TORONTO FORESHORE UPDATE

Residents may be wondering what is going on with what Council has designated as our Town Green. After all the time and money spent on consultants and the Masterplan, the improvements so far consist mostly of shared paths, sandstone seating, landscaping and a strange spacecraft in the corner.

According to the Masterplan (2021) “The Town Green is subtly sculpted to create a shallow amphitheatre which addresses the water with a new stage (#8 on image) and shade canopy. This canopy is a keenly located upgrade to the existing rotunda, and makes for a dramatic stage for weddings, performances, and social gatherings right on the water’s edge....”.

Fast forward to September 2022 and Council now advises that the ‘new stage’ won't be built because of lack of funds. So the long rows of expensive cut sandstone (the 'amphitheatre') face outwards towards a stage that won't exist.

It is acknowledged that there are more tables and an abundance of seating options with smooth sandstone blocks and soft grass, all directed towards the wonderful Lake vista, and when the trees grow up there will be shade-a-plenty. Without a stage is Council planning to use the rotunda for entertainment purposes?

There is meant to be more open space for large events but it’s not clear how these will be organised with even less parking than previously. It’s also unclear how people are expected to use the space at other times. Will young people be allowed to set up informal volleyball courts or older people play bowls on the Town Green?

As it happens, consultants are proposing a very similar sandstone-lined amphitheatre for the river entrance park at Port Macquarie. Hopefully they will get a stage to go with it.

In Toronto there had been disquiet about removal of the old rotunda. The new spacecraft is located closer to the road, and has greatly improved disability access. The finished product will apparently be the frames plus a covering on top. . It’s a rotunda in style because it’s round. Is the proximity to the road and orientation to the seating conducive to performances?

Work is scheduled to begin on the Tinto cafe/playground end of the foreshore during 2023/24, followed by the terraces at the Bath Street end during 2024/25, then perhaps the café and amenities during 2025/26.

Council is to be commended for its willingness to spend money on the foreshore, but it would be good to have some community consultation to give more detail and a better understanding of how variations to community consulted plans are made.

If you feel strongly that our Town needs the proposed over-water stage you can contact our Councillors or Council directly

All the Councillor contact details are on the CPPA website. 

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.

Toronto Foreshore update May 2022

The Toronto Action Group have been endeavouring to get an update on the Toronto Foreshore progress for a couple of months and through persistence achieved some insights.

Our information from Council is

• It is hoped stage 1 works would be completed by the end of June. Delays have occurred due to weather, covid and supply chain issues. Once complete most of the foreshore will be open to the public. 
• Stage 2 will be the car park area and shared path extension near the amatuer sailing club, due to be completed by the end of October.
• No further works will occur until the 2023-2024 FY. During this period detailed design work will continue and operational budgets provided. 
• There are three more stages envisaged: 

1. The area encompassing Tintos, playground, boat ramp and bit of Goffett Park; 
2. The area just south of the Bath Street site and
3. between just south of the Bath Street site and the amatuer sailing club. 

• Constructions methods to be determined. There is no plan yet for which stage will be done first. Council will be posting a community update in a few weeks.

Here's a few pix of what's been happening on the other side of the fence since October last year.

Progress Patter

We’ve got a new hall coordinator!

Welcome and thank you to Cath Fairs for stepping up and into the role of the Progress Hall Coordinator, who looks after the Hall bookings and oversees the needs of the Hall.

The role is a perfect fit for Cath. She has lived in Coal Point for the past 12 years and introduced herself as having “a small business located in Toronto, as a Social worker, providing counselling. My professional and personal values mean that connection with the community is important to me, as is access to spaces that bring people together.”

 
We’re super excited to have Cath join the CPPA team. To celebrate we have set up a page on our website so you can see what the hall looks like, the fees and the hall hire conditions, in case you’re looking for a local venue to gather in.  

Many thanks to Judy, our retiring hall coordinator, who has been doing an outstanding job over the past 12 months, setting up systems and keeping the hall hirers happy. We wish you well in your next adventure.

Groups currently use the hall for yoga, music, art, Tai Chi, Zumba, Pilates and sewing. The online calendar has details. 

