Greenwich, NSW

2 Minutes of the previous meeting
Clr Lawson objected to the recording of his comments on the Main Street Program. It was agreed to amend the minutes accordingly.

Resolved that the amended minutes of 20 October 2004 be accepted (moved John Gebler; seconded Jill Pain).

3 Matters Arising
None (other than as discussed below).

4 Correspondence
Outwards
None

Inwards
Date From Regarding
Lane Cove Council In reply, regarding maintenance of Greenwich Wharf
Lane Cove Council Objecting to the previous newsletter and press released issued regarding approval of the Waterbrook development.
various Lane Cove Council current development applications

Regarding the Wharf, it was proposed that a letter of reply be written in which we highlight the usage of the Wharf on New Year’s Eve.

Regarding Waterbrook, it was proposed that, after clarifying the issues, a letter of reply be forwarded to the General Manager, LCC. It was noted that the press release has been removed from the Association’s website in response to Council’s complaint.

5 Financial Report
The Treasurer, Gus Herstik, being unable to attend the meeting, no financial report was tabled. The Chairman was able to inform the meeting that 5 new memberships had been received and that the only expense since the last meeting was the production of the latest newsletter.

Clr Lawson again expressed his concerns about the lack of detailed financial information.

6 Current Developments

a) Billy Blue/Tesrol at 33 Greenwich Rd
Still being considered internally by Council officers, but it is expected to come before Council in February next year, according to Michael Mason (LCC). Existing use rights do not appear to be an issue. However, zoning may be a matter of concern.

Jill Pain expressed concern that February, just at the end of the school holidays, would be a difficult time for the community to be informed on the issues. It was noted that such concerns have been raised many times with Council and Council appears unlikely to change its policy on this. However, the Chairman will again request that the community be given sufficient time to be informed and to comment on such important assessments.

John Gebler expressed his concerns that, on occasion in the past, an external assessor has been given the opportunity to discuss his report with Councillors over dinner, prior to a Council Meeting (eg Terry Nash, 12 George St). Such a forum is not available to the public.

Resolved that the Association write to Council expressing its concern that, in addition to the assessor’s written report, Councillors are given the opportunity for a private briefing. The public is excluded and public debate curtailed. It would be beneficial if the public were also briefed at the same time as Councillors (proposed John Gebler, seconded Alan Winney).

b) Waterbrook/Sunshine Homes
A legal document has been submitted to the developer by Ridgeview apartments, regarding the right of way.

Alan Winney believes contracts of sale have been exchanged between owners of two houses in Nield Ave and Waterbrook. The purpose of the purchases may be to provide alternate access/egress. Mr Winney questioned if this may require a modification to the approved plans.

On the issue of Waterbrook, Clr Lawson asked that the Association give more careful consideration to Council’s recent letter of complaint and respond accordingly. He stated that he found the press release personally offensive.

c) Woolworths in Austin St
The assessor’s report will be brought before Council prior to Christmas, probably on 20th December.

Concern was expressed that the report will not be available until 4 days prior to the meeting and it will be difficult to assimilate all the information in such a short time.

d) 14 George St
Refused by Council; may go to Land and Environment Court.

Resolved that a letter be sent to Council expressing our pleasure with their decision (moved Jill Pain, seconded Judy McMahon).

7 Councillors’ Reports
Councillor Lawson reported on the following:
• Main Street Program – PPP appointed as the consultants. This will be on the agenda for the next Council meeting (13th December).
• Work on construction of the new third storey on the Community Aid building has begun.
• Mayor and General Manager to go into mediation tomorrow with St Hilliers regarding the litigation over the Rosenthal Ave Carpark development.

Councillor Tudge spoke to the following matters:
• Concerned about the number of 3-storey (de facto) buildings being approved.
• Also concerned about the operating hours of commercial premises adjoining residential areas.
• Draft LEP still has some amendments to be incorporated. However, it has gone to the government meanwhile seeking a s65 certificate (required before public display).
• After a parking study of the Greenwich/Wollstonecraft area, more parking controls are planned to be introduced, with changes extending as far down from the highway as Wilona Ave. The plans will be on public display until 11th February.

Dennis Smith, on the issue of 3-storey developments, pointed out that he knew of the conversion of a basement to a full granny flat. The Chairman offered to raise the issue at the GCA Planning and Building’s next committee meeting.

8 General Business
Jill Pain requested an urgent inspection of the palm trees at the corner of George and Mitchell Streets. It is obvious on the ground that poison has been used and the trees appear to be badly affected.

Dennis Smith requested that street trenches be better filled and inspected to ensure against subsidence.

Pam Palmer requested that residents with an interest in the look of Lane Cove Plaza should write to express their views on the grassed area. The grass will be replaced before Christmas (est cost $1,500) but this is foreshadowed as the last time. The present proposal is for replacement of the grass with some sort of softfall (approx cost $15,000). She expressed concern about the expense just as the Main Street program has been approved.

Rob Starling reminded everyone that Greenwich Carollers will be in Leemon Reserve next Monday evening.

Clr Lawson presented the Association with a certificate acknowledging the 60 years of its operation.

The Chairman expressed best Christmas wishes to all.

9 Close
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10pm for supper.

………………………………………….
President