Pittwater Life December 2020 Issue

News
Pittwater News
Mona Vale Cemetery plot twist
Northern Beaches
Council is
preparing to ‘take back’
unused grave sites at
Mona Vale Cemetery
bought more than 50
years ago as it looks
to manage the limited
supply of grave sites
across the Northern
Beaches.
Council is currently
making best endeavours
to contact grave site
owners who have not
used their plots.
It explained all
cemeteries in NSW were
subject to a law which
permitted revocation of an unused site
after 50 years.
Currently 28 graves at Mona Vale are
being proposed for revocation, as Council
has not had contact with their owners for
more than 50 years.
“There is a limited supply of grave
sites across the Northern Beaches and
one of the ways to
increase capacity is
the revocation of grave
sites bought more than
50 years ago but never
used,” said CEO Ray
Brownlee.
“Council is actively
working to contact
people to ascertain
whether these sites are
still required.”
There are signs on all
28 unused graves and a
sign on the noticeboard at
the Mona Vale Cemetery.
Mr Brownlee
added there were
approximately 300
vacant grave sites at Mona Vale Cemetery,
with potential for maximum additional 400
sites over next five to eight years.
“I’d encourage anyone in our community
who has purchased a grave site at Mona
Vale cemetery more than 50 years ago and
never used it to contact Council as soon as
possible.”
– NW
Time to renew
fishing licences
Those intending to wet a line
across Pittwater have been
urged to renew their licence
and abide by the rules to
ensure an enjoyable and sustainable
summer of fishing.
NSW Minister for Agriculture
Adam Marshall said: “Recreational
and charter fishing is
worth more than $3.4 billion
to the State’s economy every
year and the freedom we
have to spend quality time
with family and friends while
wetting a line at some of the
world’s most scenic spots is
simply priceless. That’s why
the work of our Fisheries officers
is so important – they
are on patrol each day ensuring
our precious natural fishing
resources are protected
and preserved for us all.” Mr
Marshall said Fisheries officers
were ramping up their
activities in summer. “Most
fishers do the right thing,
but we know there is a small
minority, that don’t respect
bag or size limits, and who
are ruining it for everyone
else.” The public is urged to
report suspected illegal fishing
activity by calling 1800
043 536.
We’re clean and green
Pittwater’s beaches and swimming
spots have recorded
their cleanest results on record.
The NSW Government’s
State of the Beaches Report,
published each October, is an
assessment of water quality
at each of the State’s beaches
and key swimming sites.
This year, all of Pittwater’s
10 ocean beaches and 12 estuarine
beaches received the
highest ratings of ‘very good’
or ‘good’. Further, respect of
our natural environment was
acknowledged last month
when the Northern Beaches
won the prestigious Keep
Australia Beautiful NSW 2020
Sustainable Cities Award. The
award recognises and supports
the accomplishments
of Councils and volunteer
environmental projects that
actively work towards making
Sydney a prime model for sustainable
practices across all
sectors of the community and
industry. “We’re so lucky on
the Northern Beaches to have
such amazing natural assets
like our beaches, waterways
and bushland,” Mayor Regan
said. “We know how much our
community value our local
environment and that’s why
at Council we have such a
key focus on enhancing and
protecting it.”
CWA Christmas stall
Pick up some hand-made baubles
and other Christmas tree
decorations, household and
gift items, and homemade
baked goods and preserves
full of holiday goodness at
the Country Women’s Association
annual Christmas Stall
on The Corso Manly on
Saturday December 5 from
9am-2pm. Proceeds from the
stall will be shared across the
Continued on page 36
News
34 DECEMBER 2020
The Local Voice Since 1991
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2020 35