1. OPENING The President, Tom Lawson, chaired the meeting.
Attendance
Approximately 40 people attended the meeting as recorded in the attendance book.

Apologies
John New, Neil Jones, Councillor John May, Liz Price, Pam Palmer, Karen Rule, Bronte Gebler, Bruce Hill, Greg Briggs, Mayor Stephen Bowers

2. MINUTES OF AGM - 21 February, 2001

A copy of the Minutes was distributed to attendees. It was noted that the Minutes were a true record of that meeting; and that confirmation of this will be required at the next AGM to be held February 2002.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM AGM
Introduction of Committee for 2001

Tom Lawson introduced the new committee and informed the meeting that a Committee Meeting was held on 13 March. Tom outlined the allocation of Committee responsibilities (as is recorded in the Minutes of that meeting)

4. MINUTES OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING - 7 March, 2001

Tom informed the meeting that a copy of the Minutes of this Meeting was distributed to The General Manager, Lane Cove Council; Mr W d'Apice, as representative of Catholic Church; and Mrs Helen Martins of Greenwich Action Group.

The following amendments were noted

Name
Page No
Paragraph
Minutes as recorded
Correction

Nicole O'Brien
3
4
Apologised that his mother was not able to attend
She was in attendance

Helen Martins
2
2
…that the church purchased the land
Purchased two lots of


2
3
Asked what lot had Bill searched for there were two lots owned by the Hogan family
Asked about the other 5 lots of land


3
End of para 11

Add He noted that there are architects who specialise in designing units for the aged and disabled. He said this was clearly not designed by one of these


4
8
…of 0.5:1 or less for hostels
…of 0.5:1 or less except for hostels and residential care…

5.

Tom Lawson informed the meeting that on 16 March, 2001 a copy of the Minutes of the SGM (070301) was sent to Lane Cove Council, Bill d'Apice and Helen Martins.

Subsequent to that Council officers reported on the DA (report dated 26 March); which report was tabled at the meeting of the Planning & Building Committee of Lane Cove Council on 2 April. Broadly the report on the DA from Council officers was a "recommendation for approval". The Planning and Building Committee (comprised of three Councillors) discussed the issue and referred the matter through to a Council Inspection Committee on 5 May at 8.30 am. Quite a lot of discussion ensued on requirements for the meeting; eg, height poles, trees which are to be felled are to be marked, the public is to be invited to attend. The matter will then be decided at the following full Council Meeting on 7 May.

Tom Lawson surmised that after having chaired the Special Meeting of 7 March he is of the view that the majority of the meeting were in favour in principle of the proposed development. However there are a number of concerns at its scale.

Helen Martins addressed the meeting on behalf of GAG and stated that Council officers are suggesting Councillors should approve the DA. However, there are a number of issues within that report that are major issues of concern:
Internal amenity - the proposal does not meet current SEPP 5 requirements, nor the Australian Standards. This has been completely ignored by Council officers in their report.
Floor Space Ratio shown at 0.7; (GAG calculations are 0.75); current standard of Council is 0.5. The church's floor space ratio equates to an extra 6-8 flats (20 people).
The proposed Chapel should be a matter of its own D/A

Notes from Council Report

isolated land bounded by three roads Helen refuted that the land is isolated - it is directly opposite the infants site of Greenwich Public School
Minor non-compliance FSR - the proposal is 40% greater than it should be if reviewed against SEPP5; or 100% greater according to Council guidelines
Traffic survey - the traffic survey was done on a weekend and therefore could not have truly considered the parking and safety issues.
Helen spoke on the felling of trees and said she had been advised that the applicant had informed a council officer that retention of two brushbox trees would reduce the proposal by 4 units and make the development unviable.

The intent behind SEPP5 is to have guidelines so that the development can be one which the community is happy with.

At this point the Catholic Church has indicated that no negotiation will be entered into and GAG is very unhappy with this prospect. The development will set a precedent for the area.

Bill d'Apice addressed the meeting and advised that there had been two public meetings on the matter and a third one to be held on 5 May.

He urged attendees to have a look at the Council Officers' Report. The development is recommended for approval subject to certain conditions - the Church expected those conditions. The church is proud of the statement is making to the community and the contribution to the area. It is a true SEPP 5 development and meets what SEPP5 was set up to do. There is a condition that the internal layout is to comply with the Australian Standard - that will be dealt with at the Construction Certificate Stage. Floor Space Ratios set down by Council guidelines. Council officers have made a decision on FSR. Greenwich is a strong worshiping community and the Chapel was included as part of the DA so that everyone knows the full intent of the site.

Bill suggested that it would be inappropriate for any motions to be put because no motions were put at the Special General Meeting of 7 March when 120 people were in attendance. He was concerned any motion voted on tonight would not reflect the views of the Community Association as they could be put to the site inspection meeting to be held on 7 May.

Ena Hall informed the meeting that she believed it was incorrect of Bill to suggest no motions were passed when 120 people were in attendance. In the opening words it was put to the meeting that the SGM of 7 March was to facilitate discussion between the proponents and opponents to the proposed development - it was an opportunity of gaining a better understanding of the development and the concerns it caused community members. There was no opportunity on that night to move any motions and therefore none were put. She therefore felt that tonight's meeting was the first opportunity after having considered the information of putting motions.

John Gebler raised two questions: firstly, whether the idea of a retirement village is acceptable within the community. Secondly, is the proposed development an over-development.

It was moved by Helen Martin that those present at this meeting approve in principle the aim to provide aged and/or disabled self-care facilities at the site, 72 Greenwich Road. Seconded John Hall. Vote 19 for; 7 against - carried.

