ugly and crowding out the traditional home. Well, we could expand into the food-growing areas around our cities with traditional quarter acre blocks. That’s where the wogs and ities (excuse the expressions,) who were the “huge influx” of the 1950s, ended up. But, Mr I, they weren’t “Asian” were they? What happened to the Italian market gardens that once were the feature of Eastwood? Section 4.55 – Amend setback of swimming pool from secondary boundary Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of new two (2) storey dwelling and swimming pool LETTERS Welcome TWT welcomes letters from our readers. Full name, address and telephone number MUST be supplied, even if not for publication. Send to: TWT PO Box 123, Ryde 1680 or email: contactus@weekly times.com.au Of course we’ve got to be wary of people who think they can “buy” influence with political donations. Watch out for mining magnates, property developers, newspaper owners, retired politicians and their ilk. That’s why we live in a healthy democracy which has laws to protect us, active journalists (like in this paper) to suss out such attempts. But, Mr I, why have such a narrow focus? Racist rants are no substitute for rational thought. Did we need “that type of migrant” in the 1870s that bred our first terrorist, Ned Kelly - Irish, cop killer? Did we need those sons of old England that murdered and raped at Myall Creek in 1838? Dear Mr I, we’ve tried taking you seriously, we’ve tried to suggest that you are laughable. Find something else to do. Join a political party - Pauline would probably take you. BOB SELINGER Eastwood Australian Mental Health Prize Dear Sir, The majority of Australians are touched by the impact of mental health in some way. Many live with the daily burden of anxiety or depression, or care for a loved one. Devastatingly, thousands of Australians die by suicide each year and many more make an attempt. It is the leading cause of death for Australians between 15 and 44 years of age, but it can be prevented. There are thousands of people working tirelessly to make a difference in this field and their efforts could not be more urgent. Anyone who knows of such a person would no doubt appreciate their achievements, but I would encourage them to take it one step further and nominate them for the Australian Mental Health Prize. Mr Kerry Smith Senior Development Officer Mr Shahram Zadgan Development Assessment Officer The plans and supporting documentation may be inspected at the Customer Service Centre between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Written submissions will be received up until 4.00 pm 3 August 2018 and all enquiries may be directed to Senior Development Officer or Development Assessment Officer, on 9879 9400. Barry Smith GENERAL MANAGER The Prize was established to acknowledge those who are doing innovative work in this area, whether they are involved in the industry as a vocation or are advocates because they have been touched by mental illness. Acknowledging those who work or volunteer in the industry is an important part of the process to destigmatising mental illness. Nominations are now open and I urge people to nominate people in your area. More information and nomination forms can be obtained from www.australianmentalhealthprize.org.au Entries close on September 7. For those who are living with the burden of mental illness every day, thank you for your support. ITA BUTTROSE AO OBE Chair - Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Group Big Asian demand for NSW coal Dear Sir, A new report on expected Asian demand for Australian thermal coal highlights a significant opportunity for NSW, and the risk that this opportunity may be lost to others. The report by expert industry analyst Commodity Insights (commissioned by the MCA and COAL21 Fund) has forecast strong demand for Australian thermal coal, including here in NSW, across existing and emerging Asian markets between now and 2030. The report estimates that Asian thermal coal demand is expected to grow over 400 million tonnes (Mt) from 740Mt in 2017 to 1147Mt in 2030 - that’s double Australia’s total 2017 thermal coal export volume of 200Mt. Demand is expected to be driven by increased regional industrialisation and the development of high efficiency low emission (HELE) coalfired power stations across many of NSW traditional coal export markets including Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea, as well as in emerging markets like Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand. This report confirms strong future prospects for NSW coal exports due to a significant increase in Asian demand for thermal coal for power generation, providing an opportunity for more NSW mining jobs, higher sustained NSW mining royalties and lower global emissions.” It should also be understood that failure to grasp this opportunity will mean thermal coal will be supplied by others, resulting in fewer NSW jobs, less NSW mining royalties, and potentially higher global emissions from low quality coal. The NSW Budget was a clear demonstration of the economic benefits of mining to NSW, with a record $1.8 billion in royalties for 2017- 18, and even higher royalties forecast for the years ahead to help to pay for better services for the community. The projected $7.4 billion in mining royalties to 2021-22 would more than pay for the NSW Government’s $6 billion commitment to fund 170 new and upgraded schools, or pay for almost all of the NSW Government’s $8 billion commitment for better health facilities including 40 new or upgraded hospital across NSW. This report shows that with the right policies to support mining we can lock in these benefits for the longer term. However, the report highlights the need for an efficient mining approvals process and a regulatory system that is effective but not burdensome. STEPHEN GALILEE CEO, NSW Minerals Council Hunters Hill Guest Column Bridge is good for the brain and a fulfilling activity BRIDGE is derived from the 17th century card game whist, which was in vogue among the English nobility of the time. In whist, four players (who comprise two partnerships) are each dealt 13 cards from a 52 card deck, with a partnership’s objective being to win as many tricks as possible. There was no auction to determine the trump suit as there is in modern bridge and the scoring was vastly more simple. In 1925 Contract bridge was invented by the American Harold