Expanded Chronicle distribution

Sincere thanks to the wonderful locals and ACF who have together provided $600 of generous donations to allow us to keep distributing the Chronicle to Kilaben Bay and more of Toronto. At $120/edition for the extras we’ve now got a few more months of expanded distribution up our sleeve.

You can support the ongoing distribution by becoming a member of CPPA or TASNG, give us a ring, or donate at https://www.givenow.com.au/toronto-foreshore-protection

Toronto Action Group Update - March 2022

The Toronto Action Group (TAG) has reconvened for 2022. The TAG will continue to identify greater Toronto area issues, seek solutions and advocate on behalf of our community for action by Council.

Current issues include:

• Parking concerns in Toronto, especially around event management and foreshore access
• Inadequate management of garden beds on the southside of The Boulevarde
• Need for more parkland to meet the projected increase in population
• Diminishing tree canopy
• Need to improve the condition of the Toronto Wetland as a valuable community asset
• The potential for eco-tourism to thrive in the area

If you have any thoughts on what issues you’d like the TAG team to address email toronto.action.group.info@gmail.com

What will Lake Mac look like in 10 years?

The results from LMCC’s Engagement Summary, “Create Our Future Now” show that across the City the aspects of local living that we enjoy and issues we have been advocating for resonate widely. The following excerpts are from the Engagement summary available at https://shape.lakemac.com.au/lakemac2032

WHAT YOU LOVE (p.7)

The top four responses were:

• access to the lake and recreational activities

• beaches

• diverse landscape

• our city’s lifestyle

MAKING LAKE MAC BETTER (p.7)

The top four responses were:

• increased pedestrian and cycling infrastructure

• continued environmental focus

• appropriate levels of development across the city

• increased public infrastructure

YOUR PRIORITIES (p.7)

• Residential development that complements our unique character • Protecting our natural playground • Building lively town centres • Health care access • More outdoor spaces • Events spread around the city • Improved public transport • More connected shared pathways • A city accessible to all • Attracting and supporting the right industries • Supporting population growth • Tourism opportunities • Recognising Aboriginal culture • Celebrating our heritage • Public art and cultural events • Cultural and creative spaces • Transparency in council decision making • Engaging with council • Securing strategic partners

Interestingly on p.13, in relation to outdoor spaces, people identified they would like to see an increase of public space and infrastructure, particularly as the population continues to grow. People would like to see more parks and open space and supporting amenities as well as infrastructure such as exercise equipment in key locations.

In relation to residential development, (p11) people identified a concern about the type and amount of residential development taking place across the city. Concern was expressed that mixed-use residential development is changing the character of some town centres and placing increased pressure on current infrastructure. There were also concerns with urban sprawl and the effect this is having on bushland.

One of the themes that emerged around Shared Decision Making (p22) was transparency in decision making; people want to know that there is transparency in the decision-making process and that the views of the community have been taken into account prior to forming a decision. People also wanted to know more about how and why decisions are made.

The next stage of the Community Engagement process will see LMCC consult with the community during the formal exhibition of the draft Community Strategic Plan 2022-2032. LMCC will check back in with our community to ensure they’ve captured our input and that they’re heading in the right direction to achieve the values and aspirations of the community.

This plan will be developed at a critical time in our lives when the window of opportunity to limit global warming is closing. Your input into local government decision making is vital to ensure best possible social, environmental, and economic outcomes for our community. Councillors are our local representatives and sharing your thoughts with them is one way of Shaping Lake Mac into the future.

Our West Ward Councillors are

Clr Jason Pauling (LIB)- Deputy Mayor

M: 0417 416 577 jpauling@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

Clr David Belcher (ALP)

M: 0429 914 623 dbelcher@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

Clr Madeline Bishop (ALP)

M: 0407 157 901 mbishop@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

Clr Luke Cubis (LMIND)

M: 0429 939 475 lcubis@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

HOME – NEIGHBOURHOOD – COMMUNITY (2021)

What a roller-coaster of a year! At least we have reached the year’s end almost 95% vaxed, so some peace of mind for Xmas and no more lockdowns in 2022.

There was some other good news. Council finally relented in its determination to build a 6-storey apartment tower on the Toronto Foreshore and the long-awaited masterplan was finalized, albeit with the unwanted removal and rebuild of the rotunda and closure through the summer of what planners have decided should be known, English-fashion, as the ‘Town Green’.

