BCCT eNews

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1^st February 2019  Edition One.
In this edition:
Presidents Report,
Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust AGM,
New South Wales State Government Elections,
Clean Up Australia 2019,
Latest Police Reports,
Traffic management outcome for The Promenade Cheltenham,
Flexible water hoses in your house and insurance claims,
Significant Development issues affecting Beecroft and Cheltenham,
Planning review for Parramatta City Council,
Charity Garage Sale at Beecroft Scout Hall,
Mens Probus in Beecroft,
Beecroft Ladies Probus,
Recycling our waste.
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President's Report
Welcome to the start of another new year.  A start to the New Year that some of us are likely to remember for quite some time. What with the December storm prior to Christmas to the recent heatwave with its accompanying humidity, some of us have no doubt found the events taxing. Many of us were affected by the storm, some with a minor inconvenient blackout to the other extreme with major property damage. Even now, six weeks after the event, there are still houses waiting repairs, not to mention the damaged trees on private and public lands.

Storm damaged tree in Chapman Ave. Beecroft

I have tried to include something different in each eNews to maintain reader interest. This edition has an article on insurance claims for water damage and details on compensation claims for the recent power outages.

On  a personal note, I wish to thank the many readers who have congratulated me on my Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). The email from the Governor General’s office was unexpected when it arrived late last year. I wish to thank you, the local community, for nominating me for the award. But I am of course, not alone.  There are a large number of volunteers who are continually contributing to make our valued community what it is. That is why I am proud to live here.

Ross Walker
President.
president@bcct2119.com.au (mailto:president@bcct2119.com.au)
Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust Annual General Meeting 2019
The Trust will hold its AGM on Tuesday 19^th March 2019 at the Beecroft Bowling Club, commencing at 7.30pm.  Guest speaker will be Hornsby Council’s Group Manager of Planning James Farrington, who will provide residents with a summary of changes to the planning legislation and these changes will impact on Beecroft and Cheltenham.  More details will be posted in the New Year, including details of how residents can join the Trust Committee.
To ensure the Trust’s survival, it is essential we have a steady flow of Committee Members.

New South Wales State Government Elections - Reminder
We will all be voting on Saturday 23^rd March 2019.  The Trust has booked the Beecroft Bowling Club (Beecroft Club) in Copeland Road for a “Meet the Candidates” evening on Tuesday 12^th March 2019, commencing at 7.30pm sharp. This is traditionally an event where the Trust invites all candidates for the local Seat of Epping to address the residents of Beecroft and Cheltenham.  The meeting will follow a similar format to previous years with each candidate given a 3 minute timeframe to present their views, followed by a formal Q and A segment. Supper will be provided following the meeting at 9.15pm, providing the opportunity for residents to chat informally with the candidates till 10pm. The Trust will have the bar closed for the evening.

Clean Up Australia 2019 – Beecroft Village Green
Sunday 3^rd March
Clean Up Australia for 2019 will be held on the 3^rd of March between 9am and Noon. We have found in the past that three hours is sufficient time for each group to clean up a designated area.
As in past years, the Trust will set up at the picnic tables on the Beecroft Village Green and head out to the regular hotspots for rubbish throughout our two suburbs. Anyone interested in participating can either register their name online before the day or simply turn up on the morning and fill out the form provided. (Please note, as of last week the CUA website CLICK HERE (https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/join-a-clean-up) still does not have Beecroft in the system)      .
White bags will be available for rubbish and yellow bags for recyclables. Wear sensible clothing and bring your own gloves. All welcome of course but children need to be accompanied by an adult.