Vanderbilt. It quickly gained popularity in the United States and it experienced its Golden Age in the 1930s and 1940s during which time the game featured prominently in Sports Illustrated and competed with baseball to be America’s national pastime. Bridge remains popular around the world today. It combines the elements of mental stimulation, luck and socialising all of which are hard to find in other games as cheap and easy to play. * * * ALTHOUGH bridge’s golden age may not be replicated again, millions of Americans still enjoy the game. The game is a dominant force in European countries such as France, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway and Iceland whilst other unlikely hotbeds of bridge include Brazil, Turkey and Israel. In recent years the game has spread like wildfire through China and Indonesia. Bridge is one of the few games played today by people of all ages, faiths and nationalities. To The POINT with BOB TERNES Closer to home, bridge in Australia is controlled by the Australian Bridge Federation which has about 330 clubs under its umbrella with a total membership in excess of 35,000. You will find a thriving bridge club in almost every regional city in Australia and these clubs are always delighted to welcome visitors to participate in their sessions. It certainly adds another dimension to the joys of travel knowing that it is easy to meet the locals and enjoy a social game of bridge with them. Still on the travel theme, bridge holidays have become extremely popular with a growing number of players. These holidays are normally run by experienced professional players and teachers and enable players to improve their bridge play whilst meeting new friends and enjoying new holiday destinations. These holidays explore exotic locations both in Australia and overseas and, because of the group travel, are often available at discounted prices. * * * EVEN closer to home, the Hunters Hill Bridge Club has successfully operated in Hunters Hill for more than forty years. Today it boasts over 350 members who, because of the support of the Hunters Hill Council, enjoy playing at numerous bridge sessions during the week in the beautiful Henley Community Centre located on the banks of the Parramatta River. The Club caters to all standards of players from absolute beginners to established representative players. The Club is very active in promoting the game and throughout the year it provides lessons for beginners as well as for intermediate and advanced players. These lessons are given by accredited teachers and representative players and enable club members continually to improve their skills and enjoyment of the game. The Club operates in a friendly, social atmosphere with the real opportunity of making new and lasting friendships whilst enjoying a hugely challenging game requiring skill, knowledge, concentration and logic. The Club is run by the members as a not-for-profit organisation which enables it to keep costs to a minimum. For a very small outlay you can enjoy a game of bridge over a three hour period in very congenial surroundings. The Hunters Hill Bridge Club looks forward to welcoming you as a member. More information can be found on our website www. huntershill.bridge-club.org or by phoning 0419 488 701. BOB TERNES is the President of Hunters Hill Bridge Club Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts announces funding for heritage in Hunters Hill. He is pictured at Gladesville Hospital, a significant heritage site Mr Roberts has fought hard to protect. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO Hunters Hill heritage wins State budget funding THE Hunters Hill Heritage Trust has received more than $36,000 in the State Budget thanks to lobbying from Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts. Mr Roberts said the community organisation with information and photographs $36,010 grant has been approved under the NSW Government Heritage Grants Program to help the trust share the stories of Hunters Hill’s past. “I am pleased to announce the successful grant to Hunters Hill Trust Incorporated, for their Project called the Heritage of Hunters Hill: Digitised Online Resource; Publication and Oral histories,” Mr Roberts said. “Looking after our heritage is everyone’s responsibility and local communities play an important role in maintaining more than 400 members committed to preserving the unique heritage of Australia’s oldest garden suburb. Hunters Hill has 1,244 listed heritage items that includes buildings, sub-divisions, bushland, stone walls and 223 places listed on the Register of the National Estate and 102 documented Aboriginal heritage sites. “It is a place of national significance this project will provide images and historical information for approximately 500 of these heritage items so that they can be of heritage items and interview senior community members about past aspects of life in Hunters Hill. The grant will also enable the Trust to add newly created heritage records to the website. “The publication, searchable heritage material and oral histories will be launched as the centre-piece of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Trust,” he said. “This event is likely to attract significant attention as it was part of the first Green Bans in the world.” heritage at a local level. understood and protected For more information “This funding round marks the 40th anniversary of the state funded heritage grants program.” The Hunters Hill Trust is a for future generations,” Mr Roberts said. He said the grant will specifically assist the Trust to create a bank of historical about the projects and the NSW Government’s Heritage Grants visit the website www.environment.nsw.gov. au
