connected - Ku-ring

ellence in
exc
loc
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fo
rnment
ove
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al
2014 WIN
NER
St Ives Chase photo by Annette Scholtz
IN PERSON
818 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072
PHONE
02 9424 0000
EMAIL
[email protected]
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Locked Bag 1006 Gordon NSW 2072
kmc.nsw.gov.au
kuringgai
krgcouncil
ku-ring-gai-council
kuringgai_council
ku-ring-gai-council
from the
mayor
“Ku-ring-gai really does have something
for everyone…”
Welcome to our annual newsletter for Kuring-gai residents – I hope you like the new
design.
our community arts centre in Roseville, or one of our many lowcost keep fit classes, Ku-ring-gai really does have something for
everyone.
Amid all the talk of council mergers, I’m
personally proud to be heading up such
a financially strong and progressive
organisation. Last year Ku-ring-gai Council
was rewarded with the highest award in NSW
local government – the AR Bluett Award.
Inside this newsletter you’ll find a rundown of key projects we’re
working on, plus a wrap-up of all our major events coming up over
the next 12 months.
Ku-ring-gai Council has made tough decisions over the last decade
that have turned around its past poor financial position. So much
so, that we now meet all financial criteria required by the State
Government to stand alone and are ranked as one of the state’s
strongest councils by the NSW Treasury Corporation. Very few
councils can match that performance.
Over the next five years we will spend $123 million upgrading
local roads, footpaths, drainage and other essential community
infrastructure.
If you have any questions about anything in the newsletter, please
don’t hesitate to get in touch. Why not consider signing up for our
monthly e-news too!
s
Jennifer Anderson, Mayor of Ku-ring-gai
E [email protected] | F facebook.com/kcmayor | P 9424 0709
St Ives Vilage Green photo by Claudio Brand
Our financial strength means we can offer an impressive level
of service to our 121,000 residents. Whether it’s an art class at
Some of these projects are being actively shaped through you –
our ratepayers. Community consultation is important to us and
helps guide all our thinking on Ku-ring-gai’s future.
828 PACIFIC
HIGHWAY
COUNCIL MERGERS & KU-RING-GAI
As you’d be aware, the state government is looking at reducing NSW councils through mergers,
if councils can’t demonstrate sufficient strength to stand alone.
During May and June, Ku-ring-gai Council asked ratepayers their opinion of two options –
whether to merge with Hornsby Shire Council or stand alone. Over 2000 residents responded to
a survey and just over 400 were randomly phone polled by an independent research company.
The results are in – 77% of survey respondents were against merging with Hornsby and 23%
were in favour. Those who were phone polled showed a similar preference, with 79% against the
proposed merger and 21% in favour.
We have submitted a proposal to the state government to stand alone, based on our financial
strength, population size and ability to provide for our residents now and in the future.
The Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) will now assess all council submissions
which were due on 30 June. The state government is expected to announce a decision on
council mergers by October this year.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/fitforthefuture
The Council has decided
to postpone indefinitely the
planned relocation of its
administration centre to
828 Pacific Highway Gordon.
The Council fully owns
the building and this will
be leased to commercial
tenants, resulting in further
income for infrastructure.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson
said the decision had been
made so Ku-ring-gai could
meet the state government’s
requirements to remain a
stand alone council within
the two year deadline.
CAPITAL
WORKS
what we’ve spent
and delivered
last financial
LOCAL ROADS
$8 million
year
Ph
oto
by A
aron
Siow
WAHROONGA PARK
PLAYGROUND
$515,000
NORTH TURRAMURRA
RECREATION AREA
$3.5 million
ot
ob
yA
ure
lie
Ph
GOLDEN JUBILEE
OVAL UPGRADE
Ken
ned
y
$794,000
UPGRADED
FOOTPATHS
KENT OVAL
CAR PARK
$760,000
$106,000
ALLAN SMALL
OVAL CAR PARK
$260,000
GAI COU
G-
AWARDS
WON
IL
NC
KU-R
IN
Ph
ot
ob
yK
ay
Wa
tson
me
vern nt
go
l
a
ellence in
exc
loc
for
2014 - 2015
AR BLUETT MEMORIAL AWARD NSW
Best performing urban council in 2014
2014 WIN
lgnsw.org.au
GOLD AUSTRALASIAN REPORTING AWARD 2015
Gold Award for annual report 2013/2014
arawards.com.au
NSW BEST COMMUNITY EVENT IN 2014
St Ives Medieval Faire; Parks & Leisure Australia
parksandleisure.com.au
NER
PLANNING INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA AWARDS 2014
HIGH COMMENDATION
Open Space Strategy
Design guide to residential apartment building
planning.org.au
Thanks to everyone who gave feedback on our proposed plans to activate
Lindfield - Lindfield Village Green and Lindfield Community Hub. Activate
Lindfield will make the centre more attractive and strengthen and support
our small business community.
