West Pittwater Community Association, which was unable to hold an Annual General Meeting last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, held its 2021 AGM on February 14 in Elvina Bay. Close to 40 residents attended, as did representatives of Northern Beaches Council and Ausgrid.
Committee member Nick Cowdrey read the WPCA’s Acknowledgement of Country, which will be placed on the WPCA website. President Michael Wiener welcomed attendees and guests and spoke of the contribution made to the WPCA committee by the late Marcia Roa-Ferguson.
Ausgrid development officer Matthew Irla told the gathering about the Ausgrid Redundancy Project’s change of direction, from the previously proposed micro-grid solution to the new closed-loop solution. Work is expected to start mid-year. WPCA will keep the community informed about the project’s progress and it was agreed that community questions should be channelled via WPCA secretary Melinda Broughton.
Lesley Stevens provided an update on local bush care groups, which have been so active in protecting the local environment for up to 30 years. Updates were also given on Northern Beaches Council’s planning for Precinct 2 works at Church Point, its fine fuel and vegetation collections and proposed changes to the operation of Church Point Cargo Wharf. Cr Ian White spoke on council matters affecting the community, including Cargo Wharf, the current Development Application being made by the Pasadena, and parking issues.
Melinda Broughton gave an update on NBN progress on Scotland Island and the bays.
All office-bearers and members of the WPCA committee were re-elected. Michael Wiener is president, Nick Cowdery and Karen Lambert are vice-presidents, Martin Didsbury is treasurer and Melinda Broughton is secretary. Committee members are Lisa Atkins, Michael Doherty, Jane Jobson, Deborah Jones, Jennifer Knox and Ryan Stidwill.
Information on the Ausgrid Redundancy Program can be found here: