Pittwater Life June 2019 Issue

News
SEEN…
NB Council’s plan
to remove six
trees from the
Clareville Shops /
Hilltop Road precinct.
It follows an
investigation into
the large spotted
gum tree that fell
and crushed cars
parked outside
the shops in early
February. Council
said investigation
revealed that the
tree had internal
decay that was
not visually obvious.
Given the
concerns raised
over other trees,
they triggered
testing to determine
their structural
integrity.
This found three
trees had unacceptable decay and required removal. Two
others needed to be removed due to poor canopy structure
and because they would become unnaturally exposed to wind
loading once the first trees were removed. One more tree
(above) was deemed unstainable in its location. Four of the six
trees will be replanted with advance specimens of the same
species. No doubt not everyone will be pleased – but when you
consider serious injury or even fatality was averted by blind
luck in February, it’s the right action.
HEARD…
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service has announced that
from July 10, it will no longer be sending its mobile van around
the bends to Avalon and will instead service the far northern
beaches from Mona Vale only. The ARCBS told Pittwater Life
it wished to thank donors north of Newport and hoped they
would continue their active support while also promoting the
importance of giving blood to the broader community. “The
Blood Service regularly reviews its operations to ensure we are
best meeting patient and donor needs. This is so we are best
placed to continue to provide the blood and blood products
that all Australians need,” a spokesman said. The Mona Vale
mobile blood unit will be in town on July 11, 12 and 13.
ABSURD..?
The reason Ausgrid have not being undertaking repairs or
maintenance across Pittwater of late is due to industrial action
following the tragic death of a linesman in North Sydney in
early April. We hear all work is on ‘Pause’ until the results of an
investigation into the fatality. Indefinite delays are expected,
with no ‘live’ work undertaken. We empathise with all concerned,
but in itself the delay presents safety issues for locals. In the
meantime, drive and cross the road carefully, people. Also this
month, Avalon resident Lisa Rayner wants to know why the creek
at Careel Bay has been allowed to become so heavily polluted. “It
really smells. I feel sorry for the people who live right
near the creek
and I feel sorry
for the poor ducks
living in the
stagnant water,”
she reports. “The
creek is full of
garbage – a lot
of it plastic. I
filled a huge
box of garbage
cleaning up only
a two-metresquare
area...
it contained 18
bottles... and
four bongs.”
She has asked
Council to clean
up the creek;
but to those who
are responsible
for the litter in
the first place,
how about some
pride in your
surroundings?
24 JUNE 2019
The Local Voice Since 1991