NEWSLETTER OF THE CASTLECRAG PROGRESSASSOCIATION INC.Eighty three years serving the community

ISSN 0814 2054 No. 170 February 2009

OUR NEXT MEETING:

GENERAL MEETINGTuesday, 24 February

7.30pm for 8.00pm

The Gobal Food Crisis:What it means for usGuest Speaker: Bob McKillop Rural Scientist and agriculturaladvisor to developing countries.Bob will dicuss the risks and benefitsof GM crops. For more on Bob, andFood for Thought, see page 6.

YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED to theCommunity Centre, The Rampart(down laneway near intersection withThe Postern).

THINK LOCAL! SHOP LOCAL! EMPLOY LOCAL!

Castlecrag Private Hospital has reached thegrand age of 80 and local residents,doctors, current and former staff andfriends celebrated this milestone with acocktail party on Tuesday 9 December 2008in the hospital grounds.

We were delighted to be able to entertainDr Ron Rivett, the son of the founder of thehospital, Dr Edward Rivett. A highlight ofthe evening was the arrival at the party ofthe first baby born at the hospital, a lovelygentleman from Northbridge who surprisedus with his presence having seen the articlein the North Shore Times. It was wonderfulto see ex surgeons, anaesthetists andnursing staff including Dr Vic Holland, DrDick Stephens and Betty Duesbury and tohear their stories from many years ago.Bruce Wilson from the Progress Associationwas also a welcome guest.

The hospital began life as a very smallcommunity hospital formerly known as‘Cabarisha’ (named after a legendaryAmerican Indian healer of some fourcenturies ago) which has grown over the

years and for a long time mothers andbabies were the priority, with it being amaternity hospital. However the focus haschanged and Castlecrag Private is nowconcentrating on sports injury surgery,plastic surgery, ear, nose and throat anddental surgery with a specialist medical /palliative care unit. There are 42 beds and 3operating theatres.

Many we l l known spor t smen andsportswomen have been treated at thehospital from various sporting fieldsincluding top level cricketers, rugby unionand rugby league players, Olympic athletes,soccer players and boxers.

Castlecrag Private is known for its warm,friendly and community feel even though ithas well and truly moved into the 21stCentury. The hospital is now owned by theRamsay Health Care Group.

We would like to thank the local communityfor its ongoing support of the hospital.

Roslyn Adams, Executive Assistant

Castlecrag Private Hospital80th Anniversary

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

2 Community Bytes

3 President’s musings

3 Support OUR Library

4 Glenaeon School DevelopmentProposals

5 Land & Environment Courtdismisses Sugarloaf CrescentDA Appeal

5 Those traffic lights!

6 Cosi at The Haven

6 Food for Thought – CPA GeneralMeeting

7 Traffic and Parking in Willoughby

8 Spring Tide: A preview of sealevel rise impacts?

9 Letter to the Editor

9 Chandler Lane

10 Council News

11 Community Notice Board

Willoughby District Historical SocietyNEEDS YOUR PHOTOS!!

The Museum is arranging an exhibition of AUSTRALIANAin April 2009 for Heritage Week and needs photos of motifs

of AUSTRALIAN FLORA AND FAUNA from your home.

We are happy to come and photograph them for you or you can email your photos to marywt@iprimus.com.au. Please contact Paul Storm, Vice President: 9419 7354

or Mary Thom, Secretary: 9419 5851

Then and now. Left: The original O’Malley house of the 1920s, prior to Griffin’s two-storey extensionand Eric Nicholls’ extension along The Sortie Port. Right: The hospital entrance of today.

Page 2 February 2009

is the community newsletter of theCastlecrag Progress Association

PO Box 4259Castlecrag NSW 2068

web page:www.castlecrag.org.au

emails to the CPA:info@castlecrag.org.au

Please send all correspondence and membership renewals to the above address.

COMMITTEE 2007-2008

President Bruce WilsonVice Presidents Kate Westoby

David HarropSecretary Jill NewtonTreasurer Diana Jones

Committee James FitzpatrickElizabeth LanderBob McKillopHoward RubieGay Spies OAM

Editor Bob McKillop9958 4516

Assistant Editor Margaret Chambers

email: editors@castlecrag.org.auLetters to the Editor are welcome.

Design, Typesetting & PrintingRobin Phelan & Associates

9958 4191rocketdesign@bigpond.com

Our shopsWe welcome two new shops at 122Edinburgh Road and wish both enterprisesevery success:Mattana at Shop 3, a hairdressing salon formen and women of which Alain Mattana isthe proprietor. Alain lives nearby, lovesCastlecrag and has another salon inMosman. He came to Australia from Lyon(France) 15 years ago with his Australianwife. Opening hours are 9am–6pmTuesdays, 9am–8pm Wednesdays to Fridays,9am–6pm Saturdays. Tel for appointments:9958 1313.Serin Cini at Shop 4 which the proprietorLarissa Snowden describes as 'showcasing apersonal selection of emotive brands,cherished antiquities and hand pickedfu r n i tu re ' . Open ing hou r s a re9.30am–5.30pm Mondays to Saturdays;phone number: 9958 0111. Browsing in thismost attractive shop is recommended. Jodie McGregor Flowers: Following theirwins as the 2008 North Shore Times TrueLocal Florist of the Year and the NSW andACT Champion of Champions Florist, JodieMcGregor flowers was crowned theAustralian Champion of Champions Floristfor 2008 at a glittering awards night at StarCity in December. Jodie, Stephanie andAdrienne were thrilled with the award andare now busy preparing for Valentine's Dayon February 14. Newsagency: Meanwhile, our long-standing newsagency business at thenorthern entrance to Castlecrag has closed.This has not come as a surprise, but olderresidents will view its passing with a degree

of nostalgia. For all those who experiencedfrustration that the newsagency next to thebus stop did not sell prepaid bus tickets, thegood news is that these are now availablefrom the Castlecrag Pharmacy. SeeChandler Lane article on page 9.Clipso Hairdressing at 18/100 EdinburghRoad is now open on Sundays 10am–2pmwith staff rostered for duty in rotation. Telfor appointments: 9958 0170.

