Catching Up with the Community

It’s been five months since the last Chronicle, the largest hiatus in the 29-year record of almost monthly production by this editor, and quite a bit has happened during the break. 

 Annual General Meetings were held by both Coal Point Progress Association (CPPA) and Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (TASNG), returning largely unchanged committees to continue undertaking community projects within the greater Toronto area. 

The Progress Hall kitchen renovation has been moving ahead at a pace dictated by availability and capacity of trades. The kitchen has arrived and is awaiting installation until the walls get gyprocked and painted and the uneven floor levelled and resurfaced.

I am once again thankful for the support and trust the CPPA Committee has shown in endorsing my long-term residency in presidency of the CPPA. I’ve been very fortunate indeed to have found a community cause that allows me to fulfil my “Why’, acting locally while thinking globally, being a part of a group which is endeavouring to protect what’s left of our beautiful and biodiverse bushland, and attempting to prevent the local extinction of threatened and familiar species, whilst supporting the community in their capacity to care for the bush and each other, by living smart and sustainably. 

Thirty years ago, climate change was ‘global warming’ and the impacts were unknown. Now we live with extreme weather events that are both visible and visceral. We are now also having to address another equally challenging existential threat, the loss of biodiversity. I believe that the CPPA, alongside TASNG, can support the community to navigate the changes needed so that our community and the local biodiversity can survive and thrive into the future.

If you’re new to the area, a big welcome, and if you’re wondering what this yellow paper in your letterbox is, a visit to the website will provide some historical context. There’s a little bit of recent CPPA and TASNG history over the page to save the searching. 

Congratulation to our newly elected councillors.

CPPA AGM outcomes

The CPPA AGM was held on 30/6/24 and the Committee was returned with the exception of Tony Dynon who retired from the CPPA committee.

It is with heartfelt thanks that Tony’s contribution is acknowledged and his support for the community through the CPPA recognised.

Tony has been an amazing contributor to the CPPA for 24 years. He was Treasurer 2001-2005, and 2009, Vice President 2006-2008, and an active committee member since 2011, taking on the newsletter coordination from 2018-2022.

Tony has a voice of calm reason with a problem-solving mind, a willingness to be where he was needed and do what he could do, and always supportive of community projects.

The CPPA thanks Tony for being at the meetings, the working bees, the art shows, the trash n treasures, all the social events and for keeping the books balanced, the newsletters delivered and the fire safety checks delivered on time.

Petition- pedestrian

Local resident Matt Hutchinson has started a petition “Implement Footpaths in Coal Point, Carey Bay, and Kilaben Bay for Safer Commuting”

The request is simple - we need footpaths. They are not just a convenience but a necessity for safety, accessibility and promoting a healthy lifestyle within our community.

https://www.change.org/p/implement-footpaths-in-coal-point-carey-bay-and-kilaben-bay-for-safer-commuting

Walkers – ½ to ¾ Hr a month

Do you like to walk around the neighbourhood? Got a pet pooch that likes to take you for a walk?

Do you have 30-45 minutes once a month or so to help letterbox ‘The yellow Chronicle’ locally?

The CPPA needs a few community-minded people to assist in distributing our wholly & solely locally produced, non-chatGPT written Chronicle.

A few of our very regular, long-time walkers have retired, we need a few extra walkers to help share the load from those that do multiple routes, and we need some standbys when folks go on holidays.

If you have the capacity and inclination Nico would enjoy talking with you about which areas need assistance. Nico cppavicepresident@gmail.com, 0418 967 158

TASNG April Update

TASNG has been in contact with Council about making the vehicle ‘wheel stops’ in The Boulevarde shopping precinct more visible. We are aware that a number of people have tripped over these and fallen, and sadly, one person is believed to have died. We suggest painting them a bright colour. A petition seeking such a change has been submitted to Council. In addition, Councillors have been appraised of this request and we understand that this matter will be raised at a Council meeting. We are waiting on further Council feedback.