The delayed Council elections were eventually held on Saturday 4 December and did not result in much change. Mayor Kay Fraser was returned for another term, as were three of the West Ward councillors, David Belcher, Jason Pauling and Luke Cubis. Hard-working Independent Wendy Harrison retired and was replaced by Labor’s Madeleine Bishop. Cr Harrison was always available to meet with, listen to and act for the community. We hope Cr Bishop will be as accessible and community-minded as her predecessor and look forward to meeting with her.

One thing we learned from the last term of Council is the importance of having a strong community voice and engaging respectfully with councillors and staff. The ad hoc Toronto Foreshore Protection Group has provided a voice with representatives of Toronto Sunrise Rotary, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Coal Point Progress Association, and the Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group(TASNG) as well as local residents. This single-issue group has now morphed into the Toronto Action Group (TAG) and will continue to represent community concerns to councillors and staff. Ongoing issues will be the zoning of and access to foreshore land and the lake; pedestrian safety, parking and cycling; care of the wetlands; and protection of the tree canopy from aggressive development.

Another lesson from the previous Council is the importance of networking with community groups in Toronto and adjacent suburbs. The pre-election Candidates’ Forum for West Ward candidates was organised by TAG in conjunction with the Rathmines and the Five Bays Sustainable Neighbourhood Groups. We look forward to working together through Council’s next term.

One of the big challenges is how residents can find out what is happening in the community. Thanks to Covid, we no longer have the weekly Lakes Mail. ‘The Herald’ doesn’t give much attention to Lake Macquarie. Council has expanded its own media ‘spin’ machine but only tells us what it wants us to know and when.

To help fill the gap, the letter-boxed ‘Chronicle’ will continue to update residents each month on local news, including ‘Development Applications near You’, but the extra distribution beyond Coal Point and Carey Bay costs money.

To support a local voice, consider joining the sponsoring neighbourhood group (TASNG), especially if you live in Kilaben Bay (where there are currently no members) or please consider a small donation. We require $550/year to cover the expanded distribution. https://www.givenow.com.au/toronto-foreshore-protection

TAG reports its activities in the monthly Chronicle and also has a (moderated) Facebook page where residents can post comments or queries on local issues https://www.facebook.com/TorontoActionGroup

The more of us who get involved, even in small ways, the stronger our neighbourhoods and community will be and the more Council will listen first instead of deciding for us.

Candidates Forum 23/11/21 and Council Elections 4/12/21

This event has been rescheduled for the 23rd November.

West Ward residents will be asked to cast their vote for

Mayor and four West Ward councillors on Saturday December 4th.

The Toronto Action Group (TAG) has combined with other Westlakes community and Sustainability Neighbourhood Groups from Toronto, Five Bays and Rathmines, to host a Candidates’ Forum to get to know the councillor and mayoral candidates.

Due to COVID concerns, only candidates and event coordinators will be present at the venue however the audience will be able to view the discussions online and get responses to the questions they have submitted to the candidates.

What are the issues they'll be championing? What is their community background and how will they represent the community?

The past few years have highlighted how much and how little some councillors do for the local community. Do we want invisible placeholders or active champions?

This forum is the beginning of our 3-year relationship with our reps. and this is our get to know you speed date.

Do you have a question you’d like to ask the candidates or an issue you’d like to hear their thoughts on?
• Email - toronto.action.group.info@gmail.com
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TorontoActionGroup
• Drop a note in to the CPPA letterbox (197 Skye Point Rd)
• Post it to PO Box 329, Toronto.

The TAG team will be collecting and collating questions to pose to the candidates on the night.

Register to attend the online forum here.

The July Chronicle Article below provided more background to why the Forum is being held.

____________________________________________________

The postponed Council elections of last year will now be held on Saturday 4th September this year. Westlakes residents will be asked to cast their vote for Mayor and four West Ward Councillors.

The Toronto Action Group has combined with other Westlakes community/sustainability groups to host a West Ward and Mayoral Candidates’ Forum online. 

We won’t know until November 4th who the candidates will be. But we already know the issues that affect us. Some are very local (e.g. kerbs and footpaths) whilst others affect most of Westlakes (e.g. traffic, parking, lake access and loss of trees).