Eco Boats on Middle Harbour

Eco Boats Australia is a new businessspecialising in electric boats, based atNorthbridge Marina. In an era when theimpac t o f human ac t i v i t y on theenvironment is of increasing concern,electric boats offer a greener alternativemeans of enjoying the beautiful waterwaysof Middle Harbour without adverseenvironmental impacts. Eco Boats has forsale and hire electric boats that are emission-free, low maintenance and able to cruise allday while costing less than a dollar torecharge. They have the added advantage ofbeing ultra-quiet, making them the perfectboat for a relaxing day of sunset cruising onMiddle Harbour with family, friends orbusiness associates. For more information,

Community Bytes

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INTERIOR DESIGN COLOUR CONSULTATIONBLINDS, CURTAINS & FURNISHINGS

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MAGICALLY CLEANS OVENS & BBQS

9967 873379 EDINBURGH ROAD, CASTLECRAG105 Edinburgh Road

Making happy days from hard times.Happy New Year 2009 to all Castlecragresidents and friends. Welcome back fromholidays, however short or long they were.For those who stayed on the peninsula,what a variety of weather you shared withmany enjoyable things to do around homeand friends. For those who went away,didn’t it feel good coming back to ourbeautiful tree-lined roads past summer-sleepy shops, a friendly wave from a familiarface, the warm sunshine and refreshingnor’easter.Returning from a frozen Europe facing gasand power shortages and worseningeconomic prospects, I silently thankedSydney for its 325 days of sunshine andequable climate, and Australia’s political andeconomic s t ab i l i t y am id s t g loba luncertainties.I also reflected on how many Australianshave become accustomed to abundance,softened by material comforts and isolatedby selfish pursuits. Some have mortgagedtheir happiness, their existence and theirfamilies because they did not know when tostop working, wanting and accumulatingmaterial wealth.With encroaching hard times, there will beincreases in job insecurity, poverty,homelessness and even hunger in parts ofAustralia. Fortunately for our specialpeninsula, “hardship” will tend to involvecutting back on expectations and non-necessities – not problems in puttingsufficient food on the table.In reassessing basics for an individual’spersonal happiness, five elements maysuffice:• Earning enough to avoid cold or hunger • Building our “day jobs” around activities

we enjoy

• Forging close relationships and a goodsocial network

• Learning to see negative events in apositive light

• Actively appreciating the good things weshare, and being empathetic.

Tougher times are an opportunity for us allto come closer together, re-order our lives,redefine our priorities, and to reconnectwith our neighbours and wider community.

How can we reinvigorate qualities likemateship, good neighbourliness andlending a hand to those in need? Let usmake a start by keeping an eye out for ourneighbours and pause to consider how theymight be being adversely affected byrecession: from the elderly whose well-earned superannuation or pension issuddenly providing less than planned, to thefinancially stretched young families.

A cheery “Good Morning” to a passingneighbour is a small investment – with arecession-proof dividend.

All organizations need renewal, and CPAencourages new people and ideas on itsCommittee. A vacancy currently exists andyou are welcome to inquire further atinfo@castlecrag.org.au . Also I believe thathaving a new President every two to threeyears is good for re-energising anassociation, so I will be stepping aside at theAnnual General Meeting in May, pleasedwith our progress over the last two years,and happy to assist the new President.

And mark your diary now for Tuesday 24thFebruary, 7.30 for 8pm: our f i r s tCommunity Gathering for 2009. Yes, it’sfree. Just bring a plate and good cheer – for“Together We Grow”.

Bruce Wilson

President’s musings

February 2009 Page 3

Community Bytes cont…

Castlecrag Progress Association Inc. Membership Form

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FOR 2009I wish to renew / apply for membership fo the CPA Inc., and enclose payment of: $ .....................................

($10 per person, $5 per student)

If you wish to make a donation, this will be most welcome. I enclose my donation of: $ .....................................

Name: ........................................................................................................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................

Phone: ...........................................................................

Please post to the Treasurer: PO Box 4259

Castlecrag 2068

Queries to:info@castlecrag.org.au

see the website: www.ecoboats.com.au orphone 9929 8834 to make a reservation orarrange a test drive.

Northbridge-Castlecrag Chamber ofCommerce The Northbridge and Castlecrag Chamberof Commerce was formally launched by theMayor, Pat Reilly, at the Northbridge GolfClub on 7 October 2008. Gladys Berejiklian,the State Member for Willoughby, was alsoin attendance. The Chamber is initiallyfocusing on lobbying local government onimproving the streetscape and parkingaccess at our local shopping villages,upgrading their amenity through theplanting of shade trees and uniform streetnumbering, and providing business trainingworkshops. Planning has commenced todevelop a local business directory and toestablish a website. All local businesses inCastlecrag are encouraged to join. Pleasecontact Marko at 9958 6900 or email:marko@northbridgegolfclub.com.au

Sydney Opera SocietyThe Sydney Opera Society had a well-attended Christmas Party at the CastlecragCommunity Centre on Saturday 6December. It celebrated a successful year inwhich a full programme of events had beenheld at the Presbyterian Church Hall inWilloughby; there had been a slow growthin membership and funds had been raisedby the Society for the Conservatorium ofMusic. New members are always welcomeand the Society's programme of events islisted in the Community Notice Board.Anyone interested in music is welcome toattend these events.

Nancy Fleming

Children's Holiday ClubThe very successful Children's Holiday Clubwas held again on 6–9 January at St John'sChurch, East Willoughby under the auspicesof the Anglican Parish of East Willoughby (StJ ames , Cas t l e c r ag and S t Johns ,Willoughby). Pastoral Assistant RichardSercombe was assisted by volunteers fromboth churches. It is intended to arrangeanother meeting in the July holidays.Contact: Richard (9958 4377, 0418291219) for further information.