Wednesday 4 July, 2018 THE WEEKLY TIMES 5 Gladesville residents force removal of ‘diabolical’ stop sign GLADESVILLE residents backed by The Weekly Times and City of Ryde Clr Roy Maggio have been able to get the council to remove a controversial STOP sign at the intersection of Monash and Buffalo Roads. Councillor Maggio received confirmation on Thursday the sign would be removed, two days after he raised the issue as an Urgency motion during the last council meeting. The action responds to reports to The Weekly Times of car crashes - related to the stop sign – from local residents who said it had been “dangerously” placed by council workers on busy Monash Road to give preferential right of way to traffic from the less used, adjoining Buffalo Road. Resident Phil Lown (pictured, right) lives alongside the intersection and told The Weekly Times that a majority of motorists driving north along Monash Road fail to stop at the stop sign. “They are either disregarding the stop sign or they simply cannot see it as the two stop signs there are set about a metre higher than the Roads and Maritime Services and Australian standards,” Mr Lown said. A study undertaken by this newspaper on Thursday afternoon confirmed that 51 out of one hundred peak hour cars completely ignored the stop sign, 39 slowed but did not stop and only ten fully stopped as directed. “At night, when the stop sign is less visible, even fewer cars stop and they completely ignore the speed limit, ” one resident said Some residents said the main danger came from the confusion of Buffalo Road motorists - turning right into Monash Road - who are cannot see the Monash Road stop sign which gives them preferential right of way. “They naturally assume they should give way to cars on their right, approaching from a much busier road,” one resident said. “We’ve seen many cars almost collide because no one is sure who has the right of way.” To make a dangerous situation worse, Mr Lown said some buses are leaking oil at the intersection which causes cars who break suddenly at the intersection to skid. “You can actually see skid marks at the intersection and trees which have lost their branches as cars and buses veer into the curb.” It is the dangerous situation on the curbside that concerns local mum Lena Candy, pictured. “I fear crossing this intersection with my child and we should never, ever have been put in this situation,” she said. “What makes it worse is that residents were not even consulted when the stop sign was put in.” Although Mr Lown described the situation as “diabolical” he stopped short of blaming the council for it. “I’m not blaming anyone at all, but we should learn from this and get the problem fixed before there is a fatality,” he said. Councillor Maggio agreed and welcomed the decision to remove the sign but wants further action taken after consultation with residents. “What we need immediately are speed humps a few hundred yards from the intersection on Monash Road, which will at least slow the traffic,” he said. “We also need to talk with those residents who tell as these streets have become a rat run for cars avoiding Victoria Road.” Mr Lown agreed. ”If council will not agree to the re-instatement of the old system then we need to have reduced speed limits,” he said. “The faster the traffic goes, the more horrendous the accidents will be.” He would also like to see the police and bus drivers consulted alongside residents. ”We have not even touched on the property value diminution now being felt by several residents,” he said. GLADESVILLE residents are pictured in front of the ‘diabolical’ stop sign on Monash Road, which was removed after an urgency motion was put by Clr Roy Maggio, pictured second from right. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO yde mayor accused of evelopment hypocrisy CITY of Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale has been accused of being a hypocrite in his campaign against local over development. The accusation against the Mayor – who is also the Labor candidate for Ryde – was made by Liberal councillors during last Tuesday night’s council meeting in a debate about two Top Ryde sites that could be developed for high rise residential apartments under the City of Ryde’s Four Year Plan. The Liberal councillors supported a motion by Liberal Clr Chris Moujalli to have the potential developments at Top Ryde’s Argyle Centre (33-35 Blaxland Road) and the Battery World site (741- 747 Victoria Road) removed from the Four Year Plan, which has the Mayor’s support. Councillor Moujalli said it is hypocritical of the Mayor to campaign against overdevelopment in the City of Ryde, but include the two Top Ryde sites in the plan. “The Mayor comes out against property developers yet he wants to be a property developer himself,” Clr Moujalli said. Councillor Sarkis Yedelian OAM agreed. “We are freezing everyone’s else’s developments and we should not set a bad example ourselves,” he said. “We also say we are against overdevelopment and we blame the state government, so let us not support overdevelopment ourselves.” Mayor Laxale said he “rejected outright” the claim that the inclusion of these sites in the Four Year Plan sealed their fate and stressed that any development would have to have community consultation and community support. “There is some political game being played here,” he said. “I cannot support this amendment (to exclude the sites from the plan) because I know these sites are intricately linked with the future of the Civic Centre and we need to look at these sites together, not separate them. “We also need to have workshops prior to any community consultation.” Save the Argyle Centre Heritage minded Liberal Clr Trenton Brown said that while the council’s zoning allowed for residential apartments on the sites, the Argyle Centre should remain as a community arts venue. “You, the Mayor, say there will be no residential apartments on the Civic Centre site and yet you want high rise development on the Battery World Site,” he said. “I strongly put the view that the Argyle Centre, especially, should remain zoned for the arts and why we are embracing it for residential is just not clear. “Let us ask the community if they want high rise residential here and I’m sure they will reject it.” Independent Clr Roy Maggio has long campaigned for something to be done about the vacant Argyle Centre building and supports the inclusion of this site in the Four Year Plan. “There are eight councillors here working for our community and four Liberal councillors who are not,” he said. “It is our right to move on with this, for the benefit of our community.” Ultimate care for you, your wishes and your family. WL-ULT-TWT-9x14.5cm-0418 Just move on! Councillor Roy Maggio says he wants to see something done about the Argyle Centre in Top Ryde, which has remained vacant and derelict for more than a decade. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO Eastwood 9874 4714 whiteladyfunerals.com.au
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The Weekly Times - TWT - 4th July 2018

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