Come cycling on Sunday mornings

A local group is looking for more cyclists on Sunday mornings. We meet outside Double Take cafe in Toronto (7 am during summer) and cycle between 40-50 km. Our group has greatly diminished in number over the years. We’re mostly ‘old farts’ and not too fast (average just over 20 kph). Contact Nico (0418 967 158).

The Great Cycle Challenge

This month, Nico Marcar is again combining his passions riding in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!He has a target of 700 km and has already ridden 502.8 km while the weather is kind!

Right now, cancer is the largest killer of children from disease in Australia... but kids should be living life, not fighting for it.

There’s been amazing community support towards Nico’s $1500 goal. He’s not quite there yet. You can support his 700km challenge by making a donation through his fundraising page.

All funds raised will support the Children's Medical Research Institute to develop treatments and find cures for childhood cancers.

Ride to Work Day

 

Make your bike commute count and register now

Whether you’re a regular two-wheeled commuter or looking to start a new healthy habit, National Ride2Work Day is all about supporting your decision to jump on the bike.

For people new to riding, National Ride2Work Day is a fantastic way to kickstart a new habit, to get all your physical activity in before you kick off your work day. For existing riders, it’s a chance to celebrate and show everyone that riding bikes is bonza.

If you register your ride it helps the bicycle network understand where people are commuting by bike, how far they pedal and where we need to build better infrastructure to support places to ride.

The benefits of riding to work are many: improved health with increased activity, increased productivity because of improved fitness and increased mental health, increased need for better bike facilities because more people are riding, and it’s good for the planet too. Every kilometre you ride a bike instead of driving a car saves more than 240 grams of carbon.

https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/ride2work/resources/

TASNG Update

Become a TASNG member 

Becoming a member of TASNG is one way of supporting the group to promote sustainability in our community (current members are covered till 30 June 2023). It’s as easy as downloading, completing and signing the once-off form, and emailing it back to Nico at torontoareasng@gmail.com. TASNG membership form- $5/individual.

Cycling Feedback- Nico Marcar.

Thank you to the five persons who have so far provided considered responses to my June Chronicle article. Feedback indicates that less experienced cyclists would certainly be more likely to ride if it were safer to do so. All responses are important. Please contact Nico with your views at torontoareasng@gmail.com.

Safe cycling in Westlakes? Your views matter!

 Cycling Campaigner- Nico Marcar

The only significant shared path around Toronto is the Greenway track between Toronto and Fassifern Station. There is no off-road link through the 80kph Woodrising stretch to Booragul and to the shared paths through and beyond the Five Islands bridge. Nor is there any off-road connection through the hilly 80kph stretch to Rathmines Peninsula. 

Unfortunately, it will be very expensive to build the necessary off-road connections north and south. Although these connections form part of the Principle Bicycle Network in Council's 2021 Cycling, Walking and Better Streets Strategy, they are not designated as high priority, and Main Road is noted as the NSW Government’s responsibility. Though Council is aware of the issues, Toronto/Westlakes remains in limbo. Whilst there are some longer, alternative routes, you cannot currently cycle safely on the shorter 80kph stretches. 

The Toronto Action Group is willing to take up the issue and has already raised it with two of our Ward councillors and Council staff. As a starting point, we need to know more about actual and potential demand for cycling. 

Do you currently cycle for commuting, leisure or exercise? Would you take up cycling or cycle further if there was more safe infrastructure? What do you see as the main impediments to cycling locally? We'd like to hear your views. Please contact Nico at torontoareasng@gmail.com.

Progress People Projects

Where have you wandered?

During COVID many of us were able to explore our neighbourhood on foot and by bike and you may have discovered some hidden gems. Perhaps it was a trek on a track that linked to an unexpected place, a sneaky shortcut, or a trot that got the heart rate up and had an inspiring view at the end. Did you tour on your bike somewhere that surprised you?

Wouldn’t it be great if we could share these travelling treasures? Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we can. The CPPA has set up a Strava account where we can share our pedestrian and cycling activity. Strava allows you to generate maps of where you’ve been using a mobile device and upload comments and pictures. You can follow the Coal Point Progress Association to upload your travels. 