Richard SercombeCommunity Bytes continues on page 4

Hours: Tuesdays 3.00–4.30pm; Thursdays 2–5pm; Saturdays 9.30am–noon.

The Castlecrag Branch Library, situated off The Rampart at the right-hand end of theCommunity Centre building, has a tempting display of books recently received andavailable for borrowing. The library provides a welcoming ambience and caters forchildren of all ages (with special facilities for toddlers), and young and older adults.Also held are minutes of Council meetings and a large selection of pamphlets and

booklets with information on local events and facilities.

Support OUR Library

Castlecrag residents may not be aware ofthe development plans of the GlenaeonRudolf Steiner School. In August 2008 theSchool Manager at Glenaeon wrote to'school neighbours' with a brochureoutlining plans and directions for the future.She explained that the School Council hadmade a series of decisions regarding theschool's future covering growth andfacilities, finances, management andcurriculum.The attached brochure advised that from2009 Glenaeon intended to commencedouble streaming from kindergarten andthen progressively to add a second classgroup at each grade level over thefollowing 12 years. This would require the

redeve lopment o fcurrent buildings at theCastlecrag campus tohouse the growing'ea r l y ch i l dhood 'programme and toenhance f a c i l i t i e savailable to the school.The accompanying siteplan (reproduced here)shows a new buildingfor two Class 2 rooms,staff and office wherethe present temporarybuilding is located,together with newbu i l d i ng fo r the'eurythmy playgroupand community use'near the EdinburghRoad corner.

The brochure notes that the school 'hasexisted within a tight financial framework',so in order to put this plan into action theschool proposed to sell two residentialblocks of land 'surplus to our needs' toraise funds for the development. At abriefing to a small group of immediateneighbours on 15 August, the SchoolManager advised that the two blocks hadalready been placed on the market atoffers over $1.2 million each. Their salewas completed on 18 August and adevelopment application by the new ownerfor two houses is currently being assessedby Willoughby City Council.

Editors

Page 4 February 2009

breakfast lunch dinner

Open 8am to 3pm; from 6pm(Sunday to 3pm only; closed Tuesdays)

83 Edinburgh rd Castlecrag NSW 2068

Phone 9967 8299

Speciality foods & ingredients Shop 20/22, 100 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag T 9958 0747 F 9958 0870 W www.gourmetsource.com.au

Come in for a coffee and browse at your leisure - or simply sit and relax!!

OPEN 7 DAYS Catering, Delicatessen & Grocery

Operation Caring ChristmasThirteen years ago June and Barry Raymond,local residents and parishioners of St James'Anglican Church, had a brainwave of howto extend the spirit of Christmas andfounded 'Operation Caring Christmas' forsocial contact and friendship with thoserestricted in their activities and 'shut in'th rough age , i n f i rm i t y o r ca r i ngresponsibilities. Over the years people of anyor no religious beliefs have received visitsand small gifts from St James' volunteers.For both visitors and visited it is frequently awonderful mixture of catching up with oldfriends and making new ones. Paula Gidleyrecently took over the reins from theRaymonds ; in December 2008 45households were visited. If you or yourneighbours or friends in Castlecrag, MiddleCove or East Willoughby would appreciate avisit in December 2009, please contact PaulaGidley on 9958 0260.

Trish Holdway

Burn-offIn mid November 2008 Willoughby CityCouncil's Fire Hazard Reduction Teamcompleted an ecological burn on a smallroad island on the corner of The Bastion andThe Bulwark, Castlecrag. This site waschosen for an ecological burn because of themany remnant native plant associationspresent that rely on fire for regeneration(species of Grevillea, Pultenea, Banksia,Xanthorrhea, Acacia, and native grasses andcanopy trees such as Angophora). The teamhas completed the site's first initial weed,and has observed many native plantseedlings emerging.

Karl McKillopBushfire Officer, WCC

Community Bytes cont…

Your local service stationCnr Mowbray &

Willoughby RoadsPhone: 9958 5896

9958 6320

Mechanical repairs to all makes & modelsAuthorised RTA Inspection station

Log Book servicingAir condition service & repairs

Mazda Rotary Engine specialistPerformance & Turbo Charging

Tyres – Steering – Suspension – Brake – Clutch

ManagerJohn Manoukian

CASTLECRAG& isis store

JEWELLERY & GIFTSWe are extending our STATIONERY range

Let us know your needs!

Passport & Photo Services

PRIVATE BOXES AVAILABLE

122 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag NSW 2068Phone: 02 9958 8650 or 02 9967 5177

Glenaeon School developmentproposals

February 2009 Page 5

Land & Environment Court DismissesSugarloaf Crescent DA AppealIn a decision handed down on 2 October2008 (NSWLEC 1417), the NSW Land &Environment Court upheld Willoughby CityCouncil’s refusal of an application for twonew attached five-storey six bedroomresidences in Sugarloaf Crescent.

Local residents had formed a loose actiongroup jointly representing their concernsto Council and subsequently to the Landand Environment Court. This groupcommissioned an independent planner tofairly assess the application on their behalf.Members of the group prepared detailedsubmissions to Council, stating that whilstthey supported redevelopment of the site,they were unable to see why such aredevelopment need not comply withCouncil’s planning codes, nor respect itsneighbours or its wider context. TheProgress Association supported thisapproach, and also made a submissionalong similar lines. Council subsequentlyrefused the development application andthe applicant appealed to the Land &Environment Court.

