FEBRUARY UPDATE

The Christmas holiday period overtook many good intentions to communicate with everyone prior to Christmas.

WBA membership is now 55 households and we expect to welcome more. Many members continue to provide valuable services in kind, which is highly appreciated.

If you have not renewed your membership, please consider it now.

The annual membership fee is $30 per household.

Cheques should be made payable to ‘Watsons Bay Association Inc.’ EFT payments may also be made direct to our account: ‘Watsons Bay Association Inc.’ at ANZ Bank, Rose Bay. BSB 012-396, Account No. 2033-56461.

Or click on http://watsonsbayassociation.org/join

The first edition of the WBA newsletter, ‘Bay News,’  was really well-received in the community and ongoing contributions will be welcomed, both for the newsletter as well as the website.

Transport and parking

Thanks to Catherine Boardman for convening a meeting of this group in December.

Mans Carlsson, a strong advocate for a commuter ferry for Watsons Bay, has produced an online survey and is correlating results - and distributing more letters. While Woollahra Council has endorsed the concept, there has been, at best, muted response from Sydney Ferries.

Recent commentary suggests that this newly part-privatised agency is more focused on internal efficiencies than introducing new services. There may be more prospects with private operators and Mans will be sounding out some of the companies.

There are, of course, consequences for local parking and bus services with a commuter service.

Flooding in Watsons Bay

Members will be aware of local flooding in Cliff Street, Military Road, the ‘lawnie’ and surrounding areas in June 2012. January rains also caused concern.

Council’s response to our June submission on the flooding is provided separately on the blog. It provides little comfort.

Georgia Stojanovic and Tim Williams have been active in engaging with Council and initiating action on a number of flooding issues, notably blocked drains. Thank you.

Cr Anthony Boskovitz has also been involved and commented in a recent email to Council staff:

“I reiterate the cleaning of the sewerage drains.

Increasingly over the last 6 months I have noticed that there has been more and more debris on the street. I sometimes see the mechanical street sweepers and they are usually just pushing the mess elsewhere.

Can we look at this  issue and also the issue Georgia raised about ensuring our drains are being cleared, especially in areas like Watsons Bay where drainage has been an issue.

Anthony.”

Following this intervention, Council staff cleared debris from drains and gutters around Camp Cove area and also made modifications to one of the stormwater drains in Camp Cove Reserve.

If you have been affected by floods and wish to be engaged in this issue, let us know so we can foster a collective effort to ensure the matter remains active in Council.  

Election of WBA President - 2013

As I noted at the AGM, I would like to step down as President of the WBA in April 2013. I plan to continue my contribution to the WBA but feel that after nearly two years in our establishment period, it is appropriate for someone else to take over as President.

An extract from our Constitution follows:

S6 (1) Nominations of candidates for election as office-bearers of the association or as ordinary committee members:

(a) must be made in writing, signed by 2 members of the association and accompanied by the written consent of the candidate (which may be endorsed on the form of the nomination).

A simple letter of nomination, with signed consent, is all that is required.

Roger Bayliss

7 February 2013

FUNCTIONS AT GAP BLUFF CENTRE

One of our members recently complained about excessive noise from a function at the Gap Bluff Centre. Management of the Centre responded and the following extract from their message may be of interest to all residents.

As with all Gap Bluff Centre bookings, last nights' clients were contractually required to comply with the sites amplified noise restrictions which permit amplified music within the venues until 10pm (Sun-Thu) to a maximum level of 85db(A) at the source. 

According to our National Parks officer assigned to this function noise levels were measured at no more than 70 to 80db(A) however despite this and in accordance with our conditions measures were taken immediately to lower the sound level when a noise complaint was received by our supervisor from a resident of Cliff St around 9pm. 

My understanding is that the client and their DJ acted quickly to reduce the volume as soon as they became aware of the noise complaint from our supervisor. I suspect the music appeared loud partly due to the very low ambient noise as a result of a very still night.  

Over the past 10 years National Parks has taken measures to restrict how late amplified music is permitted in the venues to reduce the impact on local neighbours and has scaled back what was a 12 midnight music curfew when we took over direct management of the site in 2000 to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and 11pm on a Friday & Saturday or any day followed by a public holiday. 

All events are supervised by a National Parks officer who as part of their duties is required to measure noise levels on a regular basis with the Gap Bluff Centre’s sound level meter to ensure conditions are not breached. Regardless of the noise levels, in the event of a public complaint, action is to be taken to minimise noise as quickly and effectively as possible.

