Annual General Meeting 2002

Apart from conducting the normal AGM matters, we will be reporting to you on some issues which have potentially serious consequences for the Island.

Emergency Water – Could Cease Soon!

The existing distribution system CANNOT be maintained for a variety of reasons, and a restructuring for mains water won’t happen before 2008. It is the stated policy of the Council to alter the water so that it terminates in a tank on the Island, from which residents can draw (like they do in 3rd world countries). We are negotiating with Sydney Water (with Council support), to cover us with Public Liability and support our plan to improve the infrastructure (pipes, connections, one way valves etc) to bridge the gap between now and 2008.

We’ll give you an update on this serious situation.

So, if you ever need to top up your tank with Emergency Water, come to the meeting.

Church Point Car Park

At this stage, we know that the Dept. of Land and Water Conservation has written to Council saying they plan to return the Car Park to Recreation Reserve. The consequences of this to the Offshore Community is potentially devastating. A combined SIRA and WPCA team is working on it, and we’ll up date you. Bayview Progress Assoc. have put a formal submission to Council to install a Car Barge to SI and the West. Shores.

So, if the loss of the Car Park is of concern to you, and you don’t want to travel by barge, come to the meeting.

Roads and Drainage

The SIRA committee has been successful in securing a drainage and roadwork  commitment from the Council in the worst area of SI, on the ring road above and beside the Fire Station. Also, a Stormwater Grant to cover Catherine Park. If we do a good job with this project, then we can reasonably expect a favourable hearing for further grants and Council roadwork assistance.

Community Vehicle

This has been an extremely frustrating and expensive exercise, and has required a lot of work from a few dedicated residents. As you know, this vehicle has been off the Island , and it’s not coming back (too unreliable!).

If you want a Community Vehicle, then come to the meeting with your ideas – funding, management, drivers etc.

Church Point Precinct – Public Wharf and the Pasadena

A combined SIRA and WPCA ream is working on these projects, which have produced a huge outpouring of concern from the offshore community, as well as the onshore community for that matter.

Come along to find out where the team has got to. 

Neighbourhood Marine Watch

Brian Cross has arranged for the updating and printing of the valuable Pink Frig cards (included). These have been sponsored by Tim Byrne’s Pittwater Offshore business and the Pink Water Taxis (again).  Many thanks to our sponsors for an important contribution to the safety and welfare of the residents of SI.

Membership

As I said in the ‘Why Your Membership of the Association is so Important in 2002’ letter, we need your support – in numbers so that we can evidence strength when we talk to Council and Government, - and in income so that we can cover the out-of-pockets of the Association. We currently have only 95 households joined/rejoined for 2002 out of a possible 380, although a good number are continuing to arrive (last year membership was around 130, and the year before 180!  Let’s get it up to 200.

If you can’t come along, then please fill in the Application Form (even if you are a long standing member) as we are completely updating our Data Base, and send in your cheque for $20 (to cover the whole family) to:

 SIRA, PO Box 70, Church Point, 2105

Committee and Work Groups

In particular, we need new blood on the Committee and the various Work Groups.  Several dedicated members are leaving the Island, so now is the time to step up and contribute some time.  This is NO closed shop! If you have any questions on the above, please ring Greg Roberts (9979 9599), or Shirley Page (9997 1875), or talk to any member of the committee.

New residents on the Island are especially welcome, and we look forward to seeing you on the 19^th May

Watercolour Classes on the Island

I'm planning to start a watercolour class here on the island. If you might be interested in coming along then contact Max on 9997 4527 or max@value.com.au

Safety FIRST - look after number 1

Some general boating reminders: Boat Licences (excluding PWCs): -Any person who drives a mechanically propelled vessel at a speed of 10 knots or more must have a boat licence. Vessel registration required for: -

• Any mechanically propelled vessel capable of 10 knots or more
• Any mechanically propelled or sailing vessel 5.5m or longer

Safe navigation at night
• Navigation lights are to be shown by all vessels between sunset and sunrise and at all times in restricted visibility.
• Power driven vessels of less than 12m in length and underway must show a masthead light, side lights and a stern light, or, all-round white light and side lights.
These are the basic “road rules” that are neglected by boat users and continually come to the attention of Police and Waterways. There is no such thing as a “commuter boat” that has any special exemptions to these rules.
 

Noxious Weed Alert!

As part of the Regional Noxious Weed Plan for 2001/2002 Pittwater Council and others in the Northern Sydney Region are intensively targeting Pampas Grass, Ludwigia and Pellitory on both public and private property. Pittwater Council also received Federal Grant funding to map and target Bitou Bush in Pittwater under the Weeds of National Significance Program. We need your help! If you find any of the above weeds in your area or if you require technical advice on effective weed removal on your property, please contact Eva Twarkowski at Pittwater Council  on 9970 1365 or 0417 403 782.

Congratulations John Brogden

Local MP John Brogden, Member in the NSW State Parliament for Pittwater, has been elected as Leader of the Opposition. John is a confirmed supporter of our way of life and has always been active in island affairs. Readily available, genuinely concerned with local matters and all round decent bloke are qualities that spring to mind. John is a strong supporter of the Save Mona Vale Hospital campaign. We wish him well in his new position and offer him a warm invitation to visit our particular part of the world at any time.

Wildlife Corridors Program

Thanks to the National Heritage Trust Grant for the Wildlife Corridors in Pittwater Community Project, residents living between Palm Beach and Mona Vale can now receive FREE local native plants for either private property or on the road reserve. This is a great opportunity to be involved in creating a wildlife link to the 18 local Bushland Reserves. For more information please contact the Bushcare Officer of Pittwater Council on 9970 1363.