After an unsuccessful attempt at mediation,the Court held a site meeting to hearcommunity submissions and to fully assessthe application. This was followed by afurther two-day hearing in the Court ofexpert evidence and submissions made onbehalf of both parties. The Commissioner,Mr C Brown, immediately handed down hisdecision on the third morning, rejecting theapplication resoundingly for various reasonsincluding that the “proposed exceedencesof the height requirement in this case are

excessive and create a situation where thebulk and scale of the building creates anoverbearing and intimidating presence…”.He further added that the building“…would be better treated by stepping upthe site.”In his decision Cmr Brown emphasised theneed to protect significant trees upon thesite and was not persuaded that theproposal was acceptable in terms ofovershadowing. He concluded that theproposed development was inconsistentwith the identified objectives within theWilloughby Local Environment Plan 1995and the Willoughby Development ControlPlan. This case, together with other recent cases,demonstrates the strength of our Council’splanning documents, and the support theyare given by the Court. The decision showsthat should a proposal step outside thesecontrols it needs clearly to demonstrate whythere is a need to do so, and that any non-compliances with a development standardmust demonstrate they have little or noimpact on neighbouring properties or thewider community. We are grateful to Council for so vigorouslyupholding and defending its planningcontrols in this and in other recent cases.Unfortunately the applicant has chosen toresubmit a revised application whichseemingly makes little attempt to addressmost issues raised by the community, ourCouncil and the Court to the firstapplication. This new application is currentlybeing assessed by Council’s officers.

Editors

CASTLECRAGCASTLECRAGMEAMEATSTS

Award Winning ButchersSpecialists in free range and organic products

Free home delivery Tuesdays and FridaysCorner Raeburn Avenue and Edinburgh Road

www.castlecragmeats.com.auPhone 9958 4274 Fax 9967 4181

English & Japanese Coaching in Castlecrag

• English & Arts by PhD.• Japanese By Experienced

Qualified, Native Teacher

Japanese and EnglishTutoring School (est.1997)9958 2677 0402 065 023

- 20 years Experience - Excellent HSC results- Improved School Marks- Flexible Coaching- Essay Writing - Grammar & Speech - Comprehension & ESL- Japanese from Kindy

OPEN: Lunch Wed–Fri 12noon-3pm Dinner Mon–Sat 6-10pm

Tel: 9958 6122www.romanositalianrestaurant.com.au

2 The Griffin Centre, 122 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag 100 edinburgh rd castlecrag 9958 8666 jodie.com.au

WE DID IT!So three cheers for Castlecrag

National Champion of ChampionsFlorist 2008

fabulous flowers for fabulous people

Those Traffic Lights!In response to a motion by Cr John Hooperan on-site community meeting with councilofficers was held at the traffic lights on thecorner of Edinburgh Road and EasternValley Way on 4 December to discuss andwitness community concerns regarding aright-hand turn arrow for vehicles exitingCastlecrag. Readers of The Crag will befamiliar with the ongoing efforts by ourcommunity over the past 30 years to have aright-turn arrow added to these lights, onlyto meet strong opposition from the RTA tothe provision of such a facility.The December meeting was attended by anumber of residents from the apartmentblocks on the south-western side ofEdinburgh Road who expressed concernthat the current arrangement with tworight-turn lanes into Edinburgh Road forcity-bound traffic on Eastern Valley Waymade it difficult for them to exit their blocksand they requested this be reduced to onelane. Council officers advised them thatsuch a change would result in a muchlonger right-turn phase, thereby furtherreducing the time available for vehicles toexit Castlecrag. It would also generatestrong opposition from Northbridgeresidents who have previously lobbiedCouncil to divert more traffic from EasternValley Way to avoid congestion atNorthbridge Junction. We understand thatthe meeting asked Council to write to theRTA requesting a right-turn arrow. The Craghas been advised that Council officers madean informal approach to the RTA on thismatter and were advised that there isnothing to stop Council making a furtherrequest, but the answer will be the same asprevious occasions.

Editors

Page 6 February 2009

For more information please call VetMed

9958 0177148 Sailors Bay Road

Northbridge

When a pet is allergic to fleas or hasother allergic skin disease, the need tocontrol fleas is critical. The flea allergicdog or cat has a severe, itch-producingreaction. This causes hair loss and canlead to open sores allowing secondarybacterial infection.

When a dog is heavily infested, it is easy tofind the fleas. If the numbers are small, it isbest to quickly turn your dog over and lookon its belly, then look on the back just infront of the tail. ‘Flea dirt’ or the faecal matterfrom the flea is also an indication that fleasare present.

A single flea can stay on an animal for up to100 days producing thousands of eggs. Themost important treatment for flea allergy is toget the dog or cat away from all the fleas.

In routine flea control, the secret is to breakthe life-cycle of the flea at either the adultstage (adulticide) or the egg stage (insectgrowth regulator or IGR). In allergic animals,both adult and immature stages need to becontrolled.

New products for control of immature fleas inthe environment appear to be highlyeffective, long lasting and have very lowpotential side-effects. IGRs (Lufenuron) areavailable as a once a month pill (dogs) or sixmonthly injection (cats only). Adult fleas thatfeed on the animal treated with Lufenuronproduce sterile eggs. The product does notkill fleas. Hence, four to seven months maypass before the flea-free state is reached. Inallergic animals, an adulticide (kills adultfleas) will need to be added. Many productsare available (Frontline spray, Advantix,Advantage, Capstar).

Complete flea control is invariablydifficult. It is important to be vigilant anddiscuss any issues with yourveterinarian. If the itching continuesdespite intensive flea therapy, otherallergic skin diseases need to beinvestigated at the veterinary surgery.

The summer itch – FLEAS!!

Bob McKillop, a Castlecrag resident since1976, will make an illustrated presentationto the Progress Association GeneralMeeting on Tuesday 24 February titled 'TheGlobal Food Crisis: what it means to us'.Bob is a rural scientist who has worked indeveloping countries for the past 46 years,specialising in smallholder farming systems,institutional development and agriculturalpolicy issues. As several media articles have highlightedover the past year, we now face a globalfood crisis (GFC) outranking the globalfinancial crisis that has dominated ourattention over recent months. The food

version of the GFC has many elements to it,including our water crisis, climate change,the low priority given to agriculturalresearch and the vulnerability of urbanpopulations to the challenges ahead. Bobwill use first-hand examples from hisfield experience to illustrate the criticalissue of producing sufficient food to feedthe world's population over the comingdecades. Bob is also secretary to the NSW Division onthe Australian Institute of AgriculturalScience & Technology (AIAST). In thiscapac i t y, he was invo l ved in theorganisation of two successful AIAST

seminars during 2008: 'Managing Beyondthe Panic of Climate Change' held atOrange on 31 March, and 'GM Crops;Risks and Benefits' held at Milsons Pointon 12 November. Issues arising from theseevents, particularly the implications of theglobal food crisis for urban communities,will feature in his talk. We anticipate thatthe presentation will stimulate a livelydiscussion on the potential impact of theGFC on our future in the City of Willoughbyand what we can do about it.