LINDFIELD VILLAGE GREEN (THE EAST SIDE) - a unique outdoor space
for the community to meet, play and relax.
INDFIELD COMMUNITY HUB (THE WEST SIDE) - a vibrant multi-purpose
L
space with a new library, community centre, park and town square.
We’re reviewing your feedback and working with our urban designers to finalise
designs for both sites. We look forward to sharing these with the community soon,
when you will once again have the opportunity to have your say.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/activatelindfield
New life is coming to Ku-ring-gai
through these exciting projects
coming soon
to Ku-ring-gai
Activate Turramurra
We’re looking at creating a vibrant space in the heart of
Turramurra for residents and visitors to shop, dine, and socialise.
G
ordon Cultural and Civic Hub
We’re exploring opportunities for a cultural and civic hub as part
of a redeveloped Gordon Town Centre, focusing on the cultural
and artistic needs of the community.
U
pgrade of the War Memorial at Lofberg Oval
Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
U
pgrade of the two playgrounds at Bicentennial Park,
West Pymble
New youth activities area at Turramurra Memorial Park
New park and playground for Carcoola Road, St Ives
U
pgrade of The Mall Playground and neighbourhood shops
on Warrimoo ave, St Ives
Upgrade of playground at Golden Jubilee Field, Wahroonga
Upgrade of playground on Park Ave, Roseville
TEE OFF AT TURRAMURRA
Nine holes of the new 18 hole course at North
Turramurra Golf Course are now ready for play and
to celebrate, the course is offering unlimited play on
weekdays for just $13! Golf lessons and tours of the
new course are also available with our resident golf
pro; to book phone 9144 5110.
The upgrade to the golf course and new sportsfields
are part of the North Turramurra Recreation Area
at Curagul Road North Turramurra. It’s one of the
Council’s biggest recreation projects, which will see
six new golf holes and three new turf fields added
for a variety of sports. The Recreation Area will be
complete in 2016.
www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/ntra
It’s still early days for some of these projects, but keep an eye out over
the next year for these and opportunities to have your say.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/projects
YOUR RECENT FEEDBACK
Thank you to everyone who participated in our
recent consultations on:
arian Street Theatre and live theatre needs
M
in Ku-ring-gai
ordon Golf Course and a new regional park
G
and recreation space
We appreciate your feedback on these two important
issues, which was collected through surveys, public
discussion groups and online forums.
The feedback received is being collated for Council
reports due later this year.
haveyoursaykuringgai.com.au
Jubes, Wahroonga photo by Lina Hayes
40
your
environmental
levy at work
COMMUNITY EVENTS
AND TALKS
1,100 HECTARES
ENVIRONMENTAL
VOLUNTEERS
9.3km
Ku-ring-gai ratepayers pay
a 5% environmental levy for
projects and services to protect
the local environment. It raises
about $1.7 million per year.
Projects are based on five
key themes - energy, water,
transport, community education
and biodiversity.
700
BUSHLAND PROTECTION FOR
CYCLING
TRACK
115 million
litres
52kW
SOLAR ENERGY GENERATED
DRINKING WATER SAVED
$
$
$
kmc.nsw.gov.au/elevy
350
SUPPORT FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL SMALL
GRANTS SCHEME FOR
RESIDENTS
kmc.nsw.gov.au/sustainability
lovinglivingkuringgai
KRGCouncilSusty
sustainable
[email protected]
events
2
STINGLESS NATIVE
BEEHIVES
COMMUNITY GARDENS
HAVE A TREE-RIFFIC DAY
Give back to the environment this National
Tree Day on Sunday 26 July! Have fun
planting a tree and help keep Ku-ring-gai
green. Check our website for more details
on selected planting sites on the day.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/nationaltreeday
SPEED DATE A
SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT
Are you building, renovating or upgrading your
home or garden? Get advice and tips from
Australia’s leading green home experts at
our special event at Ku-ring-gai Town Hall on
Saturday 17 October, 2pm – 4pm.
HOME GROWN
AND DELICIOUS!
Gain satisfaction from growing
your own food. Learn how to
create an edible garden at our
special workshop on Saturday
15 August at the Ku-ring-gai
Wildflower Garden. Hints and tips
for big backyards and small balconies.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/sustainabilityevents
Wildflower & Garden Festival 2014 photo by Kay Watson
WILDFLOWER ART & GARDEN FESTIVAL
The Festival is on Sunday 30 August at Ku-ring-gai Wildflower
Garden 420 Mona Vale Road St Ives.
This year’s festival brings you a sculpture walk, arts and craft
stalls, horticultural talks, native plant sales, music and dance.
