1 Opening
The meeting commenced at 8:15pm.

Apologies
Bronte Gebler, Maralyn Lawson, Clr Tom Lawson, Clr Rod Tudge, John May, Ann and Rick Stein

The President, Rob Starling, being unable to attend, had nominated John Gebler to chair the meeting.

2 Correspondence
Inwards
Date From Whom Regarding
19/3/04 LCC DA - 53 Gore St
Mar 04 LCC Cultural Plan – East Ward consultation on 31st March

3 Financial Report
Gus Herstik (Treasurer) tabled the Annual Accounts and Auditor’s Report, as deferred from the AGM.

Resolved that the Accounts and Auditor’s Report be accepted (move, G Herstik; seconded R Muller).

He noted that since December 2003 $40 had been received taking funds in the investment account to $7,373 and $1,396 in the trading account. Total funds $8,770 with no current liabilities.

Currently there are 94 paid up members.

Resolved that $500 be transferred from the CBA trading account to the St George investment account (moved G Herstik, seconded R Muller).

4 Election Results
Lane Cove Council Elections were held on 27th March. Elected were:

East Ward - Lawson, D’Amico, Tudge
Central Ward - Hasserati, Smith, Freedman
West Ward - Longbottom, Tierney, Gaffney

Ian Longbottom was duly elected Mayor and Joe Hasserati Deputy Mayor until September 2004.

5 Councillors’ Reports
It was noted that East Ward Councillors were absent because of a special Council workshop convened for this evening to discuss the Woolworths’ proposal for Austin St, Lane Cove.

A written report from Clr Lawson was tabled. He described the new Council as working well together on its busy schedule. The Woolworths proposal for Austin Street required careful consideration – and a lot of reading. Another major task will be a weekend workshop in May to discuss the annual budget.

6 Current Major Developments
a) Woolworths, Austin St.
Currently being discussed by Council.

b) Australand, Duntroon Ave
Australand is appealing, on a point of law, the L&E Court’s decision to reject Australand’s development proposal. The appeal will be heard on 23rd April.

c) Tesrol, 33 Greenwich Rd (“Billy Blue”) – DA 239/03
Annabelle Burley presented an update.

Last September Tesrol proposed 8 storeys/62 units on the site. LCC received a record 120 letters of objection. In addition, nearby residents had combined their expertise to produce a substantial submission which addressed many issues, including existing use.

Recently, amended plans were received by LCC showing 51 units plus 4 townhouses and 3 houses on the site. Included was a new entrance proposed on River Rd (opp. Sarner Rd).

LCC has stated that none of the previous letters of objection will be included as relevant to the amended plans. Hence residents are encouraged to resubmit any pertinent objections.

It was noted that a serious motor vehicle accident had occurred at the intersection in the past few days.

d) Waterbrook (“Sunshine Homes”)
Alan Winney addressed the meeting.

81 units are 161 car spaces are proposed for this SEPP5 development. Density proposed is an FSR of 1.1 (cf. proscribed density of 0.75. 50% of units will be 3-bedrooms with balconies. All blocks will be 3 storeys.

50 trees are planned for removal.

Homes in Wisdom, Innes and Malvern will have their privacy adversely affected.

Traffic is also an issue as access is proposed onto Innes Rd. This is of particular concern because another 22 units have already been approved on the corner of Innes Rd for which access was supposed to be onto Pacific Highway but now appears allowed onto Innes Rd.

Meanwhile, LCC is not happy with the traffic survey and will be requesting a further study. Alan commented on expected truck movements: during the demolition period, 20 arrivals/day; during excavation, 25 arrivals/day; and 5 truck arrivals per day during construction (but numerous smaller tradesman vehicles).

LCC’s independent assessor has reported back and the initial proposal is recommended for rejection and will be referred to the legal department.

Action is now being undertaken to form a single organized resident opposition group.

Finally, it was noted that although SEPP Seniors Living has replaced SEPP5, applications lodged up to 31/3/04 are still valid under the old SEPP5.

7 General Business
a) Tree Preservation
Mr Gebler noted that today a tree in Greendale St, near Greenwich Rd, had been severely trimmed by LCC workers. This was the same tree that was the subject of a controversial move by some Councillors for its removal some years ago.

Resolved that the meeting, being concerned about the future of the tree, authorizes the executive to inquire into the matter and ascertain if the preservation of the tree is of great concern to the community (moved A Winney; seconded R Muller).

b) Toastmasters
Liz Walton addressed the meeting about the formation of a Toastmasters group in Greenwich. Participants can update or acquire public speaking skills, including learning how to chair meetings. The club would meet twice per month, venue yet to be decided. Toastmasters also conduct community programs called “Speechcraft” which are organised for schools and businesses, etc.

Liz encouraged everyone to join. John Gebler suggested that information be placed on the website.

c) Road Safety
Jill Pain spoke about some potential traffic hazards in the community.
? At the shops, a new plastic curtain has been hung by the café. Although designed to be see-through it actually distorts the light. This makes pedestrians difficult to see as they approach the pedestrian crossing, particularly when the sun is low in the afternoon.

? There are double lines on St Lawrence St where it joins George St. A car is often parked at this point (in apparent contravention of the road rules). A dangerous traffic situation results when a car approaches George St as it is forced to cross onto the other side of the street and possibly into the path of cars traveling in the opposite direction.

Resolved that the executive investigate this potential hazard (moved J Pain, seconded P Palmer).

d) School Zones
Denis Smith expressed his objections to the 40km/hour speed limit around schools in peak times. However, others at the meeting felt the speed restrictions were useful, especially for the school children concerned.

8 Close
Richard Muller expressed thanks to John Gebler for chairing the meeting.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10pm.

………………………………………….
President