Council has made progress on environmental, social and economic health. The Toronto Foreshore Masterplan, the Walking and Cycling Strategy and the draft Lake Activation Strategy hold out hope of further improvements.

Nevertheless, there have been some huge frustrations. Not least were the wasted two years arguing over the proposed multi-storey apartment block on Toronto’s foreshore that the community was not asked about and never wanted. Increased building density is being poorly planned with more and more traffic clogging roads and chasing less parking space.

Behind all of this is an often fractured and strained relationship with the present Council and Councillors. Some ward Councillors have been reluctant to consult with their community. Wendy Harrison (retiring) has done so but with little support from her fellow Councillors.

It’s not just politics. The new organisational structure and attitude of senior Council staff have made community engagement much more difficult. Under the new structure, staff work in project teams across departments, many of which have been renamed and reinvented. Some staff appear to be happy with this arrangement, others not.

For residents it is now hard to find out who is responsible for what. Council has become opaque. For example, the Toronto Foreshore Masterplan was managed not by Planning or Parks but by Property & Business Development, while Rathmines Park masterplan was managed by Asset Management.

Residents are ‘consulted’ on a plethora of strategies and plans through the ‘shape.lakemac’ website. Their representations and submissions are ‘summarised’ in engagement reports, but it is usually hard to spot any changes made. Staff recommendations are put to Councillors, a few questions are asked, not necessarily answered, then the report is endorsed.

Is this ‘good governance’? Is the community being treated with respect? Are Councillors being treated with respect? Should ward Councillors actually support their communities on things that matter? Or should we just put up with the status quo?

Candid questions for the Candidates

The Candidates Forum will be an opportunity for community members to find out a little bit more about the people who want to represent us, their interests and their reasons for being our local representatives.

Do you have a question you’d like to ask them or an issue you’d like to hear their thoughts on?

The TAG team will be collecting and collating questions to pose to the candidates.

Send an email to toronto.action.group.info@gmail.com with your question, or use the TAG facebook group to pose a thought-provoker or drop a note in to CPPA letterbox or post it to PO Box 329, Toronto.

Register to attend the Candidates Forum via Eventbrite. Both online and in-person attendees will need to register.

Did you know? The Bath Street site is NOT part of Toronto’s Foreshore Park.

The Council resolutions of September 2019 specified that Council was to ‘consider’ reclassifying part or all of the Bath Street site to community land.

Council documents state that a Park is a parcel of community land that Council manages and maintains as parkland for the benefit of residents and visitors.

Because the Bath Street site (4 Bath Street and 1B Victory Row) is classified operational land, Council has now confirmed that it is not part of Toronto’s Foreshore Park, even though it is part of the Foreshore Master Plan (FMP) area.

Council officers are insisting that keeping the Bath Street site as operational is consistent with the resolution, but has given no formal reasons.

It seems that the ‘consideration’ of reclassification by Council officers has been superficial and they are trying to avoid public scrutiny.

This is not good enough. As long as the status of the land remains ‘operational’, it is possible for Council to revive a high-rise development or sell off this waterfront land.

And there are still some Victory Row lots that have yet to be reclassified, although Council has agreed to do so, so they also lie outside the boundary of the Foreshore Park.

With the delayed Council elections now to be held in December, it is time that the Mayor and West Ward Councillors tell us their position on the boundaries of the Foreshore Park. This is particularly important given that Council’s own planning documents identify that, given the rapid population growth, Toronto is in need of additional parkland.

This Council has wasted a ridiculous amount of time and resources trying to foist an unwanted high-rise development onto our precious strip of foreshore. The Master Plan offers a way forward but it won’t integrate all of the foreshore into a park whilst the Bath Street site remains operational land.

As they say, it’s a loophole big enough to drive a tank through it.

Will Council act in good faith or not?

A new name TAG and broader purpose for The Toronto Foreshore Protection Group (TFPG).

The TFPG, a coalition of local community groups that emerged to champion a community focussed outcome for the Toronto foreshore has renamed as the Toronto Action Group (TAG) to continue to advocate in a positive manner for local issues on behalf of our community. The TAG website and Facebook pages still contain all the accumulated information and will be rebranded as time and inspiration allows.

The TAG team believe there are still significant issues that need to be addressed for our community and will continue to be a positive voice for community consultation and council responsiveness.