As an added measure we have restricted the types of events permitted on site determining that children’s parties, 18^th and 21^st birthday’s, dance parties, school formals and the like are inappropriate uses of the venues due to the noise they generate and are therefore not permitted.

As a result of these measures and difficult economic conditions the number of bookings we have taken for the venues has dropped dramatically over the past few years to the point where the business operates at a loss and has become unsustainable in its current form. 

This has contributed to the decision for the site along with the local National Parks harbour cottages and residences within the South Head precinct to be imminently subject to an Expression of Interest for the commercial management of these locations through a lessee.

In terms of what remains of our direct management we currently have very low numbers of evening bookings looking forward with only about 3 events a month until the last confirmed booking at this stage in April ’13. We have been directed by management to not take any bookings after 31 July ’13.  

WOOLLAHRA COUNCIL RESPONSE TO NSW GREEN PAPER

Following is a message from Woollahra Council, outlining their submission to the NSW Green paper on a new planning regime. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Good afternoon

Woollahra Council recently made a submission to the NSW Government Green Paper – A New Planning System for New South Wales. We also resolved to notify you of the submission, encouraging you to similarly voice your concerns to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

The Green Paper is the NSW Government’s blueprint for fundamental changes to the planning system, based around four key reforms: community participation, strategic focus, streamlined approval, and provision of infrastructure.

Our submission raises concern with reforms in the Green Paper that seek to remove planning decisions from Council and diminish community involvement. This is proposed by the introduction of higher order subregional strategic plans that can override local plans, and the further expansion of the complying development and private certification system.

We anticipate that these changes will alienate the community from the planning decisions that directly affect them, diminish the role of Council, and result in detrimental impacts on the built, heritage and natural environments.

Our submission was among 1,000 responses received by the NSW Government on the Green Paper. Following consideration of these submissions, the Government will release a White Paper and draft legislation later this year for further public comment, with the expectation that legislation will be introduced into Parliament in early 2013.

We urge you to be aware of these upcoming exhibition documents and make a submission.

For more information on the planning reforms, visit the Department of Planning and Infrastructure website at www.planning.nsw.gov.au.

Our submission can be viewed at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Portals/0/PolicyAndLegislation/GreenPaperSubmissions/Woollahra_Council.pdf 

Yours sincerely



Jacquelyne Della Bosca
Team Leader Strategic Planning

MESSAGE FROM WBA COMMITTEE - NOVEMBER 2012

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much to all of you who attended our AGM on 18^th November. We are also grateful to those members who could not attend, but sent messages of support. It was terrific to welcome a number of new members.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review WBA progress and to more accurately define key areas of concern to the Watsons Bay community.

Minutes of the AGM are posted separately. I have, however, summarised a number of issues:

Our membership is now 55 households and we expect to welcome more. Our finances are fairly healthy, with our bank balance now $6,633.70. Many members continue to provide valuable services in kind, which is highly appreciated. 

A major achievement was to define the principal areas of concentration for the WBA for 2012-13 and to identify members willing to participate in action groups.

The key areas and the action group members are:

Communications, Sponsorship and Events

Camilla Strang has established an enthusiastic group and the WBA website is up and running at www.watsonsbayassociation.org. We are fortunate that so many talented WBA members have donated their time to create a site we can be proud of.

The first edition of the WBA newsletter, ‘Bay News’ was produced before the AGM.

If you don’t have a copy, we can send you one. The publication has been well-received and ongoing contributions will be welcomed, both for the newsletter as well as the website.

Camilla is also interested in hearing from members who can provide support to her group.

Transport management and parking

The following members have indicated their willingness to form this action group and will be meeting soon, thanks to Catherine Boardman.  

Catherine Boardman, Robin Derricourt, Bob Morecroft, Mans Carlsson and Pip Conlon.

Mans Carlsson has initiated a Facebook page to promote the introduction of a commuter ferry for Watsons Bay. Check it out at: http://tinyurl.com/bwuoz9y

Retail precinct development and improvement

Stuart Fereday offered to be part of a working group on this issue. We would appreciate hearing from members who wish to be involved in supporting activities in the Watsons Bay retail area.

Community Garden

A number of members expressed interest in developing a community garden. Ron Berkelmans noted that the ‘lawnie’ was considered unsuitable for this activity in view of the high levels of shade.

The group will need to contact Council for an outline of what is needed, discussion of potential sites (reserve on Pacific St, reserve behind Dunbar House), available council grants.  