If there are any avid Strava users who would like to lend a hand at keeping up the CPPA account get in touch.

Gaming Session for members

The Underground Arcade is a new age Virtual Reality gaming Arcade located in Toronto. (67-73 The Boulevard Toronto). The owners have invited the CPPA to a free 2-hour session at the arcade and share in the experiences it has to offer, such as
• Three full size green screen room scale VR rooms,
• Motion simulators for both racing and flight,
• Squad gaming and internet café area,
• Two Kat Walk VR multidirectional treadmills and
• A high-quality sound system with phone connectivity.

With current restrictions the arcade can accommodate a maximum of 20 people at a time.

If you’re a gamer and a member of the CPPA and would like to come along, get in touch and we can organise a date. Members under 13 will require adult supervision for content control.

Join Up and Join In

If you’d like to join the CPPA here’s a membership form or get in touch with one of the Committee members (see the back page of The Chronicle). If you join now, you get a couple of bonus months as renewals run to the calendar year.

The CPPA members own a hall, and we want to put it to good use in 2022 with social events. If you like the idea of creating fun functions, groovy gatherings, or pleasurable parties we are looking for a gregarious group to lend a hand, choose the talent and assist with the hosting of these community extravaganzas. If you can help with one or several events, get in touch.

One event we would like to host is the Lake Macquarie Winds Concert Band. They have been in touch and are keen to entertain us. They are performing at the Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba (means ‘canoe place’), on 21st November between 4 and 6 pm. This is a free, COVID-safe concert hosted by LMCC.

We’re on the lookout for an assistant hall-coordinator to learn the ropes for keeping the hall in tip-top condition. Our current hall deputy will be leaving the area and we would like to share the knowledge gained of the various processes that have been put in place to make caring for our hall a seamless and satisfying experience. Please get in touch.

More local Muso’s wanted to Muse with.

A group of musically ambitious locals have started to gather at the hall, on the 1st and 4th Thursday of the month, 3-4:30pm, for musical fellowship. So far, the group consists of clarinet, bass, guitar, drum players and one potential voice. It would be great if there were more musos or singers involved. Whilst we are not asking musos to be highly competent, we are a playing group, not a group for learners to be taught a musical instrument. We are currently learning a repertoire of Let it Be, Moonglow, All of Me, What a Wonderful World and Moon River. 

Enquiries to Rob 0408 429 870, rob2roam@bigpond.com

How much can one community comment on in a month?

LMCC has their pedal to the metal with plans-a-plenty for comments during March.

The Lake Activation Strategy comments due 30th March. It will help shape decisions about the replacement, renewal or enhancements of things like boat ramps, jetties, parking, shared paths and swimming areas. Plus, it will also help in discovering new opportunities for the foreshore, and current and future community events.

The strategy applies to the lake and importantly any council owned and managed foreshore land that adjoins it. The strategy will assess current usage and identify future needs and opportunities. It will measure the adequacy of lake and foreshore infrastructure and facilities to meet those current and future needs and will develop a 10-year Action Plan to map how we will deliver our agreed vision for the lake.

The draft Walking, Cycling and Better Streets Strategy is currently on exhibition until 30th March. 

Council staff and the Active Transport Advisory Group (ATAG) have been developing this document for almost two years. Carey Bay local, Nico Marcar, is a member of ATAG and encourages everyone to comment. ”This plan is greatly improved on 2012 version with an improved decision making process to inform one year operational and four year implementation programs. This is a significant document for our community with lots of potential routes mentioned, including a Kilaben Bay to Rathmines connection along the waterfront”.

LMCC’s Urban Greening Strategy is welcoming comments until 1st April. This new, key Council planning document aims to ensure the green areas in our city continue to grow and thrive for years to come. Trees play a critical role in creating healthier, more liveable and sustainable urban environments and mitigating urban heat effects.

