Pittwater Life December 2020 Issue

News
SEEN…
The lookout at Observation Point on the Palm Beach Walkway has
a new name – ‘Herminie’s Landing’ – in recognition of longtime
resident and community contributor Herminie Swainston. The
Palm Beach and Whale Beach Association lobbied Council to
make the change. Council reached out to the locals for their
opinion, with 82 per cent of 119 respondents in favour of the
name change. Herminie, who passed away in March 2018 aged
81, dedicated herself to the preservation of the natural landscape
and public places of Palm Beach. Also seen... It’s taken them
more than a year since they were directed by Government to do
so, but Northern Beaches Council has finally posted its register
of Councillor pecuniary interests online. Readers can now view
them on Council’s website. Mayor Michael Regan has gone on
the front foot, claiming the (belated) posting includes additions
that exceed requirements. “Transparency and accountability
should be at the core of all our decisions and actions and must
be maintained to the highest levels,” he said. He then lit a match:
“Wouldn’t it be great if our State and Federal representatives
followed our lead.” It drew this response from Mackellar Federal
MP Jason Falinski: “Like all residents of the Northern Beaches I
welcome some transparency in the administration of ratepayer’s
money. I am sure that all residents of our great community
also welcome that, while it comes nearly two years after other
councils implemented similar systems, it has come.” Falinski
added: “All levels of government should strive for maximum
transparency, and there are still many features from the
Commonwealth Government that local governments can pick up
on, such as open data. What is critical is that neither politicians
nor councils congratulate themselves or politicise this process
but rather get on with the job of delivering great service and
value for money for everyone.” Fifteen-all?
HEARD…
Jos Bots, the 91-year-old paraglider who cheated death after
crashing into the ocean near Warriewood last month, says he
can’t wait to get back into the sky. That is, as soon as he can
afford a new paraglider. Believed to be the oldest exponent
in Australia, Mr Bots (below) was taken to Royal North Shore
hospital after being rescued and treated for cuts and bruises
after the mishap. He was hauled from the surf by bystanders,
with his hands badly cut by the Paraglider chute’s ropes
which wrapped around his body. Mr Bots told ABC Media
his recreational glide didn’t quite go to plan, explaining: “I
went down like a rock and I just hit the rock face with my
feet and fell into the water.” Mr Bots took up paragliding and
windsurfing at age 72. “It’s wonderful being up there and it’s
a challenge too – it’s something to do,” he said. Bless! Also
heard... Council’s proposal to run a shuttle mini-bus trial
between Careel Bay, Avalon, Whale Beach and Palm Beach from
Boxing Day (December 26) through Australia Day (January 25)
to cater for the annual huge crowds that see the northern tip of
the peninsula bulge at
the seams each summer
appears to have not
even made it into first
gear. In a closed session
on October 27 Council
agreed in principle to
support the proposal,
which would have
offset parking
problems north of
Avalon. Council
resolved to approach
Transport for NSW to
investigate provision
and funding; Council
says it has not
received a reply.
ABSURD...
Avalon Village remains abuzz following a violent road rage
attack last month. Dee Why police are still appealing for
any witnesses to the melee, which happened around 6pm on
November 17, to come forward. The thoroughly un-Avalon few
minutes began when a 55-year-old Bilgola Plateau man was
attempting to park in front of the shops on Old Barrenjoey
Road. He had indicated to turn into a parking spot across the
other side of the road and was waiting, when an oncoming
red Alfa Romeo turned into the space. A heated verbal
exchange ensued, turning physical, with the two male drivers
wrestling on the ground. The scuffle was broken up by a
passer-by, whereupon the Alfa driver left the scene with his
female passenger shouting abuse. Dee Why police confirmed
investigations are ongoing. They are waiting results of tests on
blood on the Bilgola Plateau man’s shirt, believed to belong to
the other man. If you know more call Dee Why Police Station
on 02 9971 3399.
32 DECEMBER 2020
The Local Voice Since 1991