M Wiener, President, opened the special meeting at 10.30am

Nick Cowdery spoke briefly to give a synopsis of changes to constitution. Majority in favour. Meeting closed at 10.35am.

M Wiener, President, opened the meeting at 10.35pm

Apologies: Martin Didsbury, Jane Bell-Beaumont, Paul Beaumont, Lorna, Geoff & Marty Cowen, Andrew Mills, Mary Beth Rich, Michael Doherty, Margaret and David Orr, Kath Anderson, Simon Wastell, Brigitte Mahler Mills, Lesley Woods

Correspondence

No correspondence received in relation to the AGM

Minutes of previous AGM

The meeting confirmed the minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Sunday 25 February 2008 following quick discussion of the matters

·       Levy for legal action

·       Reversing mirror

·       Track issues

·       Naming of Espa’s Beach

·       Recycling

·       Lighting of fires

Proposer: M Wiener, Seconder: N Cowdery      Accepted

Changes to Constitution per Special Meeting

Proposed that amendments to changes to constitution be made. Proposed N Cowdery, Seconded M Molloy. All in favour.

Matters arising from the previous AGM

Track issue

A discussion was held regarding the use of the tracks. In theory only the Fire Brigade and utilities (i.e. Electricity) should have access to the tracks. Otherwise legally they should not be used by vehicles. A request was made that if the tracks are used it must be in a responsible manner. It was requested that the tracks not be used during and after wet weather and that if the tracks are damaged they are repaired. The WPCA would like to be involved with any discussion between the Fire Brigade/Council/National Parks in regard to the tracks.

Jetty Tax

The Auditor General has been looking into Jetty Tax. The terms of reference have been widened to now include water access only properties. The onshore Waterfront Action Group (WAG) has been in touch with Lesley Stevens and Greg Roberts asking for offshore support, and whilst they have different reasons for fighting, the outcome desired is the same.

WAG is proposing to take a class action against the Department of Lands and has called on offshore jetty users to help fund this action by signing up as WAG members. The Jetty Tax is supposed to be based on a review of both the land value and rate of return. While the  land value has been regularly reviewed however, the rate of return on a property seems to have been ignored. WAG intends to pursue this issue and related matters regarding the value of the seabed in court.

Information was provided to WPCA asking us to join WAG. Whilst the offshore opposition to the jetty tax is based on arguments of equity, any decrease in the cost of the jetty tax  gained by the class action would benefit every jetty user. We are fighting on principle (only access we have!) rather than purely cost. We will have a much better chance of changing the legislation if we join with WAG.

A show of hands was called for to support the motion that the WPCA join WAG as a show of community support for their cause and it was further agreed that as a community organization the WPCA would join, but would (and could) not support the class action. WAG will be advised of both decisions. We will also send information to SIRA.

Strategic 2020 Update

Offshore representatives to Pittwater Council’s Strategic 2020 Vision included Greg Roberts, Sharon Kinnison, Lesley Stevens and Alan Yuille. The contribution of the offshore community was noted. Those involved were amazed at the passion of council staff. They felt strongly that the vision should be based on equity, neighbourliness and environmental beauty. Council is aiming to improve the quality of the natural and social environment with four community liaison groups. Lesley Stevens will be looking at the built environment, and Alan will be on the natural environment group.  There are positions available on other groups which Paul Purvis and Graham Earl may be interested in. A vote of thanks to Lesley and Alan.

Currawong Update

Shane Withington kindly updated the community on Currawong. He told of the thirteen year fight not to develop 25 hectares at Currawong. The Developers are planning to dump in-fill which will have an impact on all waterfront areas on Pittwater and in itself should be enough to stop this development. 2500 people joined RAID and marched against the 3A laws. There were also over 9000 emails. Council no longer has consent authority and this seems wrong – a development over $50 million comes under the 3A laws so it is not just Currawong. The liberals have said that they will abolish the 3A laws.

Every MP got a letter from Friends of Currawong – only three replies were received, and they were all saying that the letter had been passed onto the Planning Minister.

Friends of Currawong are taking the Planning Minister to court to decide whether or not she has the right to make this decision.

Pittwater Council and Friends of Currawong have promised $4 million in land sales and $1/2 million to NSW Government if Currawong can be bought.

The Independent Tribunal, which so many people spoke to, has made their decision and it is on the Minister’s desk. Please go to www.friendsofcurrawong.com and send a letter!  The community thanked Shane for all his work over the past 13 years.

