MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 20 JUNE 2001

AT GREENWICH COMMUNITY HALL, 46 GREENWICH RD, COMMENCING AT 8.10PM 1. OPENING

The President, Mr Tom Lawson, chaired the meeting. He noted that Mrs Pam Palmer would be Acting Secretary for the meeting.

Attendance -  Approximately 30 people attended as recorded in the Attendance Book.

Apologies - Bill D’Apice, Christine Kirkwood, Trish Johns, Nicole O’Brien

2. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

There were no matters arising (other than those covered under other items on the Agenda).

4. CORRESPONDENCE

Mr John Gebler tabled the attached copy of the Special Resolutions which have been posted on the Community Noticeboard since 27 May 2001 and now also distributed to attendees. Mr Gebler explained that the resolutions relate to tax exemptions for not-for-profit associations. In order to comply with the relevant legislation, some changes to the GCA Rules were required, in particular as regards

· the objects of the Association (that it must not be a lobby group);

· non-profit clause (with no direct financial benefit to members); and

· dissolution clause (that upon being dissolved, assets are transferred to a similar organisation).

Mr Gebler then put the motions (seconded by Mr Pike). There be unanimous agreement, the motions were declared carried.

6. GUEST SPEAKER

Mr Don Adamson, a botanist and Senior Research Fellow, Department of Biology, Macquarie University, addressed the meeting on the topic "Trees in the City". Mr Adamson noted that trees can be a problem in cities because:

· they keep growing throughout their entire life;

· in contrast, their leaves have a limited life and cause problems with clean-up and drainage; and

· root growth, especially where water is found.

However, trees have a vital role in the food chain and in habitat for invertebrates, birds and mammals.

Mr Adamson espoused three principles for trees in a city context:

· they should be kept complex and diverse. This can be promoted by weeding.

· bush should not be made too "neat and clean" as this destroys habitat; and

· change is inevitable.

We have less fire, more water and more nutrients (both due to urban runoff) than ever before in history. These changes need to be acknowledged when planning, rather than battling the inevitable. This may mean introduction of more rainforest trees and less scrub.

For urban street trees, he had four simple principles:

·     Avoid fashion. "Fashion" can be seen in recent commercial developments where many sites have very similar plantings. Similarly, brush box used to be a fashionable street tree.

· Suitable location. This means taking overhead cables and traffic safety into account.

· Avoid dogmatic generalisations. He warns against blanket policies in the municipality (eg only natives). Rather, consider each case on its merits.

· Encourage and informed council staff and public. The key is flexibility.

At the conclusion of his address, the Chairman thanked Mr Adamson and noted how fortunate we are to have such an expert to speak to the community.

7. FINANCIAL REPORT

Mr Gus Herstik tabled the attached copy of the financial report as at 20 June 2001. The current account balance stands at $6,325.60CR (being Fighting Fund $5,674.66 and cash-at-hand $650.94) with no outstanding liabilities. The Greenwich Village Games Account contains $10,397.11.

Moved J Gebler, seconded J Pain, that the report be accepted. Carried.

Mr Herstik then tabled the Audited Accounts, which tabling had been deferred at the AGM.

Moved J Gebler, seconded G Hertsik, that the Audited Accounts be accepted. Carried

8. DA: 72 GREENWICH ROAD

The Chairman reported that a well-attended site inspection meeting had been held on 5 May 2001. The meeting had been constructive and as a result the DA had been withdrawn. The plans have now been substantially modified but a new DA has not yet been submitted.

Mrs Helen Martin, a representative of the Greenwich Action Group, informed the meeting that the new design has three improvements:

· more trees have been preserved, including the tallowood;

· the internal design is more friendly to seniors; and

· design of the car parking spaces has improved.

However, GAG still has concerns regarding:

· density (no change);

· size of the units (no change); and

· three-storey frontage to Greenwich Road sets a precedent.

GAG points out the better outcomes for other similar developments and quoted a Catholic Church development on Military Rd, Mosman, as an example. GAG is therefore hoping for a total re-design for the following reasons:

· compared to similar-purpose developments;

· floor space ratio (0.75); and

· open corridors on current design are dated and unsafe.

9. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

Councillor John May then addressed the meeting on the following issues.

  DA: 72 Greenwich Road: (as above). Council is still reviewing the plans with the applicant and so they have not been released to neighbours yet. The applicant has stated that cost precludes the production of a model of the development.

  DA: Duntroon Ave: Residents have bound together and DUAP will be rezoning as part of its Urban Consolidation requirements. Council’s planners have developed guidelines but the developer is pressuring State Government for approval as is. Council decided unanimously to re-zone the land "2C" with height limitation "77RL" (4 or 5 storeys). Council is offering a bonus 0.75FSR for a consolidated development. Affected residents object to the Council guidelines.

DA: Coles: Council has received an application for further carparking at rear.

  DA: Strand Estates: Tremendous community opposition reported.

  DA: Rosenthal Ave: DA not yet received from developer.

  Councillor Rod Tudge reported on the following issues:

The Cameragyl Festival begins at the end of July and all are encourage to participate.

Lane Cove Pool should be ready end-September this year.

Re DA for 72 Greenwich Road, LCC has sought advice from Ku-ring-gai Council who are more familiar with SEPP5 developments. Also noted that LCC is concerned about inappropriate development next to an historic school building.  

Community Awards had been made.

Youth Forum resulted in pressure for a skateboard facility in Greenwich.

New bus routes and timetables are coming into force. For more information, contact Ross Selick (LCC) or on the internet. There is no change for the "265" bus.  LCC Budget and charges were approved last Monday with some rises, particularly for garbage.

For Project Environment, good pictures of Lane Cove can be emailed for publication on the website. Residents are reminded that LCC approval is NOT required for rainwater retention tanks or soakaways.

In response to a question, LCC has written to Minister opposing the closure of Hunters Hill High School and about the relocation of Chatswood High.

In reponse to a query about repair of bus seats on Greenwich Road, Councillor Tudge offered to follow up with LCC General Manager.

10. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Planning and Development Sub-committee

The last meeting was held on 20/6/01 with Mrs Joanne Cunningham in the Chair. The aim is to identify apparent deficiencies in the DA approval process. They will also be looking at particular developments in detail. The sub-committee will play a leading role in co-ordinating ideas and facilitating communication in the Lane Cove Community Alliance.  

M2 Tunnel

Mr John New reported that 2x3-lane tunnels plus emission filters is the Action Group’s aim. It appears the Eastern Suburbs Tunnel Action Group is prepared to go to Court over the filters. Meanwhile, the Lane Cove group is trying to incorporate and establish an office in Lane Cove, thanks to funds from LCC.

Shell at Gore Bay

On 10 June 2001 they celebrated 100 years at Gore Bay. Shell announced $30m was being put towards HDS plan to reduce sulphur in diesel and this would extend the viability of Clyde and Gore Bay until 2007.

Neighbourhood Watch

Mr John Gebler has spoken to the Naremburn group who were experiencing similar problems. Sue Smith has offered to be Secretary

Youth Issues

Nothing to report.

Cycleways

Mr Don Murchison called for safer speed humps. He has spoken with Rus Webber of NSW Bicycle Association. They are looking at a path between the Greenwich Scout Hall and the walkway to Smoothey Park as part of a commuter route.

A sub-committee is being formed in Lane Cove of people interested in cycleways.

11. GENERAL BUSINESS

LCC has established a graffiti "hotline".

Mr Gus Hertsik mentioned that a cupboard lock needs to be installed in the GMCCA kitchen for GCA cups, etc.

12. CLOSE

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