Keep the kids entertained with an outdoor adventure trail and
pond dip netting. Delicious food and drinks also on offer!
kmc.nsw.gov.au/wildflowers
kmc.nsw.gov.au/sustainability
BACK TO THE 50s
Our Back to the 50s Festival is at the St Ives Showground on
Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August. Immerse yourself in
classic movies, markets, fashion and beauty parades, dance
workshops, hula hoop lessons, American diner food, classic cars
and motorbikes. Prizes to be won for best dressed on the day!
kmc.nsw.gov.au/backtofifties
LET KIDS BE KIDS!
That’s the motto for Bush Kids, our
nature based program held at the
Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden every
school holidays. Bush Kids offers
simple and fun hands-on activities
for kids who love the outdoors and
getting their hands dirty.
ROM
6 WF
EEKS
5 YEA TO
RS
kmc.nsw.gov.au/bushkids
GET CREATIVE AT
KU-RING-GAI
ART CENTRE
It’s never too late to pick up a
paintbrush! Taught by
industry professionals, the
Ku-ring-gai Art Centre at
Roseville offers a variety of
visual art, creative writing and
guitar classes for all levels.
The light airy studios provide a
stimulating, encouraging and
friendly working atmosphere.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/artcentre
SPECIAL
OFFER
before 16 August
Book your tickets
discount !*
to receive a 20%
code: MEDIEVAL
Use this promo
NEED CHILDCARE?
We have good news! Spaces are available for children
aged six weeks to five years of age at Council’s
Thomas Carlyle Children’s Centre in East Lindfield.
The popular child care centre provides quality long
day and occasional care in a safe, stimulating and
nurturing environment.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/tccc
SATURDAY 19 & SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
ST IVES SHOWGROUND
ENJOY A MEDIEVAL EXPERIENCE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
AT THE ST IVES MEDIEVAL FAIRE!
Due to popular demand the event will once again bring you
the world’s best jousters, reenactments of battle scenes, live
birds of prey, a medieval village and much more!
, BE QUICK
S
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K
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B
Ives Medieva
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part of the St
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Join us for a su
rtained
US MEDIEVAL F
y 19 Septembe
hile being ente
PL
*Applies to Medieval Faire tickets only
da
val feast, w
Faire on Satur
live music.
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kmc.nsw.gov.au/whatson
Ku-ring-gai major events
26 JULY
31 JULY & 1 AUGUST
30 AUGUST
26 JULY
Cats
and Wildlife Expo
Back to the 50s
Where: Animal Welfare League, Ingleside
Where: St Ives Showground
Wildflower Art and
Garden Festival
A must for cat-owners – heaps of stalls
and advice on looking after your pet and
protecting native wildlife by preventing
roaming at night.
Flash cars, dance workshops, fashion
parades, fairy floss and a Sock Hop where
you can bop til you drop!
kmc.nsw.gov.au/backtofifties
kmc.nsw.gov.au/expo
Where: Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden
An annual event showcasing spring
wildflowers, guided walks, artisans stalls, a
sculpture walk and children’s entertainment.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/wildflowers
19-20 SEPTEMBER
17 OCTOBER
26 JANUARY
St Ives Medieval Faire
Twilight in the Park
Australia Day
Where: St Ives Showground
Where: Wahroonga Park
Where: Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
Step back in time with spectacular medieval
jousting, birds of prey and costumed battles.
Enjoy a picnic under the stars while you
listen to the legends of Motown plus Beatles
classics. Featuring two fabulously talented
bands The Beatnix and The Diamonds!
Celebrate what’s great about Australia and
living in Ku-ring-gai. Music, food, citizenship
ceremony, pool party and more!
stivesmedievalfaire.com.au
kmc.nsw.gov.au/australiaday
kmc.nsw.gov.au/twilight
TEAR THIS PAGE OFF AND POP IT ON YOUR FRIDGE SO YOU DONT MISS OUT ON OUR EVENTS!
kmc.nsw.gov.au/whatson
FREE PASS!
Let Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre
help you reach your health and fitness goals!
A a special offer to the Ku-ring-gai community!
Get one free trial visit to the Ku-ring-gai Fitness & Aquatic
Centre at West Pymble. To be used before 31 December 2015;
Just quote promo code NOTICE2015.
www.ymcansw.org.au
Limit one voucher per person. Terms and conditions may apply.
kmc.nsw.gov.au/capture
#capturekuringgai
Photos by Madeleine Coulson, Glen Leo,Catherine Dowd and Kay Watson
The Ku-ring-gai photography
competition is coming in
September - keep an eye out on
our website for more details.
WATERLESS PRINTING ON
100% RECYCLED PAPER
RECYCLE
RIGHT
IN KU-RING-GAI
ONLY place these items in yellow-lidded MIXED Recycling Bins
Glass bottles
and jars
kmc.nsw.gov.au/recycleright
Aluminium
and steel cans
Plastic bottles
and containers
NEVER bin
plastic bags