Issue No. 61
To the residents of Willoughby South:
Welcome to this edition of The 272 which has been supported by the generous sponsorship of La Botte Italian Restaurant (608 Willoughby Road, Willoughby 2068).
The aim of The 272 is to build community spirit in the Willoughby South area, so readers are invited to comment below on any issue pertaining to our community.*
You can contact the Willoughby South Progress Association at:
Email: hello@willoughbysouthpa.org.au
Editor: Tony Tenney
*The views and opinions of individual contributors are not necessarily those of the WSPA.
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A word from your new president...
By Ken WIlson
Are we NIMBYs or YIMBYs?
Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) or Yes, in My Backyard (YIMBY)?
The Committee for Sydney lists four priorities for the new NSW government to keep Sydney moving. A fast rail from Sydney to Newcastle, continued development of Sydney’s rail network, an active transport revolution and an upgrade of our High Streets.
The committee boasts over 150 members including developers, councils, bus companies and even Transurban. Willoughy Council is a member as is Mirvac who are developing the former Channel 9 site. Neither Busways nor Mosman council is on the list.
Yet the Beaches Link toll tunnel that we had been told is “critical” infrastructure hardly ranks a mention on its web site. Likely the issue is finding enough toll revenue given the relatively low population density in the Northern Beaches which is growing at 0.28% per year (compared to Parramatta 2.03% and NSW 0.95%). The real fans live in Mosman (0.07%) where the council warned that it would not support the road if it meant one additional dwelling in their LGA. Few would disagree that Mosman is not a NIMBY suburb.
The Committee’s new CEO, Eamon Waterford, lives in Turella on the T8 line and is a 100% YIMBY (Yes in my back yard). He sees Turella as a dead suburb that can be fixed with higher density, more restaurants and better services. Enjoying brunch at the Incinerator café you can, in way, see what he is talking about. He argues that if we can fix Nimbyism we can fix the housing crisis, homelessness and will see our kids able to move out, without “boomeranging” back when their rent or interest rates go up again.
Eamon Waterford argues that if we can fix Nimbyism, we can fix the housing crisis.
So, with the Willoughby population growing at 0.48% a year, where is South Willoughby on the NIMBY-YIMBY scale? Certainly, we are not against development, but are prepared to fight for a transparent planning process that delivers the best of both approaches. Association members have worked tirelessly on the NINE 460-unit development where, with the notable exception of the cancellation of all bus services in the supporting Transport study document, we now have a good outcome that will help us with our housing targets.
Our experience with buses highlights the issue of governments deliberately keeping us in the dark (don’t wake the NIMBYs perhaps). The result is no consultation and lots of misleading announcements. For example, Transport for NSW is still to admit that the 257 bus has been cancelled. This route was used as one of the promotional points for the upgrade of the Willoughby Leisure Centre.
It wouldn’t be hard to do a better job with public bus transport in Sydney than the outgoing administration. While off peak services to the CBD have improved, we now no longer have enough buses when we need them most, in the peak hour. I note that the new transport minister is a former student of Willoughby Girls High School. Jo Haylen has already worked out why, sometimes, the bus you are waiting for, runs a bit late then disappears completely off the app you are using to track it. Apparently, under the “Commercial in Confidence” contract, it is cost effective for Busways to cancel a bus rather than let it run late. In effect we are rewarding the providers for degrading services.
Your Progress Association is here to help shine the light on poor planning at all levels, but there is lots to do, and we need your help. Together we aim to keep an eye on what is happening and then contribute our experiences and ideas, working in collaboration for better outcomes for everyone.
Ken Wilson,
President, Willoughby South Progress Association.
Community voices return
By Kristina Dodds
After a long debate and some delay, the Willoughby City Council Voluntary Advisory Committees are up and about to start running again.
The Advisory Committees are made up of individuals who have nominated to provide their expertise, understanding and local community links to advance the key aspirations of the community as expressed in Council’s strategic policies and by monitoring their implementation. They will provide advice which Council may take up in its decision-making. Following a public nomination process, the new members for each committee were announced at Council’s March meeting.
| Committee | Members | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bushland & Natural Heritage |
Meredith Foley Mark Crew Ross Wellings |
Kay Donovan Edward Coates Adrienne Kabos |
Lorraine Cairns Gay Spies Scott Graham |
| Sustainability |
John Le Couteur Matt Ridley Gay Spies | Rena Czaplinska- Archer |
Eva Coulam Andrew Assaee |
| Bush & Cultural |
Rena Czaplinska- Archer Adrian Alexander |
Audrey Thomas Nicholas Flood |
Paul Storm Wayne Farmilo |
| Access & Inclusion |
Audrey Thomas Suzanne Hartley Julia Norton |
Wendy Norton Hellen Woodman Glenda Hewitt |
Mark Tomga Ella Gillis Margaret Kay |
| Bicentennial Reserve & Flat Rock |
Nicola Ward Benita Dwyer |
Bob Taffel Jennifer Roxburgh |
Kristina Dodds Heidi Key |
| Active & Integrated Transport |
Stephanie Croft Carolyn New Grant Berthold |
John Chase Mary Ann Irvin Andrew Nelson |
Nathan de Leeuw Wendy Jennings Alan Yang |
| Cultural & Creative Arts |
Jing Han Steve Lockwood Annette Brown |
Debra Player Richard Bennett Meredith Melville- Jones |
Paul McDonald Rod Herbert Sarah Penicka-Smith |
Willoughby South Progress Association is pleased to see that a number of its members have volunteered to work for their communities in this way.
