While West Pittwater Community Association’s annual general meeting is a time to reflect on the past activities for the year, it also provides residents with a chance to discuss matters of vital interest to them. The meeting on March 13 at Elvina Park, Elvina Bay, attracted about 40 people and was notable for the passion expressed by many for the unique character of the offshore environment.
It was asserted more than once that those who live in West Pittwater are custodians of the place, not owners.
After opening the meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country, WPCA President Michael Wiener spoke for all when he said we were blessed to live here.
Michael’s President’s Report touched on issues as diverse as Stage 2 of the Church Point infrastructure Masterplan, short-term holiday rentals, Northern Beaches Council’s proposed changes to Local Environment Plans (LEP) and Development Control Plans (DCP) and work carried out by the NBN and Ausgrid in the past year.
The heroic contribution of WPCA Secretary Mel Broughton to the community was highlighted both by Michael and by WPCA Treasurer Martin Didsbury, particularly in relation to the NBN rollout but also a wide range of other issues. Councillor Rory Amon, who represents Pittwater Ward on Northern Beaches Council, told the gathering that Mel is face of the community with Council. “She gets things done for you.”
Agenda items included discussion on security at Church Point car parks, the edible native garden being established in Elvina Park by Rocky Point and Elvina Bay bushcare groups, Council’s fine fuel and green waste collections and the Rural Fire Service’s proposal to add a pontoon to South Elvina Bay Wharf to accommodate the West Pittwater Brigade boat.
There was a great deal of discussion about the wharf proposal, with agreement that community consultation at the earliest opportunity was vital.
Issues raised by attendees included the need to stress to Council that it should look at Church Point not as a commercial hub but as a community hub, restrictions at Church Point Cargo Wharf, the effect of wood-burning heaters on air quality and remediation of tracks after the recent rains.
The meeting also heard about the increasing use of ferry wharfs as recycling centres. Some goods may be taken quickly and thus re-used but some take up valuable bench space for a few days before being thrown away. It was suggested a better plan might be to have a regular community swap-meet.
Books seem to fare better when left at wharves for others as long as there is suitable shelving. It was also mooted that the Church Point ferries could become floating free libraries.
Pre-loved books at North Elvina ferry wharf awaiting new owners
Almost all the current WPCA committee was re-elected unopposed (Pru Colville replaces Deborah Jones, who leaves the area shortly). The combined years of experience is impressive. In the executive alone Michael has held the Presidency for about 15 years, Mel has been Secretary for nine years and Martin has been in charge of WPCA’s finances in two stints totalling 14 years. Nick Cowdery and Karen Lambert continue as vice-presidents. The other returning committee members Lisa Atkins, Michael Doherty, Jane Jobson, Jennifer Knox and Ryan Stidwill.
Feature Image: Attendees at West Pittwater Community Association’s AGM on March 13