Gail Giles-Gidney

Castlecrag Fair Postposed to 16th June

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 02:57:00 +0000

Due to the bad weather conditions the Castlecrag Fair has been postponed until the 16th of June.

As you can appreciate many local businesses have ordered in extra perishable food. We are very grateful to the local businesses for their support and now they face considerable financial loss unless we help.

Cyrus the Great, Butterflies (ex-Burleys) and Artusi and Butcher Boys all made special preparation and no doubt others too. Why not pop in for a meal, sausage, tea coffee or cake either today, Sunday or over the next couple of days. Please let them know that you appreciate the support for the Fair.

Channel 9 Rally Saturday 18th May.

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:09:00 +0000

A protest rally has been organised for Saturday 18th May at 12 noon, meeting at the corner of Edward and Artarmon Roads, Willoughby.

Residents are concerned that the proposed 600 unit site is too high and too dense and the impacts on traffic, schools and public transport is not acceptable.

If you are also concerned about this development, make you voice heard by joining in the rally on Saturday.

For more information, please email WAAG2068@yahoo.com.au

Planning White Paper - Public Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Sun, 12 May 2013 13:04:00 +0000

The Castlecrag Progress Association, together with Willoughby Environmental Protection Association, are holding a public forum on the NSW Government Planning Review White Paper to be held at 8pm this coming Tuesday, 14 May 2013, at the Marion Mahony Hall, Glenaeon School, 121 Edinburgh Rd, Castlecrag.

The speakers are Corinne Fisher from the Better Planning Network (BPN), and James Ryan, Chairperson of the Nature Conservation Association's Planning Committee, Councillor of Cessnock City Council and Solicitor.

The White Paper has at its core the ability for developers to obtain rapid approval for most developments. Neighbours and the rest of the local community will have no right or opportunity to comment on most individual development proposals including those in Conservation and scenic protection areas. Further, the objectives of the new planning system do not explicitly include Ecologically Sustainable Development, climate change mitigation, residential amenity or quality of life.

You are warmly invited and encouraged to attend.

Repost - The Right Hand Turn at Eastern Valley Way

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:53:00 +0000

The latest on the right hand turn at Eastern Valley Way

The saga continues...

As you may be aware many residents in the Castlecrag area, and indeed visitors to Castlecrag are sick of taking their life (and that of their passengers) in their hands when attempting to make a right hand turn from Edinburgh Road to Eastern Valley Way.

While Council is not responsible for any installation of traffic signals at this busy intersection, I believe that we can keep up pressure on getting a resolution to this important issue.

We have been very fortunate that our local member, Gladys Berejiklian has been a strong supporter of a change at the intersection. Over the past year Gladys has facilitated meetings with the RMS and Council and you may recall a RMS community survey was released last year.

The survey gave two different options which I believe were not workable. Following the feedback to the RMS, Gladys organised another meeting in December which was aimed at directing the RMS to try again with a more suitable solution.

This week Gladys forwarded a copy of a letter from Hon. Duncan Gay MLC, Minister for Roads and Ports. In this letter Mr Gay says " I am pleased to confirm that as a result of the meeting, RMS will investigate the cost and benefits of a part-time dedicated right turn phase from Edinburgh Road into Eastern Valley Way."

While we should not celebrate in the streets yet, this is an important step in the right direction.

Many thanks to Gladys for keeping up the good fight.

This item has been reposted for publication to my new Facebook page and twitter.

Castlecrag Village - Proposed Upgrade

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:09:00 +0000

Your thoughts on the Castlecrag Village Upgrade!

Willoughby City Council is proposing to upgrade the public domain area in the Castlecrag shopping area on Edinburgh Road, east of Eastern Valley Way. This project is part of the dedicated Strip Shopping Centre Improvement Program which Council has been implementing for the past few years. The program aims to revitalise and promote the local shopping facilities in Willoughby’s Local Government Area. Council is seeking feedback from the community about the proposal and your comments are welcome.

http://haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au/castlecrag-village-upgrade?module=forum&sort_by=recent

Repost - Channel 9 Site - Community Meetings on the 29th and 30th of April

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:38:00 +0000

Important Community Information for the Channel 9 Site

Following the release of the Environmental Statement, Channel 9 has released the dates for the next round of community consultation regarding the development of their site in Willoughby.

The first community meeting will be held on Monday 29th April from 7 to 9pm with the second on Tuesday 30th April from 7 to 9pm.

If you are attending a community meeting, please register with Channel Nine. To register go to their web site at www.ninewilloughby.com.au and then click on the "Community Consultation Process" tab. About half way down the page, immediately below the location map, click on "To Register Click Here" and then fill in the blank boxes. You should receive back a confirmation of your registration to attend.

