Hungry Point Update
There’s been lots of discussion in A Ward and across the Shire on the proposal from Marine Rescue NSW to upgrade their facilities at Hungry Point. We support the often life-saving work that Marine Service do and while this is a matter for the NSW government rather than Sutherland Shire Council, there is widespread community concern that this proposal will reduce public access to the site, generate noise and traffic, look unsightly from the land and water and damage this area which is of high cultural & historical importance to our First Nations community and our European migrant settlers. The Honorary Mark Speakman has announced that “Marine Rescue NSW has withdrawn its application for Heritage Act approval for its Hungry Point Cronulla proposal. I understand that it will consult Heritage NSW before lodging a revised proposal, which will be exhibited for public comment.” I’ll keep you updated as more information is available – Leanne
Monro Park Update
I’m often asked by people about the development adjacent to Monro Park – called Parc. This development has been approved by the Sydney South Planning Panel with a number of conditions. I will continue to advocate for development which is respectful of the local community and infrastructure, and protects our beautiful parks and beaches
Council Initiatives
Cronulla Parking Trial: Sutherland Shire Council is running a parking trial to see if time-limited parking will free up spots during busy periods and help the traffic move through Cronulla. This trial will affect 253 parking spaces with 1,033 on the western side still untimed. The eastern spaces will be shorter and was decided best option due to safety of pedestrian movements.
We will test 3 hour parking for 6 months from October – April on Saturdays, Sunday’s and Public Holidays between only 8am to 6pm. There will be no change to parking on weekdays during these daylight saving months. This is to help with circulation of traffic . Having the public know where there is short term parking as traffic congestion from cars looking for spaces is a major issue.
This trial will be heavily sign posted on the way into Cronulla and along the beaches and Sutherland Shire Council wants to ensure that we improve traffic flow with minimal impact on beach users. As always, if you’re illegally parked you will be fined- there will be a short grace period where officers will give warnings only. Following the TRIAL we will we consult with and engage with the people who use our beautiful beachside areas and waterfront – our surfers, swimmers, walkers, Surf Club, nipper’s families and also our local businesses – before making any long term decisions.
A huge thank you to the hardworking team at Sutherland Shire Council for all their work on a number of large strategic reviews & to all of those in our community who provided their feedback and input to help ensure we can continue to make the most of our local assets for many decades to come. Among these were the draft Sutherland Shire Sports strategy, draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), Public Transport Strategy and Draft Waste Management Strategy
Celebrating with the Community
It was so lovely to come back to Jacaranda Preschool, Caringbah where my children started their school life under the beautiful guidance of Louise Murfet. Jacaranda Preschool is celebrating 70 years of iconic service to our young families and the upcoming retirement of Director Louise Murfet after 30 years of dedication. It was lovely to catch up with Aunty Deanna Schreiber and Uncle Col Hardy.
It was a privilege to be part of the tree planting at Cronulla South Public School, paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second’s 70 year reign. Together with Principal Dr. Neil Lavitt, the school’s student leadership team, Minister Scott Morrison, the Mayor and fellow Councillors, we planted a Grey Gum. This was part of the nationwide ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ program which had been delayed by recent rain. It was so great to see each student given a native seedling to plant in their own yard or in a pot for apartment gardens as a memorial with thanks to Sutherland Shire Council. Thank you so much to this beautiful school and its community.
This year’s Cronulla Fest (formerly Cronulla Spring Festival) was a great weekend and a fantastic chance to support local businesses. I love being part of this great community.
Bali Memorial Service
I had the honour of standing alongside families of victims and many of the community for the 20 year memorial for the tragic Bali bombing. It was a very moving ceremony and lovely to see so many flower tributes. Personally I placed one from myself and the whole community with “Forever in our hearts” and we continue to keep the survivors and the families and friends who lost loved ones in our hearts.
Commemorating the Vietnam War
On the 60th Anniversary of the Vietnam War I stood by the honourable state and federal members as the Sutherland Shire Council Councillor for A Ward. I laid a wreath from myself and the community of A Ward to thank our veterans for all their sacrifices and contributions to make this world a better place. Cronulla RSL also created a beautiful tribute to the working animals that have been part of our armed forces and supported our troops in so many ways.
Part of the Community
Over the past few months I’ve also been honoured to be part of the Bundeena Progress Association, speak with Cronulla Rotary Club at their August meeting and meet with local community and action groups. There are often robust discussions which covered many subjects including roads & traffic, public amenities, Council amenities, tree removal and sustainability. I welcome these opportunities to discuss local issues and better understand the concerns and ideas of our community. I have been working alongside many of the Kurnell community on the Ampol working groups. The community spirit in Kurnell is strong and I enjoy also catching up at the Kurnell Precinct meetings. The diversity of our shire is amazing.
I also recently finished my Mental Health First Aid Australia course with some of the magnificent women who are part of Wondering Women and recommend this to everyone. Great insight and training in how to help many within our community
I’d love to hear from you to better understand what’s important to you, or to provide help or advocacy on any Council Matters. Get in touch or follow me on Facebook for local updates and news- Leanne