Editors

Food for Thought – CPA General Meeting – 24 February

For eight shows only, LouisNowra ’s Cos i wi l l bep re sen ted by RAW-EMTheatre Co at The HavenAmphitheatre, Castlecrag. Itbuilds on RAW-EM’s previousyears’ h ighly successful

productions of Wind in the Willows and AMidsummer Night's Dream which wereapplauded by reviewers and had audienceseither coming back a second time orspreading good 'word of mouth' reports tofamily and friends. Or in the words of oneaudience member 'The two productions Ihave seen of RAW-EM at The Haven havebeen superb, in production, acting andsheer energy of the cast. What you havedone with the staging and almost no propshas allowed the imagination to soar'. Written in 1992, Cosi is a modernAustralian comedy classic and has become a

standard text for HSC students as well as anAFI award-winning screenplay. It tells thetouching and hilarious story of Lewis, afresh-faced theatre director, in his first job:directing a group of patients at aMelbourne asylum in Mozart’s Cosi fanTutte. But no one involved, includingringleader Roy, can sing or speak Italian.Meanwhile, the pressure on Lewis from hisuniversity friends to organise Australia’slargest Vietnam War protest makes himquestion where true madness lies: inside oroutside the asylum. Come, bring your friends and enjoy thistheatrical masterpiece in your Haven, one ofthe unique and special features of oursuburb, with Saturday matinee, Sundaytwilight, Friday and Saturday eveningperformances for two weekends only!Details on back page.

Lindy Batterham

Cosi opens at The Haven Amphitheatre Keep your moggie indoors from dusk to dawnThe following letter appeared in The SydneyMorning Herald on 13/01/09:

'…responsible cat owners and animalwelfare groups place great importance onthe protection of wildlife. The CatProtection society of NSW promoteskeeping cats indoors – or if outdoors, insecure enclosures or supervised, and alwaysindoors from dusk to dawn. 'Cats are an important part of our social,not natural, environment. Keeping catshappy and wildlife safe are not mutuallyexclusive. Sadly, the greatest threats to theenvironment are people's ignorance andgreed. Making a scapegoat of one specieswill not overcome this.'

Kristina VeskChief Executive

Cat Protection Society of NSW, Newtown

February 2009 Page 7

PROPERTY SALES / MANAGEMENT / AUCTIONS

Roger Page Dianne Page Dierdre Kelly Siobhan Buchan

Sales Appraisals • Property Sales • Property Auctions • Rental Appraisals • Lettings • Full Management Service

9958 0124www.rogerpage.com.au

There's nothing like a good grumble abouttraffic congestion or parking issues tooccupy our minds here in Willoughby Cityit seems. A good number of these grumbleseventual ly make their way to theWilloughby Traffic Committee. This is atechnical committee of the Roads & TrafficAuthority (RTA) that addresses trafficmatters on local roads within theWilloughby LGA. I have served as therepresentative of the Federation ofWilloughby Progress Associations on thiscommittee since the beginning of 2006, sothe new year seems a useful time to reflecton the issues that come before it and theirimplications for our way of life here inWilloughby City.

The RTA has delegated certain powers withregard to traffic matters on local roads tolocal government councils on the conditiontha t they t ake i n to accoun t therecommendations of the Traffic Committeein making decisions affecting local roads.There are four permanent members of ourTraffic Committee – representatives of theNSW Police Service, Willoughby CityCouncil and the RTA, as well as the localState Member of Parliament – each ofwhom has a single vote. Council's vote isheld by the Chair of the Meeting, althoughother council officers attend. In addition tothe Federation of Willoughby PAs, otherbodies regularly represented are the StateTransit Authority and Forest Coach Lines.

Items coming before the Traffic Committeegenerally originate from council officers,usually as a result of recommendationsarising from Local Area Traffic Management(LATM) studies; requests from individualresidents, business owners, constructioncompanies, Progress Associations orschools; and requests from other stateauthorities, such as the State TransitAuthority and CityRail.

Apart from one-off requests for roadclosures and traffic management plans forspecial events, closures of the North ShoreRailway line etc, the great majority ofrequests coming before the committee fallinto three categories:

1. The provision of measures to improvetraffic flow or to slow vehicle speeds inresidential streets, the latter usually asresult of recommendations from aLATM;

2. Requests for parking restrictions orchanges, mostly from individualresidents seeking restrictions outsidethe i r re s idences o r bus ines se sdemanding more parking availability intheir locality; and

3. Requests to improve pedestrian safety,usually at schools but also in commercialareas.

The committee also deals with requests forchanges to bus zones and other specialparking provisions (such as taxi ranks andcar share spaces), together with theprovision of bicycle paths and shareduser paths.

Having been involved with the TrafficCommittee for three years now, I can offerthe assessment that those involved go outof their way to give those making requestsa fair hearing and in a large majority ofcases a satisfactory decision is reached thataddresses the concern raised. In terms oftraffic flow and congestion, the requestspresented to the committee are primarilyconcerned with diverting the problemelsewhere. Generally the committee seeksto minimise the overt diversion of problemsto others, but the tools available to respondto the multitude of requests by frustratedresidents, motorists and business peopleare limited.

