Beecroft Cheltenham Rail Noise

The main northern rail line grade through our above suburbs is known as the Beecroft bank.  It is one of the steepest rail grades in NSW.  Added to that is the curving nature of the tracks as they negotiate the hilly terrain through this steep grade.   With these notable curves comes noise, or squeak/scream, as many wheel flanges try to adjust for track curvature.  The numbers of freight trains passing our suburbs reflects the prosperity of our times, and the economies rail can provide over trucking heavy goods long distances.

These factors compound to produce notable noise levels, which can block out conversation at close range.  They also impact the amenity of homes nearby, particularly at night where there are relatively low ambient noise levels in our suburbs.  The Beecroft-Cheltenham Civic Trust is keeping in touch with the Pennant Hills & District Civic Trust, and key Shire residents as far away as Cowan, who have expressed interest or concern about their local rail noise levels.

Your Trust understands that previous rail authority practice was to install and refill pressure oil canisters along such track to lubricate the rail/wheel interface and reduce local noise.  We similarly understand that this practice has been discontinued.

DOES RAIL NOISE IMPACT YOUR HOUEHOLD AMENITY?  

Please let the Beecroft-Cheltenham Civic Trust know.

Deputy Mayor Goes to Jail, needs your help.

Friends and Colleagues,

Your help is needed. The PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club) is having their annual fundraiser and as a consequence they are having me arrested to raise money for their cause. A minimum of $500 (and hopefully much more) bail needs to be raised for my release. If you can help please email back with your pledge to ensure I can be available for work again on Monday and not locked up in Hornsby mall waiting for help. Any donation, no matter how small, will add up. Also please note that all donations are tax deductible.

Also if you would like to see me and others be arrested on a trumped up charge and kept in a lockup right in Hornsby mall (outside Westfield Hornsby) I will be there between 10:30 am and 12pm (unless bailed out earlier) this Saturday (02/04/2011).

Looking forward to your support and to seeing you there on Saturday.

Sincerely,
Michael Hutchence
Deputy Mayor
Hornsby Shire Council
0466 008 375

Council to seek IPART permission to increase rates

Council to seek IPART permission to increase rates in return for improved facilities

Media release date: Monday 28 March 2011

Hornsby Shire Council last Wednesday resolved to submit its application for a rate increase to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART).

IPART is expected to make a decision on the application by mid-June.

“If IPART approves our comprehensive application, we will undertake many important projects, including the redevelopment of Hornsby Aquatic Centre,” said Mayor Nick Berman.

The application will propose the rate increase be staged over three years (7.8 percent in 2011/12, 6 percent in 2012/13 and 4 percent in 2013/14, including rate pegging). The 5.3 percent Hornsby Quarry rate levy would cease in 2015/16. Rates would increase by $1.70 per week for the average ratepayer over the three years compared to normal rate capping.

In 2011/12, Council would commit more than $2.46 million towards open space and sportsground upgrade projects including drainage improvements at Cheltenham Oval and the construction of a new amenities building at Hayes Park in Galston, a mountain bike track at Old Mans Valley in Hornsby and more than a dozen other projects.

If the application is approved, in 2011/12 Council plans to spend an additional $680,000 on drainage improvement works, an extra $300,000 on footpath upgrades and approximately $120,000 each on renovations for Epping and Galston Aquatic Centres.

“Extensive drainage, footpath, road, community centre and open space improvement works across the Shire will be funded by the rate increase over the next 10 years,” said the Mayor.

“We have been crippled in our ability to improve our community infrastructure by State Government rate capping and cost shifting over several years,” he said.

Council undertook extensive, best practice community consultation throughout February and March including community information sessions in Beecroft, Hornsby and Berowra, an online survey and face-to-face surveys at shopping centre, libraries and community events.

Of the 411 residents consulted during the public exhibition period, 72 percent of respondents supported the additional rate to fund the repair, replacement and upgrade of community infrastructure, with 28 percent of residents opposed to the rate increase.

“We received several submissions from local sporting clubs in support of the increase as it will deliver improved sporting and recreational facilities,” said Mayor Nick Berman.

Council will continue to review its internal and external services to identify possible efficiency gains and savings.

For more information on the increase, visit future.hornsby.nsw.gov.au.

Media contact: David Hayes, Media Coordinator. Ph: 9847 6553.

DA/109/2011 - 49A, 51 & 51A Copeland Road

The Trust has written to Hornsby Shire regarding the above DA, for 19 Seniors Living units above, saying this proposal as submitted does not satisfy the aims required under SEPP 2004 Seniors Living, reflects poor design, and has notable tree and vegetation impacts.

Details of the Trust's objections can be found on the website.  If you want a copy, enter your email address as a comment to this post.

BCCT Walk in the Park - Bring your dog!

BCCT is holding a Walk in The Park on Sunday 17th April starting at 2.00pm at the end of Welham St, Beecroft.

Details of the itinerary will be given in the next BCCT bulletin, that will be released shortly, but will include visiting some fine bush regeneration areas, and an examination of some of the M2 construction activities.  We will finish at the Beecroft Scout Hall for afternoon tea around 4pm.

All welcome. Wear sensible shoes, a hat, and sun screen and carry some water.

You are welcome to bring your dog, so long as the dog is kept on a lead at all times and kept clear of the main body of walkers.  We suggest those with dogs walk behind the others.  Dogs must be people- and dog-friendly and not bark excessively, and as always when walking in public areas you must clean up after your dog.

Walking Across Chilworth Reserve

This sign can now be seen at the start of the popular walk across the reserve.  The wooden foot bridge will be fenced off, and an alternative walkway will be open for evenings and weekends, further to the west.

Meet the Candidates Night 14 March

BCCT recently hosted an evening to meet the candidates for Epping. It was well attended by residents. Candidates present were John Thomas (Family First), Emma Heyde (The Greens), Greg Smith (Liberal), Amy Smith (Labor) and Joe Nagy (John Hatton Team). John Kingsmill (Christian Democrats) sent his apology. Each candidate spoke for six minutes then the meeting was opened for discussion from the people present. Issues raised included the need for public transport and community representation. The candidates then had two minutes to summarise their position.