Clean up Australia 2018
Latest Police Reports

CLICK HERE (https://2119.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e4467863fa4463b1634cad360&id=c9dffc6a24&e=76f570c277)   (http://www.bcct2119.com.au/pdf/Ryde%20Media%20Release%2028%20January%202019.pdf) for the latest reports.  Just a reminder that these reports are regularly provided by the Ryde Police Area Command which includes the entire suburbs of Beecroft & Cheltenham.
Traffic management outcome for The Promenade Cheltenham
The Trust received this report from Hornsby Council late last year. The changes to traffic management may impact some residents with children returning to school. CLICK HERE (http://www.bcct2119.com.au/pdf/Outcome%20Response%20to%20LTC%2037%202018%20The%20Promenade,%20Cheltenham%20-%20Beecroft%20Cheltenham%20Civic%20Trust%20Inc2.pdf) http://www.bcct2119.com.au/pdf/Outcome%20Response%20to%20LTC%2037%202018%20The%20Promenade,%20Cheltenham%20-%20Beecroft%20Cheltenham%20Civic%20Trust%20Inc2.pdfto view the documents. CLICK HERE (http://www.bcct2119.com.au/pdf/The%20Promenade%20CHELTENHAM%20-%20plans.pdf) to view the plan.
Flexible water hoses in your house and insurance claims
Anyone who belongs to a ski lodge in the NSW snowfields may have already read an article circulated by SLOPES (Ski Lodges of Perisher and Smiggins) in their newsletter about insurance claims. The report has been timely, with one of the major insurance companies stating that 1 in 5 water damage claims lodged by Australian households were caused by flexible braided hoses bursting without warning and flooding rooms. The flexi hose has a limited lifespan of about 5-10 years. The hose itself is constructed in outer braided layers of stainless steel with a rubber pipe interior.

It would appear that a flexi-hose is designed mainly for its malleability and convenience of installation only. The article recommends that flexible hoses should be regularly inspected by licensed plumbers with the expectation that hoses be replaced after 5 years. The other recommendation is that residents get in the habit of turning off water supplies at the meter if they intend to be away for an extended period, including a weekend.
Storm Damage Power Outages Ausgrid Claim Forms
Beecroft Cheltenham residents who want to claim compensationfor whatever they lost as a result of no electricity in our area for more than 12 hours after the 15 December severe afternoon storm.
CLICK HERE (http://www.bcct2119.com.au/pdf/Ausgrid-Customer-Service-Standards-Claim-form.pdf) and CLICK HERE (http://www.bcct2119.com.au/pdf/AUSGRID-Network-INVESTIGATION-REQUEST-form(1).pdf)
Significant Development issues affecting Beecroft and Cheltenham
Last year the Trust drew residents’ attention to the unauthorised demolition of the oldest heritage listed cottage within Hornsby Shire at 578 Pennant Hills Rd Beecroft. The Development Application lodged to rebuild the demolished cottage was approved by Hornsby Council prior to Christmas. The Trust will be seeking a meeting with Council to discuss what steps Council will now be taking regarding the actual unauthorised demolition.
There are two Land and Environment Court appeals coming up soon at 88 and 65D Malton Road Beecroft. They both relate to proposed dwellings refused by Hornsby Council now based upon amended plans.
Amended plans for a Seniors housing development at 14 Hull and 95-97 Copeland Road Beecroft have been submitted to Hornsby Council.  The amended plans are required to address the issues raised by the IHAP. (Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel).
Affordable Housing Discussion Paper for the Hornsby Shire.  Council is seeking your feedback on the Discussion Paper and any other options we could consider to address affordable housing in Hornsby.  CLICK HERE (https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/council/noticeboard/your-say/current-exhibitions/Affordable-Housing-Discussion-Paper) to access the discussion papers. Exhibition closes on Friday 1^st March 2019.
Hornsby Council's Commercial Building Colour Scheme Survey
At its meeting on 12 December 2018, Council considered the report on the survey results and resolved to write to the Minister of Planning requesting an amendment to State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008  to exclude bright or fluorescent colours from the exemption circumstances for painting a building. Should the amendment be supported by the Minister, the painting of commercial buildings in bright or fluorescent colours would require approval.
You can read a Summary of Survey Results CLICK HERE (https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/council/noticeboard/your-say/have-your-say-content/current-conversations) :
The report considered at the Council meeting on 12 December 2018 (Group Manager's Report No. PL23/18) and the minutes detailing Council’s resolution can be accessed at the following link: CLICK HERE: (https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/meetings)
Should you have any queries in relation to this survey please email colours@hornsby.nsw.gov.au (mailto:colours@hornsby.nsw.gov.au) .
Planning review for Parramatta City Council
Parramatta City Council is preparing new planning controls to replace the existing Hornsby planning controls that apply to Beecroft south of the M2. The notification email sent to the Trust with its website links can be opened CLICK (https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/business-development/planning/public-exhibition-of-the-land-use-planning-harmonisation-discussion) HERE (https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/business-development/planning/public-exhibition-of-the-land-use-planning-harmonisation-discussion) . Parramatta Council is seeking feedback on their discussion papers. This review proposes to change the existing Local Environmental Plan (LEP), which is a statutory document, plus the accompanying Development Control Plan (DCP) which will contain the supporting guidelines. Proposed residential changes to Beecroft include minimum lot size and maximum dwelling height. The Trust recommends that you compare the suggested changes with the existing controls and make a submission if you
have concerns.  Exhibition closes on Monday 4^th March 2019.
Charity Garage Sale at Beecroft Scout Hall
WISEKidsWORLD is holding a charity garage sale on Saturday 6^th and Sunday 7^th April 2019 at the Beecroft Scout Hall in the Crescent.
The garage sale is being organized by Bindi Shah and is seeking donations. Bindi can be contacted on 0417 663 547.  Last year the charity achieved $11,000, with the money going to Room to Read, a slum school in New Delhi and toilets at a school in PNG and teacher training in East Timor.
CLICK HERE (http://www.bcct2119.com.au/pdf/garage%20sale%20request%20poster.pdf) for their flyer promoting the event.
Mens Probus in Beecroft
- a message from the President Robin Graham
The February meeting will be on 25th February
“Are the traditional media businesses dinosaurs” is the speaker’s topic at the February meeting of the club at Beecroft Bowling Club, Copeland Road –
10.00am. Monday 25^th February.
Peter Cox, a leading independent economist, analyst and public speaker on the communications and media industries in Australia will examine the dramatic effects of digital disruption on the Australian media, leisure and communications industries, and the threats and opportunities it presents to all businesses.
Visitors and guests are most welcome. Phone Robin Graham, President, Beecroft Mens Probus – Tel 8411 3023 Mobile 0413 315 827
A new initiative in conjunction with Beecroft Ladies Probus and Beecroft Bowling club: 12^th February
Beecroft Men’s Probus, in conjunction with Beecroft Ladies Probus and the Beecroft Bowling Club, is launching a series of bi-monthly talks on “Living better, not just longer in retirement” at the bowling club, commencing on Tuesday 12^th February at 4.30 pm.
The first topic is “Will my money last”. In these uncertain times, how do we take stock of our present financial situation? What options, approaches and responses should we be taking to optimise our lives in the years ahead? Are we sufficiently knowledgeable and well organised to cope with the unexpected? Two leading wealth management advisers will be talking on the many implications of managing a retirement portfolio to last the distance.
Visitors and guests are most welcome. For more information, phone Robin Graham, Beecroft Mens Probus – Tel 8411 3023. Mobile 0413 315 827, or simply Google “Beecroft Mens Probus”
Recycling our waste
The Trust believes residents of Beecroft and Cheltenham should be leaders and not followers, when it comes to our household waste, we should all think where all the waste ends up. We should be composting our green waste and managing our yellow bins efficiently.  With respect to bulky waste we as a community should be setting an example by recycling many of our unwanted goods.

