Annual Report

President’s Report- Suzanne Pritchard 

2013 saw the finalization of the 2010 Hunter Water grant and the Threatened Species Last Stand on the Coal Point peninsula project run for a full year. The on ground outcomes have been amazing thanks to the concerted efforts of the landcare team enthusiastically and competently led by Robyn Gill. The annual TSLS project provides details of the outcomes to date.

The Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (TASNG) has been working tirelessly implementing waste and landcare projects which have made community contributions beyond the Progress boundaries. The CPPA has supported the TASNG by sharing post office box and offering a membership drive via the CPPA renewal process. Congratulations to the TASNG for an amazingly productive year.

The governance of the association has been strong with a stable committee overseeing operations and considering the long term viability of the organisation. To this end Ian Dennison has conscientiously undertaken the process of reviewing the constitution and charitable status. The process has begun and will be finalised in the upcoming year along with consideration of selling a portion of the CPPA owned land to LMCC to expand the reserve. These important issues will be taken to the membership at a Special General Meeting in 2014.

Hall use has increased over the past year with regular bookings in place from yoga groups and art enthusiasts. Sincere thanks to Margret Vero for overseeing the hall use and coordinating the use. Tony Dynon and his band of willing workers have effortlessly attended to the maintenance of the hall. The interior and exterior remain in great condition and this adds to the ability for the hall to continue to provide a significant community space.

Financially the CPPA ended the year with a financial surplus. For the first time in many years the membership fees were reviewed and increased. Renewals for 2014 stand at 103 memberships including 38 family. The membership renewal process also provided a 63 membership boost for the TASNG thus strengthening community connectedness and active citizenship. The accuracy and integrity of the accounts are a credit to Treasurer John Gill.

Seven editions of 'The Chronicle' were published in 2013 providing $2085 of income for association. The Carey Bay shopping village approached the association to run a block of sponsorships in 2014 which will provide additional income in to the future. The Chronicle continues to provide a community communication vehicle to inform and increase awareness of local activities. An Item that generated considerable community response with 80 submissions to LMCC was the proposed 26 Dwelling development on Laycock St at Carey Bay. The online presence of the CPPA continues to develop via the blog. The coordination and distribution of the Chronicle has occurred seamlessly thanks to Barbara Lawrenson’s efficient and affable efforts.

Community advocacy was provided in the areas of

• Commenting on the Toronto Masterplan and the street trees
• Providing information and comment options on the proposed 26 multiple dwellings at 20 Laycock St
• Proposed changes to the state planning laws 

It is with sincere thanks once again that the Committee is acknowledged for its contributions in working for the betterment of the local community.

It is with pleasure that Robyn Gill and Barbara Lawrenson have life membership to the Association bestowed upon them.

Since 2006 Robyn Gill has been a tireless champion for local landcaring implementing an extensive landcare program that has ensured the full complement of public land along the peninsula receives regular attention. The coordination of landcaring efforts at Gurranba, Wippi, Burnage, Hampton St, South Laycock St, West Ridge and Carey Bay Wetlands have ensured that the landcare gains continue to be made. Robyn’s extensive knowledge and expertise is an asset to the community and the Association. Sincere thanks for giving so generously of your time and talents.

 

Barbara Lawrenson & Robyn Gill-Life members

It is with enormous thanks that the efforts of Barbara Lawrenson are acknowledged as she stands down from the Committee. In 1999 Barbara commenced her Committee internship as Treasurer and over the past 15 years has been the Secretary, Vice President and convenor or the  Arts & Craft and Social Subcommittees. The Progress Association has been very fortunate to have been the recipient of Barbara’s enthusiasm, energy, attention to detail, planning prowess and culinary expertise.

Coal Point Landcare Annual Report 2013- Robyn Gill

2013 has been a very productive year for Coal Point Landcare Group. More help in various forms provided by the TSLS Project Grant has enabled the small local team to work more efficiently.

Over the year 885 hours were devoted by local volunteers to the special, amazingly biodiverse, environment that we value so much.

In addition further hours were contributed to the planting on National Tree Day by local volunteers which resulted, after preparation work in advance, in 500 plants being installed at Carey Bay Wetlands. These were cared for by follow up watering and weeding so that they are surviving well to enjoy the recent rain.

In addition to the NTD planting over the year we managed to clear enough formerly weedy places to put in a further 552 plants of locally occurring species selected for each reserve. Often during this work we admired the growth of earlier plantings which are doing the job of reducing weeds as well as complementing what nature provides which continues to amaze us.

Lake Macquarie Landcare Resource Centre provided by our very supportive city council continues to give great help through plants, materials, mulch, tools, advice, Green Team labour and stimulating workshops as well as accessing, on behalf of volunteers, support of government and non-government groups. All of this reaps a huge volunteer effort for our Lake Macquarie environment.

Local Landcarer Dianne and Duke of Edinburgh participant Robert