Granny Smith Festival

The Granny Smith festival was another success this year. The day started off cloudy and cool but by late morning the clouds had parted for a hot afternoon. The political supporters with their balloons added spectacle and numbers to the celebration. That is probably the last time we will see such a strong political presence at the festival.

It's hard to make a meaningful judgement of numbers but I would say that the crowd was similar or slightly greater than previous years. The procession was certainly longer. One gripe is that some commercial organisations that do not have any community affiliation or involvement entered the procession just for the purposes of advertising. I don't believe that is consistent with the intention of the festival.

I will be taking up the matter of litter with Council staff. There was more litter on the streets in early evening than I have ever seen in the 20 year history of the festival. I can understand why they cover up the normal street litter bins to prevent them being used, but I can't understand why the larger mobile replacement bins are not located at exactly the same location. People would see a covered bin, look around for a replacement and not see anything (sight is limited to a few metres in that crowd), and then drop their litter on top of the plastic bin covering, only to fall to the ground.

I believe this unsatisfactory situation has arisen from the desire to introduce waste recycling at major community events. I don't think it is working. You have to draw a line somewhere. Is it of greater community benefit to recover recyclables (however contaminated) from the festival and just accept the problems that have been created?

Smoke-free eating areas

Have you ever settled down in an outdoor cafe to enjoy a coffee only to discover that smoke fumes are wafting across your table from a smoker at the next table upwind? Have you had to move table to get away from this intrusion on your comfort and enjoyment. Well things are about to change in the City of Ryde.

Council has resolved to require all leases for outdoor eating areas on public land to include a clause requiring the lessee to ensure the eating area remains smoke-free. The measure will be progressively introduced as existing leases come up for renewal. Leases are typically for three years so by the end of that period all outdoor eating areas on public land will be smoke free.

The lessee will be obligated to erect a sign and act immediately if any patron complains of a violation. This is better than a Council-imposed ban that requires patrons to report the matter to Council during working hours and hope that something happens. If the lessee is reluctant to act then the matter can be reported to Council who will inform the lessee that continued violations will result in the lease being cancelled.

Happy dining!

Council amalgamations

Last week there was a tip on Crikey.com that following the federal election the NSW government would move to force amalgamation of New South Wales councils. Some examples were given in Sydney involving three councils in the St George area, three in the middle west and others in the Parramatta area.

Only a tip, but I have to say it was expected. I believe that separating the State and Local govt elections by 18 months, as occurred over the last two terms of councils has set the scene for this. The last attempt by Tony Kelly as LG Minister in 2003 was botched, at least in metropolitan Sydney. Let's wait and see what happens. Might be out in the cold by Christmas.

Ride to work day

I will be participating in National Ride to Work day on Wednesday 17 October 2007. I will ride from home in Eastwood to Macquarie Park using the preferred route advertised in the Ryde cycling map.

This is the first national event of its kind after having operated in Melbourne for some years. There will be over 70 regional breakfasts and thousands of workplace breakfasts around Australia. ABC radio is the national radio partner for the event.

The Macquarie Park community breakfast, supported by Ryde Council, will be at the new Optus campus (entry from Paul Street North) and will operate from 7:30 to 9:30 AM. Bakers Delight is the national bakery partner so there should be some yummies available.

If you want to join me register via http://www.ride2work.com.au/

I have not officially registered because I don't actually need to ride to work, having worked from home for the last 12 years. I will be attending to give my support and then riding back home again.

Green Power

I am not convinced that purchasing green power is the best use of ratepayer's funds. Ryde Council is to spend $22,900 per annum to obtain 10% of the electricity consumed on major Council sites from "green" sources. The problem with this is that there is nothing to show for the expenditure, the community has no knowledge of it and it provides no incentive for Council employees and users of Council facilities to reduce their energy consumption.

Far better than purchasing 10% of electricity from green sources is to reduce energy consumption by 10%. That way not only is there is 10% less carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere but the cost to Council is also reduced by about 10%. A win-win situation. Purchasing green power costs the community more, not less, and does not show leadership to the community about reducing energy consumption.

I fear that support for green power is an easy out for those who want to claim "green" credentials. A balanced response to climate change is not just a matter of throwing money at the problem (other people's). The available council funding to address climate change would be better directed to reducing total energy consumption. Council already has a limited program in this area. More funding would make things happen more quickly.