If you are concerned about this significant development of around 600 residences, it is important you attend a meeting so your voice can be heard.

Willoughby South Progress Association President Bob Taffel has organised a petition. Please see this link for further information.
http://www.communityrun.org/petitions/channel-nine-site-redevelopment fill in your name, email address and post code and then click on the red button.

In addition you can write a letter to The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Brad Hazzard at office@hazzard.minister.nsw.gov.au . If you wish to send a letter by mail the address is:

Mr Brad Hazzard
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Level 31, Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place
Sydney, 2000

If you do send a letter it would be appreciated if you would let Bob know at rtaffel@hotmail.com.

The easiest way to submit your letter is by going to http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=4326 and scrolling down the page until you come to the section that is headed "Making a Submission". After you've filled in the section titled "Your Comments", don't overlook filling in the box immediately below titled ""Your View on the Application". This is very important as your comments will not be accepted if this box is not completed.

Please contact me if you require further information regarding this significant development.

Gail

Repost - Right Hand Turn Eastern Valley Way

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:36:00 +0000

The latest on the right hand turn at Eastern Valley Way

This has been reposted as there have been problems with the twitter feed.

Northbridge Plaza Council Car Park

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 01:45:00 +0000

The first stage of Council reporting on the Northbridge Council Car Park has been released.

The report acknowledges a need to upgrade the early childhood centre and makes plans for that.

In addition the report contains a feasibility analysis for seniors living on the site. The numbers do not stack up for anything less than 150 dwellings. This would mean a 5-6 storey development. Clearly this would not be supported by the community (or me) and to my mind puts this issue to bed.

Repairing and upgrading the car park is more complex. Three options were presented.

A spend of $800,000 would re-sheet what is already there but not address the safety issues.
A spend of around $1,300,000 would address the safety issues but would mean a loss of 35 parking spaces
A total revamp of the car park, including terracing the levels would cost many millions of dollars. This could only be undertaken with some redevelopment of the Plaza.

Clearly a lot more work needs to be done and part of the report says that Officers will be following up with the Centre Managers later this week.

Council resolved to adopt the report and wait for further information from the Officers as it comes to hand.

To see the report, please click on this link.

http://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/DownloadDocument.ashx?DocumentID=8657

I am keen to get any feedback on your thoughts.

The latest on the right hand turn at Eastern Valley Way

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:47:00 +0000

Important Community Information for the Channel 9 Site

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:12:00 +0000

Following the release of the Environmental Statement, Channel 9 has released the dates for the next round of community consultation regarding the development of their site in Willoughby.

The first community meeting will be held on Monday 29th April from 7 to 9pm with the second on Tuesday 30th April from 7 to 9pm.

If you are attending a community meeting, please register with Channel Nine. To register go to their web site at www.ninewilloughby.com.au and then click on the "Community Consultation Process" tab. About half way down the page, immediately below the location map, click on "To Register Click Here" and then fill in the blank boxes. You should receive back a confirmation of your registration to attend.

In addition, Willoughby Council are also organising a community briefing which will be held at 6:30pm on the 24th of April on Level 6 at Council, Victor Street Chatswood.

If you are concerned about this significant development of around 600 residences, it is important you attend a meeting so your voice can be heard.

Willoughby South Progress Association President Bob Taffel has organised a petition. Please see this link for further information.
http://www.communityrun.org/petitions/channel-nine-site-redevelopment fill in your name, email address and post code and then click on the red button.

In addition you can write a letter to The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Brad Hazzard at office@hazzard.minister.nsw.gov.au . If you wish to send a letter by mail the address is:

Mr Brad Hazzard
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Level 31, Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place
Sydney, 2000

If you do send a letter it would be appreciated if you would let Bob know at rtaffel@hotmail.com.

The easiest way to submit your letter is by going to http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=4326 and scrolling down the page until you come to the section that is headed "Making a Submission". After you've filled in the section titled "Your Comments", don't overlook filling in the box immediately below titled ""Your View on the Application". This is very important as your comments will not be accepted if this box is not completed.

Please contact me if you require further information regarding this significant development.

Gail

Chinese New Year Celebration - Sat Feb 16th

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:21:00 +0000

Council is celebrating Chinese New Year with a bang in the mall this Saturday the 16th of February. The Mall will be a hive of activity all day from 10am with the official opening starting at 11am.

For those of you that have been to this celebration before you will know what an amazing spectacle it is. I hope to see you there. Be prepared to be dazzled!

Gail

Channel Nine Site Petition

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:14:00 +0000

I have been contacted by the Willoughby South Progress Association who has created a petition about the Channel Nine site redevelopment. As you can imagine locals are gravely concerned about the scale and impact on the neighbourhood and infrastructure.