Toronto is one of 11 suburbs in the city identified as being most impacted by extreme heat mainly due to increased impervious cover and higher dwelling density.

With Council recently joining a select group of 120 cities across the world as a ‘Tree City of the World’, comments on how we can make our urban areas greener and cooler are welcome.

Footpath priorities - Nico Marcar

Pedestrian & Cycleways Working Group of TASNG

The COVID crisis has seen a marked increase in pedestrian activity in our area, both for excercise and commuting. However, we are all too aware of the need for more footpaths in our area to support safer walking if this heightened pedestrian activity is to continue. A good example is the much-used recent footpath extension along Brighton Ave to Ambrose Street, lobbied for by TASNG and CPPA.

However, Council has scarce resources (as we know), grant funding is limited and footpath construction is expensive. Therefore prioritisation is required.

Council’s draft Walking Cycling Better Streets Strategy is due to be released in a few months. It will include information about the priortisation process for footpaths. The majority of construction in the next 4 years will be focussed on:

Primary and secondary routes (popular walking routes) and crossing facilities within a 15 minute walking distance of economic centres and 10 minutes for local centres (also includes most train stations). Projects within these areas that also service schools will be prioritised.

• Priority routes to schools
• Bus stop connections
• Alternative construction materials are also being considered where appropriate.

Council is considering how best to prioritise and apply for recent government infrastructure grants as post-COVID economic stimuli.

It’s always worth making a suggestion for where footpaths are badly needed and seem to fit as a priority, but bear in mind the above-mentioned constraints. One such example recently put forward is along Excelsior Pde between Jarrett and Pemmel Streets. 

Email suggestions like the one below to nico.marcar@gmail.com.

Encouraging and Facilitating Perambulation in Toronto

To the south and east of Toronto shopping centre, there are only two streets leading to the centre. Brighton Ave feeds the lower end of town and has a footpath its full length.

Excelsior Pde feeds the upper end of town, including the library, Woolworths, Aldi, doctors and dentists, etc. 

Pedestrian thoroughfare is fragmented, rough and, in some places non-existent and dangerous. Residents of Kilaben Bay and much of Carey Bay must run the gauntlet along Excelsior Pde to walk to the centre. The alternative is to drive.

In the interests of sustainability, cleaner air and the physical well-being of our residents, exploring the feasibility of a footpath would be most welcome.

Excelsior Pde between Jarrett St and Pemmel St.

• The block is less than 400m long.
• The south side of the street is impassable because of the terrain.
• The north side is the only alternative.
• It has stretches of footpath at both eastern and western ends, some concrete, some bitumen and very patchy, but navigable on foot.
• The middle stretch has no footpath at all and is navigable only with the greatest care. (Photos)
• It is less than 200m long.
• It is crossed by several driveways.
• Trip hazards are caused by the edge of driveways and exposed tree roots.
• Eroded areas are uneven, rough and loose underfoot.
• Space for walking narrows to 30-40cms, a real risk, especially on bin collection days.
• This section is totally unsuited to prams or strollers, difficult for the elderly or less able, and totally impossible for wheel chairs.

RMS road shoulder issues.

As you would know there are a number of RMS maintained road sections in the wider Toronto area that have narrow and/or undesignated road shoulders which are a major hazard for cyclists. In our area it is really only Wangi Road/Cary Street/Main Road and Awaba Road - these are state roads.

The TASNG is compiling a list of specific sections that we will forward to RMS for their consideration in the first instance. Please send any suggestions to nico.marcar@gmail.com.

Ride2Work

R2W Wednesday 18/10/17

Over 77% of trips are taken by car in Lake Mac but the community says it wants more bike and foot options. A chance to put your best feet forward and into action is looming with National Ride2Work Day on Oct 18th . Once you’ve done it you may want to do it again…with friends. 

Riding to work is one of the easiest and most time-efficient ways to fit exercise into a daily routine. By swapping the car, train or bus for a bike, you can get your recommended daily exercise without having to spend extra time or money at the gym… and you’ll be happier and healthier for it! 