Companion Animals

It was noted that cats, ferrets and rabbits are prohibited. Please be responsible with dogs and ensure that renters are also aware of the limitations of pet control. Dogs are not allowed in National Parks and should always be on leashes.

Someone was bitten on Rocky Point Road recently which shows that people are not always behaving responsibly in restraining their dogs. Letters have been sent to real estate agents so that they are aware of our concerns.

Recycling

We have complained to Council regarding the mixing of waste and recyclable material. They have audited the company responsible and found that recycling is contaminated by some members of the West Pittwater community. More signage will be put on wharves by Council and they will do spot audits on garbage collections. The WPCA Committee will write to Council requesting larger bins – but please squash any plastic bottles and sort your recyclable material carefully – or reduce your waste!

Half Moon/Espa’s Beach

The application to Council to name Espa’s Beach was put “on hold” when the Council staff member handling the matter left Council. The application was put again with new staff and wasn’t at that time received favourably.

Council staff decided not to go ahead because the Geographical Names Board only

names areas after deceased people. This is despite contact by the WPCA to the GNB who liked the idea of naming the beach by Hall’s Wharf with father and daughter together. GNB also said the guidelines are not fixed. The application will be resubmitted to Council.  WPCA will be seeking support from local councillors.

GoGet Car Scheme

This was started 4 months ago with 2 cars. Due to lack of usage this dropped to one car, but it is hoped that this will be increased again shortly. If the GoGet car spot is not available park as close as possible and phone GoGet so they can contact the next user.

Treasurer’s Report

As detailed in the financial statement, when the books closed at the 22^nd of January, the bank balance stood at $4,487.12.

Without any doubt, the big financial item for last year was our donation of $6,950.00 to the Pittwater High School for the purchase of solar panels to reduce their consumption of electricity. Unfortunately, we accidentally overpaid the School by $900.00. Two cheques were issued for $6,050.00 and $900.00. However, it was subsequently discovered that the amount of the larger cheque should have included the $900.00. It was six to eight weeks before the cheques were actually presented and then a further delay until the arrival of the quarterly bank statement, so it was some months before the error was discovered. We decided it was too difficult to retrieve the extra money from the High School, so this item has been treated as an extra donation to the worthy cause. 

There are no major debts or accounts outstanding outside our usual expenses.

The meeting approved of that course and of the Treasurer’s Report.

President’s Report

Church Point Plan of Management (CP PoM) has been fairly quiet this year. The Council has adopted a scheme put forward by the WPCA & SIRA.  An expert panel has been formed and they have made a report to Council.  This panel is an independent entity that has been engaged by Mark Ferguson to assist Council in making a decision.  Their report has been accepted but not yet made public.

There were two proposals - our’s and one from Peter Altona from the CPRA. The CPRA proposal does not change the line of sight of the road and has less car spots. It also does not have the approval of the road authority.

The question of funding is still a big issue.

It was the number of people who turned up to the meeting and supported the WPCA & SIRA and the difference between our need and people’s want that swayed Council so - many thanks, and if the rally cry goes out, please respond.

Wharves

Pittwater Council has a Plan of Management for the wharves.  The plan is to give deep water access and go to a user pays system.

We have had some input into the design of the sheds.  At Hall’s we had the door widened and extended the eave overhang.

Increase in Land Values

It was found that the Dept of Lands had increased the adjusted land value of homes with a Morning Bay address by 90%.  This was done by mistake but impacts not only land tax, but also rates and jetty tax etc.  Check your address on your valuations when they come in!  If Jane Jobson fails to get information required then WPCA will ask for Freedom of Information from the Dept of Lands.

Green Waste

As there is no vegetation clean up, it is suggested that you mulch or compost. (Buy a mulcher between neighbours?)

If you want to burn then you need an HR certificate that is available from fire control at Terrey Hills.  During fire season you also need a permit.

Please note that leaflets have been provided for fire plans - leave or stay and protect. Your best protection is to join the RFS!

Other Business

As the fundraising event was such a success, it was suggested that we hold another one and spend the proceeds on ourselves, on something such as a pizza oven.  This suggestion was taken on notice by the committee.  A big thanks to Margie Morris, Marilyn Vaughan, Joy Purvis, Lisa Atkins, Judy James and Karen Lambert.

Committee Dissolved

The results of the vote for committee members were as follows:

Big thanks to Tanya Mottl and Martin Didsbury who will continue to be involved.

Big thanks to Tejinder Gill and Bob Anderson (and Maureen) for all their support. Hopefully they will be back on the committee when time permits.

Big thanks to Penny Gleen for all her work as Secretary this year.

There being no further business the meeting concluded at 12.30pm.