Bob Taffel, President of the WSPA writes:

Because of lack of time, the large area we want to cover and the shortage of people to take the petition door to door we have decided to do it electronically. If you have concerns about signing an electronic petition I’ll be happy to discuss this with you either at my email address above or by phone on 9958 6825.

It has just been revealed that the final concept, submitted to NSW Planning on November 30, 2012, despite the voicing of much concern about the density and the building height proposed, includes 585 apartments and buildings up to a height of 18 storeys with others at 10 and 12 storeys. While the community generally accepts that a medium density residential development is a suitable adaptation of the site, Channel 9’s proposal can only be described as gross over-development.

This is a most important campaign within the Willoughby City area because as well as the effect it will have on the surrounding neighbourhood, it will set a precedent for all of the Willoughby City area. So, the more support we can get behind the petition, the better chance we have of achieving a reduction in density and building height – outcomes that are important for Willoughby as a whole.

With support from each one of you and others in your email address book and Facebook and Twitter links we hope to get at least 5,000 signatures to show evidence of the widespread concern about this project.

If you are concerned about the proposed redevelopment of the Channel 9 site and you want your concerns to be heard please click on the link below NOW! It will take you directly to the petition. Please fill in the requested details and then just click on the red “sign” button.

http://www.communityrun.org/petitions/channel-nine-site-redevelopment

Thanks for your support,

Bob Taffel

Willoughby South

Progress Association

The Year Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:34:00 +0000

It is the first Council meeting of the year tonight. It is great to be back.

The year ahead promises to be a full one. With a Local Government review, amalgamations are likely to be on the agenda. Willoughby Council must be on the front foot with any discussions. In addition major changes to planning will have significant impact on Council.

Add to this the demands of our community in respect to traffic management, sport and recreation and providing for our senior residents, Council life promises to be a busy one.

Council takes the strategic planning for the city seriously. The task of managing resident demands with available funds can be a challenge. In the next month Councillors and Senior Officers will be meeting to set the priorities and strategies for the coming term.

If you have any priorities, concerns or ideas I would like to hear from you. Please telephone me on 9967 0395 or email gail.giles-gidney@willoughby.nsw.gov.au

Right Hand Turn Update

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:22:00 +0000

The traffic committee met last week to discuss RMS proposals to alter parking and bus stops on Edinburgh Road. This was in response to residents ongoing request for a right hand turn green arrow from Edinburgh Road into Eastern Valley way (travelling west).

The RMS proposals did not give a green arrow but rather looked at reducing parking and changing bus stops. As you can imagine this produced a significant response from local residents who were concerned about loss of parking spaces, diverted traffic flow and the loss of the Castlecrag village atmosphere.

The traffic committee agreed not to adopt the RMS recommendations and on Monday night this was endorsed by Council with a further call to investigate the right hand turn green arrow.

Ward Councillors along with a Director from Council met with the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian last week. A number of options are being explored including an off peak green arrow. A further meeting is planned before year end to progress this issue further.

Many thanks to our local member Gladys Berejiklian, the Officers from Council and the passionate members of our local community who continue keep this important safety issue on the agenda.

Two Hour Parking at Chatswood Chase?

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:08:00 +0000

Earlier this year, local residents were angry when Chatswood Westfield decided to reduce free parking from three to two hours.

Now, Chatswood Chase is looking to follow suit. Council would like to know what you think.

For further details and an email submission link see:

https://epathway.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/ePathway/Production/Web/GeneralEnquiry/EnquiryDetailView.aspx?Id=392550

Submissions close on the 17th of December.

Redevelopment of the Channel 9 Site

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 09:16:00 +0000

Community comment regarding the redevelopment of the Channel 9 site is Willoughby is being sought.

Please go to http://www.ninewilloughby.com.au for more information.

An initial meeting has shown that building around 650 dwellings is being contemplated. While some parkland is also being considered local residents remain concerned that an opportunity to masterplan the site to include adjacent bushland is being missed. In addition the significant potential to increase traffic to the area is a major issue. Local bus services are already operating at capacity.

Local Progress Associations are seeking an extension to the consultation time, though the result of this is yet to be confirmed.

The Results Are In.

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 01:43:00 +0000

Congratulations to Hugh Eriksson, now confirmed as an elected Councillor for Willoughby City Council!

Election Result - Latest

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:51:00 +0000

Hi All,

I know some of you are just as anxious as I am to know if Hugh has got in.

Sorry, the wait continues. Latest published result time is Saturday morning.

Gail

Election Result Update

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 03:49:00 +0000

Two words ... still waiting.

While we know that I have been re-elected, we are still waiting to find out if number 2 on the ticket Hugh Eriksson has been also elected.

The Electoral Commission has advised today that the final result should be available Friday morning. I will keep you posted!