The following members indicated their willingness to pursue this initiative:

Mary Thill-Turke, Carina Randall, Darryl Sloshberg.

Divers in Cliff St and Watsons Bay baths

Several members will check with Council on permissible activities on local streets and footpaths, noting that large diving groups assembling equipment etc. often presented an inconvenience, and possibly safety hazard, to residents.

Input to Council Development Plans

Louise McElvogue, Ron Berkelmans and Andrew Wiesner agreed to discuss how to approach potential Council changes to the planning process, as outlined in a recent NSW Green Paper.  A copy of Woollahra Council’s response to the Green paper appears separately on the blog.

David Sheedy is interested in the redevelopment of the Watsons Bay Pilot Station (NSW Transport + Maritime), as well as providing ongoing efforts to restore the last Watsons Bay lifeboat, the ‘Alice Rawson.’

Members who would like to be involved in developments at the Pilot Station, please let us know. There is also an active group of Gibsons Beach residents who have made a number of representations to authorities about community use of the property. We can work with them to ensure there is a strong community component in the redevelopment.  

Please let us know if you would like to be involved in any of these groups - or indeed in any other area of concern and relevance.

Moran Retirement Village

This major development will take place on the former site of the Vaucluse High School on Old South Head Road. Ericka van Aalst of the Christison Park Action Group (SCPAG) has been co-ordinating submissions to Council from nearby residents. There may be overflow parking issues for Watsons Bay.  If you are interested in developments with this DA, please let us know and we can possibly add the WBA’s views to other submissions.

Flooding in Camp Cove Reserve

Members will be aware of the flooding of the ‘lawnie’ and surrounding areas during June. Council’s response to our submission on the flooding is provided separately on the blog.

Getting to know Woollahra Councillors

The Local Government elections in September resulted in a number of new councillors being elected to Woollahra Council. WBA directors and members will meet with Councillors to establish relationships and outline the objectives of the WBA. If you know any Councillors or can help in this area, let us know.

Election of WBA President - 2013

As I noted at the AGM, I would like to step down as President of the WBA in March 2013. I plan to continue my contribution to the WBA but feel that after nearly two years in our establishment period, it is appropriate for someone else to take over as President.

An extract from our Constitution follows:

S6 (1) Nominations of candidates for election as office-bearers of the association or as ordinary committee members:

(a) must be made in writing, signed by 2 members of the association and accompanied by the written consent of the candidate (which may be endorsed on the form of the nomination).

A simple letter of nomination, with signed consent, is all that is required.

Membership

For members who could not attend the AGM, or who may not have renewed their membership, a membership renewal form is provided on the blog. It includes our bank details for EFT deposits. The subscription fee remains unchanged at $30 per household.

A membership application form is also provided on the WBA website: Click on: http://watsonsbayassociation.org/join

We have no activities planned during the holiday period. Some of the action groups are planning to meet before Christmas to make some progress before the festive season.

But we will be in touch again before Christmas.

And once again, we really appreciate and value your ongoing support for the Watsons Bay community.

Roger Bayliss - President

Louise McElvogue – Vice President

Ron Berkelmans – Vice President

Watsons Bay Association Incorporated

4 Victoria Street 

Watsons Bay NSW 2030        

MINUTES OF THE WBA AGM - NOVEMBER 2012

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

5.30 pm, SUNDAY 18^th NOVEMBER, 2012

 GLIMPSE BAR AND RESTAURANT, WATSONS BAY

Present:

Roger Bayliss – President (Chair), Louise McElvogue – Vice President, Ron Berkelmans – Vice President, Julie Bayliss – Treasurer.

Approximately 40 members attended.

Apologies were received from Irene and Colin Still, Caroline and John Matthews, Pip Conlon, Katrin Graebner, Sharilea Hitchcock, Jay Bannister (CO, HMAS Watson)  and Terry and Liz Wolfe.

The meeting was declared open by Roger Bayliss at 6pm, with a quorum present.

Minutes of the previous General Meeting, held on 21^st June 2011 were presented for adoption.

Moved by Kim Messenger, Seconded by Louise McElvogue.

Directors of the WBA provided summaries of operations during 2011-12, emphasising key achievements such as working on major DAs (three), relations with Council, launch of the website (www.watsonsbayassociation.org) and newsletter and the visit to HMAS Watson.