The Trust reminds you that Hornsby Council has a new efficient recycling depot in Sefton Rd. Thornleigh that collects all electronic equipment, all types of batteries, light tubes and bulbs, but also soft plastic that can’t be put into the yellow bins. If you can scrunch it in your hand, it’s soft!  We should not be putting the old TV and stereo, or light tubes on the footpath for Council to pick up because the contractors do not recycle the goods but send it all to landfill. The Trust encourages you to set yourselves a new goal and to start recycling.  If you like driving to Bunnings at Thornleigh you should enjoy travelling on to Sefton Rd to recycle your unwanted products. Details are on Hornsby Council’s website.
CLICK HERE. (https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/property/waste/other-services)

The Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust supports the Save Our Recycling campaign. (https://saveourrecycling.com.au)
https://saveourrecycling.com.au
Annual Memberships for 2019 will become due at the
Annual General Meeting on March 19^th 2019... CLICK HERE (http://bcct2119.com.au/membershipform.html)
Keep our two suburbs strong and informed by being a member!

To support or join the Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust, please visit our website.
CLICK HERE. (http://bcct2119.com.au/jointhetrust.html)

The eNews has become our main method for disseminating information to the community. Currently we have over 1040 email addresses, up from 900 two months ago.  We encourage residents who receive the eNews to tell their neighbours and friends.  The eNews letter is available to all who subscribe.  Trust Membership is not a requirement.
The eNews archives are available HERE. (http://bcct2119.com.au/enewsarchives.html)   To subscribe to the eNews: CLICK HERE (mailto:eNews@bcct2119.com.au?subject=eNews%20Subscribe&body=Please%20add%20me%20to%20the%20BCCT%20eNews) .

The Trust has always had an unwritten policy to assist any resident regardless of their membership status.

============================================================
Kind regards,
Ross Walker

President
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