Gail

Election Results

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 02:30:00 +0000

Following a hectic day at the polling booths helpers gathered at our home to see the results come in.

You can imagine our delight when we won at all the six of the polling booths, postal and at pre-poll. This resulted in nearly 46% of the first preference votes going our way. I needed to get 25% of the vote to get a place on Council, so I have another term.

The really exciting part is that because the result is so strong there is a very good chance the number 2 on the ticket, Hugh Eriksson will get a place on Council too. We should have confirmed results by Wednesday.

Needless to say I am absolutely thrilled with the result. The support showed by so many during the campaign was nothing short of amazing and this was reflected in the outcome. Thank you!!

Election - 1 day to go

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:40:00 +0000

The 8th of September is the culmination of a lot of hard work, by a lot of people.

Yes, election day is finally upon us. The past few weeks have been spent putting together promotional material, door knocking, street stalls, letter box dropping and manning two very long weeks of pre-poll.
Tomorrow, fifty friends and supporters will be at 6 locations handing out how to votes. All up nearly one hundred people will have spent many volunteer hours helping our team get elected.

Words can not express what a humbling experience this has been. This would not be possible without the support of so many and I am very grateful to all those involved. Thanks also to those that have sent emails and cards of support. It has been wonderful to hear from you.

I look forward to seeing you at the polling booths and of course for a drink after 6pm.

REMEMBER - VOTE 1 GROUP C - above the line!

Meet the Candidates Speech

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 12:50:00 +0000

On the 29th of August I attended the "Meet the Candidates" night hosted by local Progress Associations.
The evening was very successful with around 100 residents coming to hear what the Sailors Bay Ward and Mayoral candidates had to say.
Here is an excerpt from my speech.

Here are a few living examples of some of the challenges residents in the SBW face:

#1 - There is a desperate shortage of Seniors Living accommodation. One in eight of our residents are 65 or older and we should have downsizing options to ensure they can stay in their local area. I have raised awareness of this issue and maintain it needs proactive Council support.

#2 - Two thirds of all homes contain young families with children and we have huge demand for better access to sport and recreation facilities. We are in desperate need of the proposed improvements to the Leisure Centre and other sporting facilities, and soon. I am committed to making sure that Council’s financial resources are dedicated to this purpose.

#3 - Over half of our homes have two or more cars with the number increasing. On top of that problem, through-traffic from dawn to dusk is getting worse, much worse. Council needs a management plan that is current and accommodates the legislated State Government density initiatives we are now facing.

Finally –Councillors are the only people in the business world that do not have any Key Performance Indicators, Council is a business and those in charge should be evaluated as such. BUT The only way councillors are currently measured is by election every four years. We need a more transparent performance plan for your Councillors.

If you would like to discuss these or any other issues please contact me.

Gail

Traffic - Have Your Say

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:57:00 +0000

The 2012 Council election is now only 3 weeks away. My usual engagement with residents has been turbo-charged with door-knocking, street stalls and letter box drops. The email inbox has also been running hot.

One recurring theme has been frustration and in some cases exasperation with traffic and parking.

Higher traffic volumes are causing residents a great deal of frustration as they attempt to find parking in their own neighbourhoods. The traffic gridlock that affects the Leisure Centre, the Shore playing fields and the Chatswood CBD has locals spending time sitting in traffic. State Government mandated density targets mean that without long term traffic planning for developments, such as the Channel 9 site, this will only get worse.

Several residents also expressed concern about Westfield reducing free parking in Chatswood to two hours. We can only hope, and continue to campaign, for Westfield to respond to the negative feedback from shoppers and reinstates the three hour free limit.

Our Council must continue to strive to reach resolutions to these traffic management issues as a matter of priority.

What do you think about traffic and parking in your local area? I would love to hear your views.

Gail

Council Election on the 8th of September

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:05:00 +0000

I am looking forward to an exciting month leading up to the Local Council election to be held on the 8th of September. I am very pleased that Hugh Eriksson and Miranda Di Ciano, both long term Willoughby City residents, are part of my group.
With a focus on providing community services, from effective traffic management to the provision of sport and recreation facilities, I believe our team brings a wealth of experience and broad reaching ideas.
If you would like to assist with the election by letter boxing and helping out with pre-poll or on polling day, I would love to hear from you. Please email info@gailgg.com.au
Kind regards
Gail

The Last Council Meeting for the Term

noreply@blogger.com (Gail Giles-Gidney) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 12:59:00 +0000

Monday the 6th of August is the last Council meeting for this term. You may be interested to read what Council has achieved over the past four years.
See item 18.1 under http://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Council-Meetings/Agendas---Minutes/General-Council-Meetings/general-council-meetings-6-august-2012/
Did Council get it right or wrong? Anything you would like to see for the coming Council term?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Gail