Camilla Strang addressed the meeting to express thanks to members who had assisted with the creation of the WBA website and the first edition of the WBA newsletter, both of which have been well-received. Camilla acknowledged the contributions of a number of members who had contributed to the projects. Local stories and other contributions to the website will be welcomed.

Julie Bayliss presented the financial accounts for the association, noting total income for 2011-12 of $12,898.82 and expenditure of $6,265.12. Major items of expenditure included partial funding of a heritage report on 14 Pacific Street as well as the website creation. Total funds on deposit stood at $6,633.70.

WBA directors recently met with NSW MP Gabrielle Upton, member for Vaucluse. Ms Upton expressed interest in receiving information on WBA’s activities on an ongoing basis. Roger/Louise will follow up.

Key issues facing the Watsons Bay community were addressed by directors.

Louise McElvogue emphasised the need for active participation by members in several areas, including:

Transport management and parking

Kosta Akon raised his concerns about visitors parking in the Watsons Bay precinct, including the impact of the short term visitors scheme. A resolution was moved to investigate the short term visitors parking permit scheme offered by Woollahra Council as well as broader questions about parking. It was noted that parking by staff and sailors from HMAS Watsons in Cliff Street appears to be increasing. 

Questions that need to be asked include the level of member support for a new car parking station; support for increased residents parking, push for increased enforcement and signage. Application of timed parking throughout WB with residents exceptions. Improved bus and ferry service and encouraging locals to use it. Tourism infrastructure.

Hylda Rolfe provided background on the history of the residents parking scheme and related issues.

Several members raised the issue of a commuter ferry for Watsons Bay. It was noted that Gabrielle Upton was supporting a commuter ferry for Watsons Bay. Woollahra Council has also resolved to send a message to the NSW Government supporting a commuter ferry service. See http://tinyurl.com/cpb4od4

Several members noted the linkage between ferry services and parking, emphasising that an integrated approach was required.

The following members indicated their willingness to form this action group.  

Catherine Boardman, Robin Derricourt and Bob Morecroft.

Retail precinct development and improvement

Stuart Fereday offered to be part of a working group on this issue. 

Community Garden

A number of members expressed interest in developing a community garden. Ron Berkelmans noted that the ‘lawnie’ was considered unsuitable for this activity in view of the high levels of shade.

The group will need to contact Council for an outline of what is needed, discussion of potential sites (reserve on Pacific St, reserve behind Dunbar House), available council grants.  

The following members indicated their willingness to pursue this initiative:

Mary Thill-Turke, Carina Randall, Darryl Sloshberg.

Divers in Cliff St and Watsons Bay baths

Several members agreed to check with Council on permissible activities on local streets and footpaths, noting that large diving groups assembling equipment etc. often presented an inconvenience to residents. Some members mentioned that safety issues may also be involved in the aggregation of diver groups.

Input to Council Development Plans

Louise McElvogue, Ron Berkelmans and Andrew Wiesner agreed to discuss how to approach potential Council changes to the planning process, as outlined in a recent NSW Green paper.

David Sheedy outlined progress with the redevelopment of the Watsons Bay Pilot Station (NSW Transport + Maritime), as well as his ongoing efforts to restore the last Watsons Bay lifeboat, the ‘Alice Rawson.’ David has been in contact with the likely leaseholders, the Boating Industry Association of NSW, who indicated an interest in establishing a small maritime museum at the site, as well as incorporating the ‘Alice Rawson’ in the precinct as a working exhibit.

A group to monitor developments at the Pilot Station is needed. Several members have expressed interest in the development of the site and its use by the community.

Roger Bayliss also moved a vote of thanks to the staff of HMAS Watson for arranging the WBA visit, Anthony Leatherbarrow of Glimpse for hosting the AGM, Vaucluse Yacht Club for hosting past meetings, the Paddington Society for advice and support as well as a number of WBA members for a range of supporting activities. 

Roger Bayliss indicated that he wished to step down as WBA President in March 2013.

Signature of Chairman 24 November 2012

#	ACTION ITEM	WHO
1	Lodge minutes and annual accounts with NSW Fair Trading	Roger and Julie
2	Follow up with Gabrielle Upton on WBA matters	Roger and Louise
3	Action group formation: -        Transport management and parking -        Retail precinct -        Community garden -        Scuba groups -        Input to Council Development Planning process -        Pilot Station	Roger, Louise, Ron and members
4	Follow up members for subscriptions	Roger and Julie
5	Contributions for website	All members  - Camilla is contact
6	Meet with Woollahra Councillors (esp new Councillors)	Ron, Louise and others