The reality is that too many people now useprivate cars to move around or through ourcity and this means of transport takes toomuch space. While a third of our city spaceis already devoted to road transport – roads,streets, garages, parking lots, parkingstations, show rooms and service centres –the number of cars now exceeds thiscapacity. Residential streets, originallyprovided for the movement of vehicles, areincreasingly taken up on both sides withprivate vehicles using them as a parking lot,which is great for slowing traffic, butsomewhat frustrating to residents andvisitors to these areas.

No government, it seems, has the politicalwill to address the core issue of urban spaceand traffic management through effectivepricing of road use and parking, so councilis left to make the most of what it is ableto do with its available resources. Theseinclude reconfiguring streets to discouragethrough traffic, introducing parkingrestrictions (with lots of signs as aconsequence), erecting signs to preventqueuing across intersections, and usingparking meters and regular patrolling byrangers to book vehicles parked illegally. It'sa limited response to a more deep-rootedproblem, but for the present, that is allthat is available to councils to managelocal roads.

Willoughby City Council is encouragingmore sustainable modes of travel and thenew E-restore levy is, in part, designed toprovide additional funding for this. Thisincludes improved facilities for pedestriansand bicycles, as well as better managementof traffic flows and illegal parking in ourresidential streets. I hope to bring youfurther updates on these issues in future.

Bob McKillop

Traffic and Parking in Willoughby

Page 8 February 2009

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The NSW Department of Environment andClimate Change invited members ofcommunities along the NSW coast to assistin a volunteer photographic survey of theimpact of the king tide on 12 January2009. This was the highest Spring Tide indaylight this year. 2.1m at Fort Denisonwas predicted; on the day it was actually1.96m. Spring tides are the highest tides occurringeach month, around the time of the newand full moon, when the Sun, Moon andEarth form a line. The tidal forces due to theSun reinforce those of the Moon, and the

tide's range is then maximum: this is calledthe spring tide, or just springs and is derivednot from the season of spring but ratherfrom the verb meaning "to jump" or "toleap up".

The January 2009 spring tide provided anopportunity to observe areas along thecoast which are subject to flooding and atrisk from erosion and storm damage. It wasalso an opportunity to raise awareness ofthe long-term challenges of sea level rise.The Department has presented forecastsof climate change impacts, including thepotential for sea levels to rise by 40cm by2050 and by 90cm by 2100.

The photographic coverage will help theDepartment to create a statewide snapshotof vulnerable areas, many of which will nothave been recorded before. This will helpplanning for future implications of sealevel rise.

DECC apparently had a huge response to itscall, and local Bushcare Groups inCastlecrag participated by recording thetide at the mouth of The Retreat Creekwhere it runs into Middle Harbour. A groupof eight observers, mainly from The Orieland The Retreat Bushcare Groups andjoined by Willoughby Council's BushcareManager Mandy Wilson, gathered for theevent (see photograph).

A few thoughts from the group’sdiscussions and observations:

1. More frequent higher tides will extendthe brackish ecosystem further upstreamin estuarine creeks, and kill salt-intolerant native plant communities suchas ferns.

2. More salt accumulating in the soil mightaffect some native plants. Existingmature large trees (coachwood etc.)might survive, but the increased salinityof the soil might make it difficult forrecruitment of new plants.

3. Some weeds are surviving near the hightide mark now, and might do well incompetition with natives in this situation(buffalo grass, asparagus fern, and afew others already seemed to be doingquite well in the spring tide inundationzone). The inundation zone might serveas an establishment area for new weedspecies.

4. The good news is that some Erhardtaweed (Veldt grass) seems to have beenkilled by the November / DecemberSpring tides and does not seem to betolerant of salt water.

Lorraine CairnesThe Retreat Bushcare Group

Spring Tide: A preview of sea level rise impacts?

Lorraine Cairnes and Mandy Wilson, WilloughbyCouncil's Bushcare Manager, observing thespring tide at the mouth of The Retreat Creekwhere it runs into Middle Harbour on 12 January 2009.

Beware of the Agapanthus

Gardeners – It is time now to dead-head Agapanthus flowers and disposeof the seeds effectively. Unfortunatelythis attractive plant has become insome places, including Castlecrag, abushland weed. Recently there havebeen reports from Victoria, particularlyFlinders Island, of invasions intonational parks and other bushland,and we clearly do not wish this tohappen in our local area.

February 2009 Page 9

LETTER to the EditorSpeeding on Edinburgh RoadA big thank you to the Progress Associationfor the most interesting meeting on 28Octobe r 2008 . I app rec i a ted theopportunity; it was good to hear aboutissues in our suburb and to get to knowsome of the people who contribute to ourcommunity.I am writing as a follow-up to the concern Iexpressed at the meeting regardingspeeding vehicles on Edinburgh Road. Myhusband and I moved to Castlecrag withour 15 months old daughter in April 2008as we admire the nice architecture of thehouses and the green environment here.We are most concerned, however, with thefact that most drivers in Edinburgh Road donot respect the 50 km/h speed limit. We livebeside the Montessori Kindergarten andhave been shocked at how fast the cars andbuses drive in both directions. Because ofmy concern, I called the police station atGordon and was informed that regularpatrols are performed in Edinburgh Roadand it did not appear to the police that thecars were driving too fast. This is contrary tothe experience of many of my neighbourswho have been concerned for some timenow about speeding vehicles.Around early September a serious accidenthappened opposite our house on a Sundayevening around 10 pm. A young P-platedriver was not able to handle the slight turnin front of the Montessori Kindergartenand drove into the wall of a house. Thedriver suffered a shock and he damaged hiscar and the owner’s parked car completely.It was pure luck that he did not sufferfrom serious injuries. It was only minutes

after the accident that he admitted todriving at 80 km/h.On 27 October 2008 Willoughby Councilerected a speed measuring device just infront of our house. In a short period (about5 minutes) I observed at least five carsdriving past at speeds of 60–70km/h.During the CPA general meeting in OctoberI was told that this problem has existedfor about 30 years and the communityhad made many attempts to address it.I was distressed to learn that Councilhad established a Local Area TrafficManagement Plan in the 1990s and fundswere approved to construct traffic calmingdevices in 2003-2004, but this work wascancelled because some residents opposedthis measure.This is most unfortunate as we now have alot of young children living on EdinburghRoad and their parents fear for their safetydue to speeding traffic. The problem isparticularly serious in the vicinity of theMontessori Kindergarten. In particular, anelderly resident who lives near the bend inthe road here and uses a walker finds it toodangerous to cross the road near her placeand has to make a detour before she feelssafe crossing the street. I am thereforewriting to The Crag to express my concernand to seek responses from others whowish to address the problem of speeding onEdinburgh Road. Hopefully we should nothave to await a serious accident beforesomething is done about this.