Flooding at West Ryde

A correspondent has examined the material available for the new REMO application at West Ryde shopping centre and discovered that the recently completed flood study shows potential issues for the existing development (West Ryde Marketplace), including Council's library, an electricity substation and several shops. I have placed the following notice of motion on Council's business paper for next Tuesday:

"That the General Manager report to Council on the flooding risk to Council’s West Ryde library, the adjoining electricity substation and other property in the West Ryde Marketplace development, in view of information revealed in the recent flood study exhibited for the development application for the REMO development at West Ryde. The report should recommend what Council action, if any, should be taken."

Comments about the REMO development can be dealt with as submissions to that DA, but when there is a suggestion that the existing development is at risk, we need to investigate it. How much of this was known when the Marketplace development was approved a few years ago?

Pathway along the Parramatta River

Today I received the following request regarding the shared use path along the Parramatta River frontage:

"I use the Parramatta River Valley Cycleway daily, to cycle to work . Its starting to become busy on the section behind Meadowbank Park and the incidence of loose dogs is increasing. I request improved signage clearly instructing people as to their obligations when using multi-use pathways, before I get bowled over."

I agree there is a need for user education wherever we have a shared pathway. I have arranged for this matter to be referred to the Bicycle Advisory Committee for consideration and to be taken into account when designing signage for the "Ryde River Walk". The path mentioned in the request (PVC) is part of the RRW that is to be signposted and officially opened within 12 months, so the request is timely.

Eastwood Centre redevelopment approved

On Tuesday 2 October, Council approved the commercial redevelopment of the Eastwood Centre. The applicant had originally submitted a development application as part one of a 2-stage process. The first stage was the commercial basement to be followed by a second stage of residential units over the top. However the application was subsequently modified to delete provision for the residential component. The approval given to the applicant is for a commercial-only development of four storeys.

The approved development will have roughly the same floor space as the existing centre but there will be substantially more parking with access from Trelawney St, West Pde and Rutledge St. The consent will not operate until a number of pre-conditions are met, including the applicant reaching agreement with adjoining owners to replace the Trelawney Street ramp with on-ground access.

The applicant indicated that a separate development application will be submitted for commercial plus residential development on the same site. If this second application is also approved the applicant can choose which development to construct.

Shepherds Bay signage

This week Council considered an application by developers of a new commercial precinct in the Faraday Park complex at Meadowbank to install signage directing traffic to the new shopping precinct. The proposal was to erect signs at six locations, including some nearby locations as well as others on main roads, (Victoria Road and Church Street).

The Meadowbank/West Ryde Progress Association has been struggling for years for Council to take action to reduce traffic in Meadowbank to essential local traffic. Naturally the Association is opposed to signage on the main road system that has the purpose of directing traffic to enter residential areas of Meadowbank. I have supported the Association's position on this. There should be no objection to local signage directing traffic that is already in Meadowbank to the new shopping area. But there is no necessity to divert traffic from the main road system that would not have otherwise entered the residential area.

The purpose of the new village commercial centre is to service the local area which is fast developing with new residential units. If the developers are concerned that there are not enough customers in the local area at this time to make the commercial development profitable, then they should delay its opening until more units are finished. Councillors were elected to represent the people, not commercial interests that have not even moved into the area at this time. The main outlet will be a member of a national supermarket chain. Surely that organisation can carry the start up costs of a new site without Ryde having to sacrifice the amenity of a residential area.

At the Public Facilities and Services Committee meeting on 2 October, I was the only councillor to stand up for the Meadowbank residents. If you agree with the Progress Association, please contact any of the other councillors before the final decision is made on 9 October.

Hi this is Terry

Welcome to my new blog. I will try to keep you informed of:

• matters that come before Council where I take a strong position, for or against;


• exhibition of proposals for policy changes or significant developments in the City of Ryde;


• coming Council or community events that may be of interest.

I also plan to include a diary of things that come past me that I have a view on or take action on or that I believe will be of interest.

I would like to give you an insider's view to some of the goings on in Council that don't get reported in the local papers.

In addition, this blog gives you an opportunity to give me feedback.

Here is a link to the Ryde Council web site.