A better network for cycling and connected footpaths is part of LMCC’s plans for the future. 

TASNG paving the way

An $8,700 Community Building Partnership Grant gained by The Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group and supported by CPPA has paved the way to improved pedestrian access and safety along Brighton Avenue. The 18-month project saw an expanded commitment by LMCC to provide the concrete path over the initially proposed crushed gravel surface.

This project is a significant win for pedestrians in our area. We are very grateful to Council for coming on board, in the face of competing demands, and to the NSW government for support

Greg Piper MP and LMCC’s Matt Brogan officially opened the footpath on 2nd June with lots of happy locals in attendance. The event was covered by the local media and can be viewed online

TASNG Talk

A bright beginning on Brighton Ave

Soon you’ll be able to walk to Toronto from Carey Bay in safety along a new stretch of concreted footpath along Brighton Ave from Ambrose St to Jarrett St, thanks to a Community Building Partnership grant and the generosity of LMCC. 

The original concept for the grant was to trial an alternative surface of crushed gravel for areas that were not able to have concrete, however LMCC preferred to cover the additional cost of a concrete path. Stage1 will be in place this financial year and Stage 2 completed soon after.

Linking Kilaben Bay to Rathmines- a pipe dream or a bridge to reality

A TASNG team recently chatted with a local landholder and LMCC Officer to scope the idea of a bike-walking trail linking Kilaben Bay to Rathmines. The route would require the acquisition of some environmentally sensitive foreshore land, the construction of two bridges, collaboration with Hunter Water and a lot of community support and but the benefits would be huge. A pedestrian friendly link joining Rathmines and Kilaben Bay-Toronto that would enable off road recreational activities, boost the tourist potential of the area and support the non car owning community to enjoy all that the western Lake Mac foreshore suburbs have to offer. If you have scoping skills please contact Nico Marcar to get involved nico.marcar@gmail.com

So long single Use plastic bags

The Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance is hosting a series of information stalls on the issue of single use plastic bags. The first event will be at Toronto Town Square on Thursday 6/4/17 4-6pm.

Lake Mac Walks

On 2nd March from 1-3:30pm council will be hosting a local ‘Walkshop’ to experience the walking environment around Toronto first hand. 

On the morning of March 8th a public forum with experts will be discussing how we can better plan and design to deliver better active transport outcomes at the LM Performing Arts Centre, 9:30am-noon.

RSVP for these events on LMCC’s Have Your Say website

Slow down you move to fast

(thank you Simon & Garfunkel)

Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make this lifetime last,
Stop speeding through the 50 zones,
Looking for fun? but you’re being’ goosey!
Bad da da da da da da, bein’ goosey.

Hello, signpost, what ’cha knowin’?
50k’s is how fast to be goin’!
Can’t they read the signs dear me?
Doot-in doo-doo, they’re bein’ goosey
Bad da da da da da, bein’ goosey

I got no where to walk
no footpaths on streets
I’m scared when you're speeding it makes my heart beat
Let the speeding time stop lift the pedals off feet
Life, I love you
Please don’t be goosey.

TASNG Tales

Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group

Pedestrian Perseverance

There’s been a huge win for the pedestrian folk in our community. The proposed installation of a crushed gravel path along Brighton Avenue between Ambrose St and Jarret Street has transmogrified into a 350m concrete footpath.

Last year TASNG was awarded a $8750 Community Building Partnership grant to trial a low tech gravel path as a model that could be rolled out around the non-paveable areas in our community. It turns out that this particular approach “will not meet Council requirements” but LMCC has kept their commitment to the project and upped the ante.

A concrete footpath will be installed in 2 stages over 2015-16 and 2016-17 financial years, the planning is in process to determine the best location and which side of the street.

The footpath will certainly meet the objectives of the grant by improving pedestrian safety for residents now and into the future as more single dwellings inevitably transition to medium density housing.

What are West Ward Issues?

Councillor Kay Fraser is interested in hearing about our local issues, such as footpath and cycling infrastructure in Western Lake Macquarie from various groups and interested community members. 

