Message from the President I
hope you all had a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. This is a
brief newsletter in order to alert residents to a few matters coming up
soon. I suspect 2018 will be as busy as 2017. I have noticed that
many of the new shops are opening up on the upper level of the Beecroft
Place shopping complex. Together with the parking available underneath,
the complex has the potential to attract more shoppers, which will in
turn, generate more trade for the rest of the shopping village.
Following my last eNews, Damien Tudehope contacted me and was of
the view that my reporting of the Hornsby Council consultation at North
Epping did not accurately reflect his position. He explained that the
current proposal by Hornsby Council to again split Epping in two was
unacceptable and he would not support it. He did point out he was
determined to achieve the best possible outcome for the people of his
electorate. He further stated that this may mean that Hornsby Council
may need to lodge a different boundary adjustment application or
alternatively, seek an arbitrated solution with the Government for a
cash payment to Hornsby Council. Fingers crossed we will get a
satisfactory solution.
Proposed Changes to Hornsby Council’s Tree Protection At
the December 2017 General Council Meeting, Mayor Ruddock and the
Hornsby Councillors voted unanimously to amend the Hornsby Development
Control Plan (HDCP) to bestow greater tree protection to trees across
the Shire. This was due in no small part to the serious losses of our
tree canopy cover documented over the last few years. The proposed
changes will, essentially, reinstate the Council’s former tree
protection controls. The Draft HDCP with changes is now on
exhibition. http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/102935/HDCP-Part-1-General_v1-21.12.17.pdf
These changes to the DCP are consistent with the Trust’s constitution
which aims to protect our natural environment. You may remember that
Parramatta Council advertised similar changes to the DCP that covers
Beecroft south of the M2. We hope you can find a little time to send off
an email to hsc@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
stating your support for strengthening the HDCP tree measures whereby
all trees, native and exotic (excluding weed species) MUST be protected
and that Australian Standards for tree protection must be adopted re
tree protection, especially on development sites.
Clean Up Australia is on again Sunday 4th March 2018 The
Trust has registered the Beecroft Village Green again and we will be
setting up at the picnic tables from 9am. All welcome to come down
and lend a hand. Children are welcome also but must be
accompanied by an adult. There will be plenty of bags, both white
for rubbish and yellow for recycling, and a limited number of
gloves. If you are coming along, it is preferable for you to bring
your own gloves.
Areas that need cleaning up include forgotten areas around the shops and
car parks, the open spaces and streets and along the train line where
there is no sense of ownership.
Seniors Housing in Beecroft and Cheltenham 2017
has seen a number of Seniors Housing proposals in Beecroft and
Cheltenham. A number are still with Hornsby Council awaiting
determination. There appears to be a strong market demand for this type
of housing with many local residents taking the opportunity to downsize
into lower maintenance housing and remain in the suburb. The concern is
the way the developers are always ‘pushing the envelope’ by continually
seeking variations to the development standards, such as the height
limit, in order to squeeze in another unit and maximise their profit
margin. Often the quality of the finished product is compromised through
diminished amenity and minimal landscaping. As a consequence the
Trust, together with nearby residents, is often objecting to these
proposed developments. Parramatta Council also received a Seniors
Housing proposal. It has been refused but the applicant has lodged an
appeal in the Land and Environment Court. This demand for these
‘over 55’ proposals is likely to continue into 2018.
Hornsby Council bulky waste collection dates have changed Hornsby
Council has notified residents in Beecroft and Cheltenham of a change
to the dates for the bulky waste (kerb side) collection. The Trust
suspects the whole of 2119 is affected. As a precaution please go into
Council’s website (link below) and check your collection date
. http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/property/waste-and-recycling/kerbside-cleanups
Kerb side clean-ups in the Parramatta Council area For
those residents living south of the M2, Parramatta Council allows four
clean ups in the calendar year for residents. However, households need
to book the collection of waste. The phone number given is that of the
Suez Contractor. Please read the conditions on the following
website: https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/living-community/clean-up
Trust Membership Subscriptions and eNews...
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
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. To subscribe to the eNews: CLICK HERE.
At this stage, the Trust will continue to distribute the printed bulletin as not everyone uses the internet. We
are continuing to looking for volunteers who like walking and who may
be able to distribute approximately 100 Bulletins a couple of times per
year, as this is all done by kind members of our community. If you are
able to help out, even as an occasional fill in person, please contact trish@bcct2119.com.au.
The Trust has always had an unwritten policy to assist any resident regardless of their membership status.