John Hall moved a motion that the meeting considers that the current development proposal at 72 Greenwich Road, is an over-development. Seconded Bill Clarke. Vote: 21 for; 9 opposing. Carried.

Patrick O'Brien moved a motion that no balcony be adjacent to, or that it be moved further distant from, his bedroom window (3 Chisholm Street). Seconded Mick Swinburn. Vote 21 for, 5 against carried.

6. CORRESPONDENCE

The Secretary reported on the following items of correspondence

CORRESPONDENCE OUTWARDS

Date To whom Regarding
270201 General Manager LCC Attaching schedule of Executive Committee - 2001.
160301 Kathy Cameron Re hall bookings GCA general meetings
160301 General Manager LCC DA 3811 72 Greenwich Road - forwarding copy of Minutes of SGM 070301
160301 General Manager LCC Pollutant rubbish traps Lane Cove Bushland area 020401 General Manager, LCC DA - 14 George Street, General Concerns
040401 General Manager LCC from D Murchison Butchery of trees by Active Tree Services, vandalism of mature stand of tree ferns, felling of mature tree in Greendale Avenue
040401 The General Manager Active Tree Service from D Murchison Butchery of trees within Greenwich-Lane cove
120401 General Manager LCC Dev't & Planning sub-committee letter DA 14 George Street

CORRESPONDENCE INWARDS

Date From Concerning
270201 General Manager, LCC Replying to letter of 230201 re Special General Meeting
290301 Stephanie Bashford, Town Planner, LCC DUAP white paper
110401 Regional Manager Active tree ServicesResponding to letter 040401 re tree trimming activities in Lane Cove Municipality

7. FINANCIAL REPORT

Gus Herstik tabled the attached copy of the financial report to date. It was moved by Gus Herstik that $500 be moved to the fighting account. Seconded J. Gebler. Tom Lawson stated that this could be dealt with at committee level.

8. COUNCILLORS REPORTS

Councillor Rod Tudge tendered the apologies of his fellow-Councillors May (in Turkey) and Bowers (in Wagga)

Key points he wished to raise were

his concern in terms of the built environment - approval granted to demolish one the few remaining foreshore cottages in Dunois Street, Longueville.
Plot ratio of .58 on 750 m² permitting 60 square home.

Please ring Councillors if you became aware of inappropriate development because so many matters are being determined under delegated authority.

LEP which will divide Sydney into four areas.
Questions

Christine Kirkwood asked about Strand Estates - Mr Ludovick, a town planner, has been engaged by Council as an independent assessor in this matter. Reference is to be made to Commissioner Andrews findings in his 1999 report. Strand is trying to establish a building envelope.

There will be two meetings in May concerning parking in Rosenthal Street

Coles DA providing 54 parking spaces and eliminating the downward spiral

Ellis Doodie enquired about Australand Development in Duntroon Avenue. The first plan submitted by developers was for a nine storey with two storey roof extension development (380 units, 500 car spaces) - told by Council would not be approved and was not put on display. A revised plan of five storeys with two storeys in roof - developer told by Council too high and no given datum

John Gebler asked about a proposed development at 88 Carlotta Street being handled by private certifier.

Dennis Smith raised his concerns about tree lopping associated with Optus cables. Councillor Tudge informed the meeting that Council is looking at doing their own tree lopping to stop the over-zealous lopping.

Dennis Smith also raised concerns about ABC interference emanating from new tower erected in December and the potential of health and safety issues.

9. CHANGING FACE OF GREENWICH - DEVELOPMENT CONCERNS GENERALLY

Tom Lawson informed the meeting that a Planning and Development Sub Committee had been formed and it had its first meeting on 10 April. Joanne Cunningham will chair the sub-committee, other members are John Gebler, Neil Jones, Tom Lawson, Pam Palmer, Des Brady (a qualified planner), Joan McGilvray (GPG); Helen Martins (GAG), Rod Simpson. This sub-committee will look at issues of improving the amenity. It will report to the Association's Executive Committee and Council where proposed development is "pushing the boundaries"; it will help individuals affected by DA proposals; and in time the website may contain information on options and procedures that apply in respect to DA's. The next meeting of the sub-committee is scheduled for 13 June.

14 George Street John Pavlakis informed the meeting that he was disappointed that mediation was introduced during the meeting and had not been proposed beforehand.

10. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

John Gebler informed the meeting that he had had discussion with the police and they are satisfied with NW becoming a sub-committee of GCA provided the NW meeting is held separately. Naremburn NW had been revitalised and representatives of Naremburn will speak to the Greenwich NW subcommittee.

11. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Internet - directory has been updated, copies of latest minutes and agendas have been included
M2. Clr Rod Tudge informed the meeting that the inquiry into the M5 is delaying the decision for M2. It looks as though it will be a dual 2 lane tunnel, with two stacks unfiltered.
Shell Bay - Alison Bird reported not a lot of activity. At a meeting of 7 March Shell was hedging about what is going to happen. They plan to continue refining for 5 years. They are less definite about closing the refinery. They are spending money on their tanks. They have been planting native plants.
Youth - nothing to report
12. GENERAL BUSINESS

Councillor Rod Tudge informed the meeting that Rev Alex Clark, Minister of Greenwich Presbyterian Church retired on Sunday. It was agreed that a letter farewelling him would be sent.
Don Murchison spoke on butchery of trees by Active Trees and vandalism of tree ferns
Dennis Smith informed the meeting that FOGS will be holding another fun run in August and that FOGS seeks the community's support. The fun run will be advertised in the newsletter.
John Gebler addressed the meeting concerning the Association's tax file number and registration as a "charity". The Association may need to hold a SGM to pass some minor clarifying changes to the rules
13. CLOSURE

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.09, followed by supper.

Next public meeting is to be held 20 June, 2001