Maggie SchellerEdinburgh Road

Chandler LaneMany residents of Castlecrag remember theChandler family and the various servicesthey provided our community. The newlyerected sign 'Chandler Lane' on the lanebehind the northern side of Edinburgh Roadcommemorates their contribution toCastlecrag. Mr and Mrs Chandler senior, who camehere in approximately 1942, first leased theshop occupied now by Brenda Harrison as ageneral store with banking and postalservices.After the war they joined their son Doug inhis newly opened newsagency, bringingwith them the postal and banking sectionsof their business. When his parents retiredDoug and his wife Elva continued with thenewsagency; after his retirement hisdaughter Vanessa and her husband JohnFrancis took over the business.Since then the newsagency has passedthrough other hands, the postal service hasbeen upgraded to a post office and thebanking service was upgraded to the latelylamented Castlecrag Branch of theCommonwealth Bank. One of Doug’s brothers, Cecil, and his wifeDoreen lived in Eastern Valley Way andprovided the local hire car service throughthe fifties and sixties. In the days beforetwo and three car families becamecommon, every day Cecil collected anddelivered a bulging car-load of pre-schoolersto the kindergarten. This was a servicemuch appreciated and relied on by manymothers.

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Page 10 February 2009

Civic Place Excavation AlmostCompleteExcavation works of the Civic Place site bybuilders A W Edwards are progressing aheadof schedule. By mid January the followinghad been achieved:• bulk excavation at 95%• detailed excavation for foundations and

in-ground services at 75%• concrete at Basement 2 roughly 55%• Basement 1 formwork at approximately

40%• Second crane erectedThe first pour of Basement 1 was due by theend of January.

Linda Cardew Project Director

Changes to CouncilCab From 1 December 2008 the followingchanges have been advised:

• Bookings should be made directly toWilloughby City Council, telephonenumber 9777 1000. The booking processwill be unchanged.

• Operat ion t imes wi l l change to

10am–3.30pm on Mondays to Fridays,9am–4pm on Saturdays.

• Rate will increase to $5 per passenger pertrip.

Inquiries: 9777 1000.

Call for Community Representatives Counci l has ca l led for communityrep re sen ta t i v e s on the fo l l ow ingcommittees:

• Natural Heritage and Bushland AdvisoryCommittee

• Griffin Reserves Advisory Group

The aim of these Committees is to adviseCouncil on the preservation of naturalheritage in the Willoughby City Council areaand in the historic Castlecrag area.Membership consists of councillors andindependent community members.

Community members with expertise or aninterest in, the preservation of the naturalheritage of these areas are welcome tonominate. The Natural Heritage andBushland Advisory Committee meetsmonthly, while the Griffin Reserves AdvisoryGroup meets every three months.

For further information on Natural Heritageand Bushland Advisory Committee contactFrances Davis on 9777 7732. For furtherinformation on the Griffin Reserves AdvisoryGroup contact Karl McKillop 9777 7710.

RecyclingResidents can deliver compact fluorescentlights (CFLs), batteries, mobile phones andcorks to Willoughby City Council, Level 4,31 Victor Street, Chatswood in office hours.

Chatswood Youth Centre Chatswood Youth Centre, at the cornerof Victor Street and Albert Avenue, is afree, safe and supportive environmentfor young people aged 12–18 years.Experienced youth workers staff the centrewhich offers table tennis, pool, gamesconsoles, internet access, chess, magazines,information and more.

For a small fee there is also a music roomavailable for hire complete with guitar, bassguitar, drums, keyboard, microphones, PA,and piano.

The centre is open seven days a week: from2 :30–6 :00pm Sa tu rday–Thu r sday,2:30–9:00pm Friday. For the latest onevents and activities at the centre checkwww.myspace.com/chatswoodyouthservices, email youth@willoughby.nsw.gov.au, orcall 9777 7958 during centre hours.

Rebecca Hill Media and Marketing Group Manager

Willoughby Leisure Centre More than 50 group fitness classes areavailable each week at this Centre in SmallStreet, Willoughby:

• Yoga: 11.30am–12.30pm Thursdays

• Tai Chi: 11.30am–12.30pm Fridays

• Gentle Exercise Class: 11.30am–12.30pmMondays and 10.30–11.30am Thursdays.

Classes are free to members of the Centre;casual visits cost $9.90 per class for seniorsor 10 passes for $89, and $16.75 per classor 10 passes for $150 for other adults.Inquiries: 9958 5799.

Council News

February 2009 Page 11

Willoughby Symphony Orchestra: Next concert, titled'Western Voyage', will include Beethoven's Piano ConcertoNo 3, Op 3 in C minor and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No 4 inF minor. The conductor will be Nicholas Milton, and soloist:Ambre Hammond (piano). The concert on Saturday 21 Februaryat 8pm will be at the Verbruggen Hall, Conservatorium ofMusic, Macquarie Street, Sydney; a second concert on Sunday22 February at 3pm will be at the Riverside Theatre, Parramatta.Information on 9777 7547.

