Newsletter – January 2019

Happy New Year to all our members

We have had a very good start to this summer season with large numbers of people able to visit the peninsula and find parking places.

2018 was a year of achievement for the Association. The Walkway opened between Pittwater Park and Governor Phillip Park and has proved a delight to many people with its superb views over Pittwater. Landscaping is under way at Palm Beach which will include improved drainage on the western side of Ocean Road. Implementation of the new parking arrangements at Pittwater Park has made a real difference to the availability of parking places near the ferry wharf and the Council has asked for comments by residents on their experiences. Comments can be made to the Project Officer on 9970 1196 or by email to transport@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.

Our Centenary Christmas Party was a huge success and the Association was very happy to welcome Dame Marie Bashir, a long-time member, as its Special Guest. The exhibition of historical photographs and documents was a fascinating glimpse of Palm Beach since its early days and emphasised how important it is that we continue to be vigilant about preserving our magnificent surroundings. At the party the Mayor, Councillor Michael Regan, announced that the Northern Beaches Council would install a plaque at the entrance to Governor Phillip Park acknowledging the unveiling of the sculptures by the then Governor, Dame Marie Bashir, on 14 January 2010 and acknowledging the contributions of Bryce Ross-Jones, as Past President, and members of the PBWBA. This highlights how close we came to the subdivision of Governor Phillip Park and the loss of a wonderful amenity not only for us but for the people of NSW.

Following a proposal by Palm Beach Surf Club and the Association, the Mayor also confirmed that the Palm Beach Ocean Pool would be named the Johnny Carter Pool in recognition of his many years of surf life saving and teaching generations of children to swim in the pool. This was done at a ceremony beside the pool on Sunday 30 December. To mark our Centenary the Association will donate a defibrillator which will be installed near the Ferry Wharf in April this year.

Challenges remain. Landscaping of Palm Beach will continue and the Council plans to renovate and upgrade the Pavilion. The Coastal Walkway between Whale Beach and Palm Beach is in the active planning stage and should commence this year. The Council has confirmed that it will be surveying the whole road including the parking as part of this exercise. The Historic Bus Shelter in Barrenjoey Road has yet to be installed and a number of roads need repair and upgrading. Improvements are needed on the corner of Surf and Barrenjoey Roads to provide safe pedestrian access. We are pressing for a walkway between Careel Bay and Palm Beach but this is a major project which will need the support of both Federal and State Governments. The Council has recognised the need to improve parking arrangements in Palm Beach and we will continue to advocate for further improvements.

The Association supports the trial of an Off-Leash area for dogs at restricted times on Station Beach and will make a decision on whether to support the project after the completion of the trial period.

The Avalon Place plan is in the consultation phase and our major concern is to retain the village atmosphere while improving the surroundings and accessibility.

During this hot summer the lack of water and toilet facilities on the Barrenjoey Headland is still a glaring omission and we continue our campaign for these to be installed particularly with the growing popularity of visits to the Lighthouse.

We are still plagued by hoons both day and night and this is a matter which the police need to address. They need as much information as possible so please dial 000 if you observe a problem.

Medical facilities accessible to residents of Palm Beach and Whale Beach are a matter of ongoing concern which must be tackled. Northern Beaches Hospital needs to function as an efficient Level 5 hospital and the Acute Care Centre at Mona Vale requires upgrading. Ambulance response times need to be improved.

The preparation of a new LEP for the combined Council area will mean that we will need to provide detailed feedback to ensure that the needs of our community are fully met.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Northern Beaches Walking Plan

Workshop Monday 4 February 9.30-10.30 Avalon Recreation Centre Submissions close 3 March

Draft Pittwater Waterway Strategy

Submissions close 3 February

Northern Beaches Bike Plan

Submissions close 3 March

Off-leash Dog Trial

Submissions close 28 February

Contact Jenny Cronan, Snr Recreation Planner 02 9970 1357 or jenny.cronan@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au