News Section

Ku-ring-gai Council Planning Update

There has been a lot of movement at the Station, so to speak of late. The Turramurra overhead footbridge has now been completed to the applause of not only the local businesses but the local pedestrian community. A lift up and down to the railway platform from street level has meant a lot more access for those who are less able to tackle the stairs, and a flat undercover crossing platform from Rohini Street to the Ray Street precincts has meant that crossing from one side to the other is quite easy and a lot quieter than the Pacific Highway alternative..

On the 19th June, 2008 the Turramurra Chamber made a submission to Council in regard to the reclassification of Public Lands in the area. Council wants to reclassify these public lands from community to operational class. Once this is done, it will allow council to sell, lease or develop this land. Some of these areas are the Coles & William Street Car Parks and the Car Park alongside the Turramurra Uniting Church. These car parks are the major parking areas for clients to the local businesses in Turramurra. Read more on our submission in the “Members Area” of this web site.

On Wednesday the 6th August the Chamber made representation to the Planning Committee involved in the redevelopment of Turramurra at a public hearing held at the Ku-ring-gai Council Chambers. Of particular concern to the Chamber is the fact that there is no planning in regard to small businesses and how small businesses will be able to continue to trade whilst development is taking place. The issue of two supermarkets seems to be the only concern of the Planning Panel and the Council.

Slides from the evening which were presented by the Planning Committee can be viewed by clicking on the following link:

http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/www/html/2497-community-information-session-6-august-2008.asp?intSiteID=1

Compared to previous plans that have been discussed over the years the latest offering has increased the level of development and the footprint that encompasses this development substantially. 9-15 storeys’ of development are now on the drawing board for the town centre. It is difficult to see how Turramurra can remain a village with this level of development envisaged.

Graffiti Removal by Rotarians

The Rotary Club of Turramurra has been working in the area on a project for Graffiti removal. A similar project was originally started by Epping Rotary Club and proved to be very successful. The Ku Ring Gai Council was approached in regard to financial assistance and has assisted with some funding which has gone towards the purchase of a high pressure cleaner, and other business such as the Turramurra Hardware, Selleys and Dulux have kindly supported the project by way of the provision of paint and materials. 75 sites in need of graffiti removal have been identified in and around Turramurra.

The Rotarians work in teams of 3-4 with most sites taking around 1-2 hours to complete. Forbes Lane at the rear of the Car wash has been a recent site that has been renovated beautifully.

If you can assist Rotary by way of a donation, they can be contacted via the Chamber of Commerce or visit their web site raven.axial.net.au/rotary. The Rotary Club of Turramurra meets on Tuesday evenings at Warrawee Bowling Club.

Both porous and non- porous surfaces are treated but the expensive part is man power – Rotary to the fore! So if you see the team out working in your area, I am sure they would appreciate a cold drink or too!!