Not all of the positions were filled in this round, as it was felt that additional members were needed to represent all elements of the committees’ work. At its March meeting Council resolved to hold a further Expression of Interest process to recruit members for the following Advisory Committees:
- Access and Inclusion;
- Bicentennial Reserve and Flat Rock Gully; and
- Built and Cultural Heritage Advisory
If you feel you can provide some time to assist with the valuable work of the three committees flagged above, please contact Willoughby Council at email@willoughby.nsw.gov.au.
It wouldn't be hard to do a better job with public bus transport in Sydney than the outgoing administration.
Willoughby Leisure Centre Update
By Angela Casey
Construction is now underway at Willoughby Leisure Centre (WLC). The upgrade includes a new pool hall, an improvement to the sports hall, and a refurbished entry area. The new pool hall will include:
- A new eight-lane 25m pool, providing optimal depths and temperatures for lap swimmers
- A new four-lane 20m learn-to-swim pool, allowing for an expanded swim school program
- A new dedicated warm water four lane 20m program pool
- A new spa and sauna adjoin the pool deck
The old pool hall has now been demolished and 99% of the waste created thorough the demolition has been recycled. With the old structure removed, the focus is now on preparing for the construction of the new pool hall.
For more information about the upgrades visit:
https://www.haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au/willoughby-leisure-centre-pool-upgrade
Many of our WLC members enjoy a bird’s eye view of the project’s progress while working out in our health club. The pool is closed during the upgrade. However, there are still plenty of other services available at WLC, including our popular group fitness classes. Throughout May, the Centre is offering a 30-day for $30 promotion, with a $0 joining fee.
For more information on this offer, you can:
- Drop into the Centre;
- Call us on 9958 5799; or
- Email us at leisure@willoughby.nsw.gov.au.
A message from Mayor Tanya Taylor
April has been a month of remembrance. I was moved by how many people came out to commemorate ANZAC services around the local government area as well as services in Chatswood to commemorate the Armenian Genocide of April 24, 1915. Lest We Forget.
The cooler months often mean that activity on our sporting fields increases with both children and adults getting back into sport. You will notice that the grass on some of our sporting fields may be turning brown. Since 2016, Council has been converting sports grounds from Kikuyu grass to Couch grass on the basis that they provide increased playing capacity and resilience for sporting activities compared to other varieties. In winter couch grass varieties are alive but become dormant, the growth slows down and the couch grass leaf turns a golden brown.
WLC Upgrade and Netball Season
With the Winter Netball season now well underway, players, parents, coaches and officials will notice changes to the car parking arrangements. From the Drop-Off Zones in front of Willoughby Leisure Centre, pedestrians will be able to access the courts via the footpath as signposted. For players and parents wishing to park at the site, please use the available parking in the lower car park.
To help minimise traffic whilst the works are being undertaken, we strongly encourage other green travel modes including car-pooling, public transport, walking and bicycle use. Please visit the Willoughby Leisure Centre website for more information and to stay updated.
Willoughby Pioneering Active Transport
Willoughby City Council supported Ride2School Day in March to encourage more students and their families to walk, cycle or scooter to school. It was lovely to see so many students taking the initiative to choose active transport to help reduce traffic in and around our school zones as well as get active.
In addition to supporting Ride2School day, Willoughby City Council and Willoughby Public School are developing the Resilient Willoughby Schools Active Travel Pilot Project, in collaboration with Bicycle Network, Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre and Schools Infrastructure NSW. Year 6 students have been involved in identifying four ‘active paths’ to school to encourage more students and their families to walk, cycle or scooter to school.
This initiative supports Council’s ‘Our Future Willoughby 2028’ 10 year community strategic plan to enhance transport choices and connections throughout the city, reduce parking and traffic congestion and foster feelings of safety, security and cleanliness.
It was lovely to see so many students taking the initiative on Ride2School Day to choose active transport to help reduce traffic in and around our school zones as well as get active.
