Pittwater Life May 2019 Issue

Pittwater News
News
Multi-million
dollar footpath
upgrade plan
Northern Beaches Council
has adopted ‘WALK’ – a
plan to fill missing links
in footpaths across the
Northern Beaches and to
build new paths to encourage
more people to walk more
and use their car less. Under
the plan, missing sections in
footpaths and new paths will
be constructed according to
priority. Design work will
commence on the highest
priority locations soon and
construction will commence
in the next financial year.
Work has been prioritised
on the basis of delivering
better connections to
schools, local destinations
and public transport. The
full delivery of the high
and medium priority
network is expected to take
approximately 14 years
and is expected to cost $42
million ($3 million a year).
Mayor Michael Regan said
the safety of pedestrians,
both young and old, was
a key consideration in
developing the walking plan.
“Council took into account,
for example, the width of a
path so older residents can
freely move around their
neighbourhoods, whether it
be walking or on a mobility
scooter.”
Whale watching
fun for families
Thar’ she blows! With whales
already sighted off our
coastline local specialists
Fantasea are preparing
for yet another massive
season of whale-watching,
conveniently operating out
of their Palm Beach base (and
also Ettalong). Their threehour
Sunday cruises aboard
their 23-metre catamaran
coincide with the annual
Humpback whale migration
North to warmer waters. It
makes a family activity –
listen to their expert host
educate all onboard about
these fascinating creatures;
and enjoy wildlife photo
opportunities and the chance
to see these majestic animals
up close. Plus, you’ll get to
visit the local seal colony
at Barrenjoey headland on
your return to the wharf.
Complimentary tea and
coffee is provided onboard
and snacks are available
for purchase. Northern
Migration Cruise dates
commence Sunday June 22.
Southern Migration Cruises
will operate in September
and October. More info and
bookings fantasea.com.au
Marine radio club
a real lifesaver
Invited dignitaries and
visitors to the recent
Marine Rescue Terrey Hills
Open Day were provided
with a rare insight into
the workings of this
well-oiled machine, boat
safety presentations, flare
demonstrations and a tour
of the radio room. Visitors
heard last year MRNSW
crews launched 2,802
rescue missions, including
841 in response to lifethreatening
emergencies.
The Terrey Hills radio
base was open 24 hours a
day, making and receiving
30,500 calls – these included
boaters calling in for help
in emergencies or Logging
On and Off, navigation
warnings, radio checks
and weather forecasts and
warnings. Volunteers need
your help to provide this
world-class rescue service –
one of the easiest ways for
boaters to support Marine
Rescue Terrey Hills is by
joining the unit’s radio club
known as the Marine Rescue
Safety Service. There is a
joining fee of $25 and the
subscription is $40 a year
or $100 for three years.
Each radio club member
is provided with a unique
radio call sign that makes
Continued on page 26
24 MAY 2019
The Local Voice Since 1991