Kay has agreed to an informal chat with TASNG at 4.30 pm on Thursday 4th August at the HUB, The Boulevarde. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Toronto streetscape update presented to TASNG 8/6/16

• Work will start at the Victory Pde end and proceed in 50 m sections, eight weeks at a time. There will be no trees in the first section.
• 23 trees (Waterhousea floribunda) to be planted in purpose-built root boxes using 5 m advanced stock and with anticipated final heights of 10-15 m to create a green avenue. Garden beds will have ground covers.
• Two bus shelters are planned. 
• Bike stands are planed, some under cover e.g. by lower bus shelter.
• There will be Wednesday drop-in sessions 9-10am at the library from 22 June for interested community members and fortnightly updates to businesses.
• A coloured brochure is being prepared to be delivered to every household and main street businesses to overview the project, including dates.

TASNG News

A plus for Pedestrians

The Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood group received a Christmas present as well. They were awarded a Community Building Partnership grant for $8700 to improve pedestrian access and safety between Ambrose and Jarrett by installing crushed gravel and other suitable surfaces. LMCC agreed to match the funding. 

This grant is a huge step forward in improving pedestrian access in our community, with no plans in the next 20 years for footpaths it looks like it will be community initiatives such as this that will provide the best chance of getting a safe place to walk. This project will be a model that will hopefully support other groups and other areas looking to address the same issue.

Tossers can be Binners 2

Toronto High School students entered a competition to design some signs for a Clean-up Australia Day Campaign on 6^th March 2016, involving the fast food restaurants in Toronto. Three of those signs were chosen to be made into metal signs and these will be displayed on bins and driveways of those restaurants. McDonalds franchise in Toronto, in particular, has joined the campaign and a media event will take place there on March 6 to educate the public that Tossers Can Be Binners and fast food rubbish detracts from our area and impacts on the health of the lake.

Lake Macquarie Parking Strategy

Do you have any thoughts about parking or walking around our area? LMCC is providing an opportunity for you to share your thoughts on the ‘Have your say website’. There’s an interactive map that invites you to share your thoughts by dragging an icon and completing a comment box. You can clearly mark problem areas and identify parking issues, parking ideas, walking ideas, cycling ideas or general comments. 

It is a great chance to highlight the needs and concerns of our community in regards to pedestrian safety. It doesn’t take very long…and is much easier than writing a letter to Council, give our community a Christmas thought and make your thoughts known. To date there are only a few comments in our area, and you can even like or dislike existing comments.

Backyard Habitat Workshop

Join us for some hands on learning about how to attract native wildlife into your garden and create your own backyard habitat!

Please bring gloves and wear clothing and footwear appropriate to assist in a small planting activity to improve local habitat.

When: Monday 23 June, 9:30am – 11:00am


Where: Landcare Resource Centre, Toronto Road, Teralba


RSVP: To Council on 4921 0333 or council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

Dates for the Diary

• BIRD SURVEY - 4th July - around Coal Point
• Local Landcaring every Thursday around Coal Point
• July:  Carey Bay Wetlands- prepping for National Tree Day
• Ring Robyn for details : 4959 1507
• National Tree Day at Carey Bay Wetlands Sunday 28th July 9am-noon
• Planting, Wetland Wander, Treasure Hunt and community BBQ

• Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Meeting  
• Wednesday 10th July Progress Hall 5-6.30pm
• Landcare and Catchment Forum 3-5 Sept- Newcastle City Hall
• Landcare Muster 3/9/13
• Living Smart Festival
• Saturday 28/9/13 - 8am-2pm,Speers Point Park
• The Lorax, eco displays, handmade items, workshops

Up Coming Landcare Dates

August 

Burnage Reserve 8/8/13

September 

Gurranba  Reserve 5/9/13

October 

West Ridge Reserves 3/10/13

November 

Yural/Ambrose St Reserves 7/11/13

December

Carey Bay Wetlands 12/12/13

February 2014 

Carey Bay Wetlands  6/2/14