Happy 90th Birthday Mayumi
Longstanding Willoughby Leisure Centre member and local resident Mayumi Cambridge has inspired many with her passion for fitness and life. With over 25 years membership at the centre, Mayumi attends 6-8 group fitness classes every week, forming many friendships along the way. Mayumi enjoys a range of group fitness classes including Barre, Zumba, Cardio and Conditioning and Pilates offered at the Leisure Centre and is a true inspiration to us all. Mayumi recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Happy birthday to the incredible Mayumi. Here’s to many more years of health, happiness and fitness!
If you wish to discuss any Council issues, please email me:
tanya.taylor@willoughby.nsw.gov.au.
From Councillor Hugh Eriksson
- Parking continues to be an issue, I am keen to explore expanding the residents’ parking permit scheme in Willoughby as well as more “NO PARKING – Motor vehicles excepted” zones which have been very effective in dealing with boat trailers.
- As major infrastructure projects get underway, such as the Leisure Centre upgrade, I believe it is time to re-focus on day-to-day service items such as general maintenance of parks and public spaces.
- I continue to support upgrades to streets and parks in Willoughby including around Artarmon and Willoughby South, these projects will give the whole area a boost for our community.
From Roy McCulloch
It has been a very busy, productive period, with a lot of work going into broader Willoughby-wide issues. Locally my key actions include:
- Attended a Willoughby South Progress Association
meeting in February - Received Council support for a second crime prevention
tips presentation to take place in May or June in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch and NSW Police
Parking continues to be an issue, I am keen to explore expanding the residents’ parking permit scheme.
Letter to the Editor
Edward St and Penshurst St South Streetscape Improvement Project – April 2023
As a local resident and a semi-retired professional architect/lecturer in sustainable design, I see the Edward Street and Penshurst South Streetscape Improvement Project as a wonderful opportunity to re-imagine and improve our neighbourhood while aligning it with the Green City program and preparing for future higher population by turning Edward Street into a beautiful Green Boulevard inviting local residents to walk and cycle under its alley of shady trees with benches to sit and meet the neighbours.
The currently too-hot and windy wide expanse of Edward Street is used as a shortcut by a few frustrated drivers stuck in Willoughby and Artarmon Road traffic jams. But Edward and Penshurst Streets, running south from Mowbray Road along the ridge line towards a lookout formerly used by the Channel 9 TV tower, could be used in a much better way.
With the planned opening later this year of the large Nine development (with a population of 1,500-2,000), Edward and Penshurst Streets could become an attractive pedestrian corridor connecting Nine to the busy Mowbray Road commercial centre with its two schools, post office and many cafes and shops via a wide shaded Green Boulevard running the spine of Edward Street with benches to sit and rest, inviting people to chat and meet one another with bike routes for children and adults. The car access for residents living and parking in the neighbourhood would need to be re-imagined with narrower Edward Street car lanes with some one-way traffic but, in my view, this would be a much better solution than getting stuck daily in a massive traffic jam on overheated Edward, Artarmon and Willoughby Roads.
Dr Rena Czaplinska-Archer
Architect and former University of Sydney lecturer, 29 April 2023
Edward and Penshurst Streets could become an attractive pedestrian corridor connecting Nine to the busy Mowbray Road commercial centre.
WCC: Media Release, 29 April 2023
Construction begins on Artarmon local centre streetscape upgrade
Willoughby Council is pleased to announce construction is now underway on the major upgrade to Hampden Road in the Artarmon Local Centre, which will deliver improved pedestrian safety, increased space for outdoor dining and shopping, better lighting and a new public amenities building.
Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor said that the $8 million project will deliver much-needed infrastructure to enhance the centre’s village character.
“This project will be a game-changer for Artarmon, increasing the liveability, accessibility and safety of the Artarmon local centre, while stimulating economic activity and growth,” Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor said.
“While these works are underway, Council will be working hard to support local businesses, and encourages the local community to continue to support our much-loved Artarmon traders.”
The Artarmon Local Centre improvements form part of the Artarmon Local Centre Public Domain Masterplan which was endorsed by Council in November 2020, after extensive community consultation with businesses and the community.
“The Artarmon Local Centre is a quintessential high street, offering a focal point to access trains, shop at local businesses, and importantly, provide a public space for the wider community to connect.”
“Public spaces are the heart of our communities. This rejuvenation will deliver a green, welcoming hub, where the community can come together and enjoy everything Artarmon has to offer,” Mayor Taylor added.
Council has been working to meet milestones set by the State Government and created our new Local Environment Plan to access funding to be able to make a greater investment to the Artarmon Local Centre.
The new Local Environment Plan incorporates years of strategic planning and community engagement, and will provide a suite of modern and innovative controls to guide future development.
The project is co-funded by Willoughby City Council and the NSW Government, with the Council managing the project and contributing $3.43M with an additional $4.63M being contributed by the NSW Government from its NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.
The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is a once-in-a-generation investment in high-quality public open space. Together with the NSW Government, Willoughby Council is delivering infrastructure for communities to love the place they live. The overall completion date is anticipated in mid 2024, weather and state agency approvals permitting.
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