ANZANG – Nature Photography Exhibition: Thisexhibition in the Council Administration Building foyer atGround level, 31 Victor Street, Chatswood from Tuesday10–Friday 27 February, is the result of a major photographiccompetition held in Australasia, the largest nature competitionin the region. Hours are 8.30am–5.00pm weekdays. Inquiries:WCC's Bushland Team 9777 7754; more information on:www.anzangnature.com

Sydney Opera Society: This group meets at 2pm at thePresbyterian church all, cnr Laurel land High Streets, Willoughby.There will be a lecture on 7 March by David Garrett on Wertherand on 4 April a recital by the Opera Diploma students from theSydney Conservatorium of Music. Further information: ShirleyRobertson 9605 5851 or Nancy Fleming 9958 3110.

Willoughby Environmental Protection Association (WEPA): The AGM will be on Tuesday 17 March at 8pm at the ArtarmonLibrary, Elizabeth Street, Artarmon. Speaker yet to be decided:see http://wepa.org.au/ for information.

The Willoughby Symphony Choir: The Choir will give achoral performance of sacred Easter music, including therequiems of Mozart and Duruflé, on Sundays 22 March and29 March at 5pm at the Zenith Theatre, cnr Railway andMcIntosh Streets, Chatswood. The audience is invited to jointhe Willoughby City Choir and friends for an extended intervalto partake of Easter fare. Tickets cost $22. More Informationon 9777 7547.

Willoughby East Anglican Church, activities for youngpeople: 'Break-In' for years 6–9 meets each Friday at 7pm atSt John's Church, Warrane Street, East Willoughby; and Kids'Church at St Johns, East Willoughby at 10.30am every Sunday.Enquiries: Richard Sercombe on 0418 291219.

Bushcare Groups:Willoughby Council provides groups with a professional trainerfor each session. A pleasant morning tea in the bushland is anintegral part of monthly bushcare work sessions. All welcome.The Oriel Reserve Group, meets 9am–12 noon 3rd Sundayeach month; next dates: 15 February, 15 March; contact RobGibson 0409 035614.The Keep Reserve Group, meets 9am–12.30pm 2nd Sundayeach month; next dates: 8 February, 8 March; contactMatthew Keighery 9967 2682.The Casement Reserve Group, meets 9am–12 noon 3rdSunday each month; next dates: 15 February, 15 March;.contact Sue Burk 9958 4295.The Retreat Group, meets 9am–12 noon on the 4th Saturdayeach month; next dates: 28 February, 28 March; contacts JillNewton 9967 4933 or Lorraine Cairnes 9958 1213.The Rockley Street Group, meets 9am–12 noon on the 3rdSaturday each month; next dates: 21 February, 21 March;contact Tanya Coates 8907 9204.The Cheyne Walk Group, meets 9am–12 noon 4th Saturdayeach month, next dates 21 February, 21 March; contactFrances David 9777 7732.

Community Notice Board

The Community Notice Board is a service by the Castlecrag Progress Association. Please contact editors@castlecrag.org.au with details of forthcoming events and activities for inclusion.

Community OrganisationsCastlecrag Progress Association: ‘Representing the Castlecrag Community’General Meeting: Tuesday 24 February from 7.30pm atthe Castlecrag Community Centre, with guest speakerBob McKillop. Bob's topic will be: 'The Global Food Crisis:what it means to us' in which he will discuss the risks andbenefits of GM crops. All welcome. For further information: info@castlecrag.org.au

Clean Up Australia Day: The Retreat and Castle HavenReserves have been registered as a Clean-up site for Clean UpAustralia Day on Sunday 1 March. Participants are invited tomeet at 9.30am at 68 The Bulwark, Castlecrag, bringinggloves and wearing clothes and shoes that can get wet.Information from Terese Hayward on 0425 242 565 orhttp://events.cleanup.org.au/?Retreat+and+Castle+Haven+Reserves

Castlecrag Conservation Society: Lorraine Cairnes withPeter Moffitt will speak at the next meeting on their recentkayaking trip, from Dawson City in Canada, 475 km downthe Yukon River to the town of Circle, close to the ArcticCircle. The meeting will be held on Thursday 26 March at8pm at the Castlecrag Community Centre. All welcome.Information: Harold Spies 9958 8569.

Castlecrag Community Library: Support our local library.Opening hours: Tuesday 3–4.30pm; Thursday 2–5pm;Saturday 11am–12noon. Phone: 9958 8991.

CragSitters: A local community group providing families withan opportunity to network and provide contact with availablebabysitters in the area. Information: cragsitters@yahoo.com.au

Other Events / NoticesThe Birds of Blue Gum Birdwatch: Local bird expert AndyBurton will lead free this bird watch, aimed for bothbeginners and experienced bird watchers, on Sunday 15February 8–11am at Blue Gum Reserve. Participants shouldmeet at Greville Street Park, on the northern side of FullersRoad, Chatswood West, and bring binoculars and a mug fortea. Bookings are essential, from Bush Interpretive Officers on9777 7755 or email email@willoughby.nsw.gov.au

Pre-Schoolers Park Scrambles: This free fun walk for pre-school children and their carers will be held on Wednesday18 February 10–11.30am followed by morning tea, gamesand story time. Meet at Beauchamp Park, cnr Nicholson andDarling Streets, Willoughby North and bring child or children,snack and a mug. Bookings are essential, from BushInterpretive Officers on 9777 7755 or emailemail@willoughby.nsw.gov.au

Spotlight on Wildlife: A free activity for families, includingchildren 5 years old and over, takes place at Harold ReidReserve on Friday 20 February 8.15–9.30pm. Participantsshould bring a torch to spotlight animals, and meet at theentrance of the Reserve, Rembrandt Drive, Middle Cove.Bookings essential, from Bush Interpretive Officers on9777 7755 or email email@willoughby.nsw.gov.au

Northbridge Progress Association (NPA): The next general meeting of the NPA will be held at 8pm onWednesday 25 February at St Marks Hall, Malacoota Road,Northbridge. A panel from Council, AMP and NPA will givean update on the Plaza Masterplan project and answerquestions. Castlecrag residents are strongly encouragedto attend since a major Plaza expansion would affectCastlecrag shops and traffic.

Page 12 February 2009